Vehicle Integration Unit Control Layout for Fewer Automotive ECUs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of automobile electronic control systems, driven by trends like intelligentization, networking, electrification, and sharing, results in higher costs due to the need for multiple electronic control units (ECUs) in each automobile part, along with lengthy wiring harnesses for connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates a Vehicle Integration Unit (VIU) to replace multiple ECUs in automobile parts, enabling the VIU to receive control information from a Domain Controller (DC) and forward data to a Central Computing Platform (CCP), thereby simplifying the functions of ECUs and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ECUs are disposed in each automobile part to implement electronic control functions, then the control functionality and adaptability are improved, but the cost of automobile parts and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple ECUs into a single ECU by introducing a gateway that consolidates control signals and data from various automobile parts. Instead of having separate ECUs in each part, the gateway acts as a central hub that receives control information from the DC and distributes it to multiple automobile parts, thereby reducing the number of ECUs while maintaining comprehensive control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway ECU is designed to perform multiple functions that were previously distributed across several ECUs. It can control different automobile parts (such as lights, windows, locks) and handle data transmission between various components, making it a universal control unit that replaces multiple specialized ECUs.
2Reliability
If each automobile part is connected to the DC using a respective wiring harness, then the control reliability is improved, but the length and cost of wiring harnesses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as an intermediary between the DC and multiple automobile parts. Instead of connecting each part directly to the DC with separate wiring harnesses, the gateway receives control information from the DC and then distributes it to the various automobile parts. This intermediate structure reduces the overall wiring harness length while maintaining reliable control through the gateway's centralized management of control signals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more electronic control elements are added to adapt to development trends, then the intelligentization and networking capabilities are improved, but the cost of automobile parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions and electronic control elements into a single gateway ECU. By consolidating the control of lights, windows, locks, and other automobile parts through one gateway rather than multiple separate ECUs, the system achieves intelligentization and networking capabilities while reducing the overall cost of automobile parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway ECU is designed as a universal control unit that can handle various control functions and networking tasks. It provides intelligentization capabilities by managing multiple automobile parts and enabling networking between them, while its multi-functional design reduces the need for multiple specialized electronic control elements, thereby lowering costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, automobile, and method for implementing an electronic control function of an automobile. The system includes a first vehicle integration unit (VIU), an automobile control unit, and a plurality of automobile parts. The automobile control unit includes a first domain controller (DC) or a central computing platform (CCP). The automobile control unit is configured to send first control information to the first VIU. The first VIU is configured to control the plurality of automobile parts based on the first control information. In embodiments of this application, the first VIU controls the plurality of automobile parts.