Description:ENGINE CONTROL UNIT IN VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to automotive engineering. More particularly, but not exclusively to electrical component placement and integration in a vehicle.
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BACKGROUND
[0002] Traditional key-based entry systems are susceptible to theft, as keys can be duplicated or stolen. Keyless entry systems aim to mitigate these security concerns by requiring authentication through communication protocols. However, the placement and integration of the keyless engine 10 control unit (ECU) play a crucial role in ensuring that only authenticated persons can access the vehicle.
[0003] Conventional keyless entry systems have caused customer dissatisfaction due to various factors. These could include difficulty in accessing the vehicle, inconvenience in starting or stopping the engine, or 15 concerns about the security of the system.
[0004] Improper placement of the keyless ECU in the vehicle may be difficult to access, service, and integrate with other vehicle components. For example, improper integration of the keyless entry system with other vehicle systems is such as, start/stop options, battery, motors, suspension, and other electronic 20 components may lead to functionality issues and potential safety hazards. Further, accessing and troubleshooting the keyless entry system, particularly the Keyless ECU, is difficult for technicians, leading to increased maintenance costs and downtime for vehicle owners.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for proper placement of the engine 25 control unit in the vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems and other problems of known art.
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[0006] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings. 5
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present invention provides a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a front wheel, a rear wheel, a frame; and an engine control unit (ECU). The ECU is disposed at a region 10 corresponding to a left hand (LH) side of the frame of the vehicle. Herein, the ECU is in within a first predefined proximity of a battery.
[0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 15
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of a vehicle along with the accompanying diagrams. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components. 20
[00010] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates an isometric view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00011] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a left side view of the vehicle of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00012] Figure 3 exemplarily a top view of the vehicle of the Figure 1, in 25 accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers
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are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true 5 scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. [00014] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The 10 terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[00015] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in 15 detail with reference to a vehicle comprising an engine control unit (ECU)with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject 20 matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. 25
[00016] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, 30 may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
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[00017] The present subject matter is described using the vehicle comprising the ECU, whereas the claimed subject matter can be used in any other type of application employing above-mentioned electrical component, with required changes and without deviating from the scope of invention. Further, it is intended that the disclosure and examples given herein be considered as 5 exemplary only.
[00018] An objective of the present invention is to provide a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a front wheel, a rear wheel, a frame; and an engine control unit (ECU). The ECU is disposed at a region corresponding to a left hand (LH) side of the frame of the vehicle. Herein, the ECU is in within a first 10 predefined proximity of a battery.
[00019] Traditional key-based entry systems are susceptible to theft, as keys can be duplicated or stolen. Keyless entry systems aim to mitigate these security concerns by requiring authentication through communication protocols. However, the placement and integration of the keyless engine 15 control unit (ECU) play a crucial role in ensuring that only authenticated persons can access the vehicle. Conventional keyless entry systems have caused customer dissatisfaction due to various factors. These could include difficulty in accessing the vehicle, inconvenience in starting or stopping the engine, or concerns about the security of the system. Improper placement of 20 the keyless ECU in the vehicle may be difficult to access, service, and integrate with other vehicle components. For example, improper integration of the keyless entry system with other vehicle systems is such as, start/stop options, battery, motors, suspension, and other electronic components may lead to functionality issues and potential safety hazards. Further, accessing 25 and troubleshooting the keyless entry system, particularly the Keyless ECU, is difficult for technicians, leading to increased maintenance costs and downtime for vehicle owners.
[00020] In order to mitigate the aforesaid issues, disclosed is a vehicle. In an embodiment, the vehicle may be a two wheeler vehicle such as, a two wheeler 30
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motorcycle, a two wheeler scooter, and the like. In another, embodiment, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid vehicle, and the like. [00021] The vehicle comprises a front wheel, a rear wheel, a frame, and an engine control unit (ECU). The ECU is disposed at a region corresponding to a left hand (LH) side of the frame of the vehicle. Herein, the ECU is in within 5 a first predefined proximity of a battery.
[00022] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a radiator, wherein the ECU is disposed above the radiator. In an embodiment, the ECU is disposed backside of the battery.
[00023] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises one or more motors, 10 wherein the ECU is disposed above the one or more motors. In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a suspension. Herein, the ECU is disposed at a front side of the suspension.
[00024] In an embodiment, the ECU is disposed below a suspension centre point of the suspension. In an embodiment, the ECU is disposed below a 15 suspension mounting axis of the suspension.
[00025] In an embodiment, the ECU (104) is a keyless ECU. In an embodiment, the keyless ECU (104) is connected to a start/stop component, the battery, a set of motors, and the suspension.
[00026] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a rider seat positioned at a 20 front region of the frame. Herein, the ECU is positioned below the rider seat, and wherein the ECU is aligned at a pre-defined angle with respect to the rider seat.
[00027] In an embodiment, the ECU is mounted on the frame of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the ECU is disposed rear of a head lamp and behind the 25 battery.
[00028] In an embodiment, the ECU is mounted to a bracket assembly. Herein, the bracket assembly is assembled to the LH side of the frame by using a first set of fasteners.
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[00029] In an embodiment, the ECU is mounted away from an electronic component, wherein the electronic component is a vehicle control unit (VCU). In an embodiment, the ECU is mounted left hand side of a central axis of the vehicle.
[00030] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates an isometric view of a vehicle, in 5 accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 depicts a vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) comprises a front wheel (not shown), a rear wheel (not shown), a frame (102), an engine control unit (ECU) (104), a suspension (106), a suspension mounting axis (106A), a suspension centre point (106B), an electronic component (108). The ECU (104) is disposed at a 10 region corresponding to a left hand (LH) side of the frame (102) of the vehicle (100), and the ECU (104) is in within a first predefined proximity of a battery (not shown).
[00031] In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) comprises a radiator (not sown) and the ECU (104) is disposed above the radiator. In an embodiment, the ECU 15 (104)is disposed backside of the battery. In an embodiment, the vehicle (100)comprises one or more motors (not shown). Herein, the ECU (104) isdisposed above the one or more motors.
[00032] In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) comprises the suspension (106). Herein, the ECU (104) is disposed at a front side of the suspension (106). In 20 an embodiment, the ECU (104) is disposed below the suspension centre point (106B) of the suspension (106). In an embodiment, the ECU (104) is disposed below the suspension mounting axis (106A) of the suspension (106).
[00033] In an embodiment, the ECU (104) is a keyless ECU. In an embodiment, the keyless ECU (104) is connected to a start/stop component, 25 the battery, a set of motors, and the suspension.
[00034] In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) comprises a rider seat positioned at a front region of the frame (102). Herein, the ECU (104) is positioned below the rider seat, and the ECU (104) is aligned at a pre-defined angle with respect to the rider seat. The rider seat may correspond to seat of 30 the vehicle (100) on which a rider riding the vehicle (100) may be seated.
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[00035] In an embodiment, the ECU (104) is mounted on the frame (102) of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the ECU (104) is mounted to a bracket assembly (not shown). Herein, the bracket assembly is assembled to the LH side of the frame (102) by using a first set of fasteners.
[00036] In an embodiment, the ECU (104) is mounted away from the 5 electronic component (108). Herein, the electronic component (108) is a vehicle control unit (VCU).
[00037] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a left side view of the vehicle (100) of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle (100) comprises the frame (102), the engine control unit (ECU) (104), 10 the suspension (106), The suspension (106) is aligned along the suspension mounting axis (106A). Further, the suspension (106) comprises the suspension centre point (106B).
[00038] With reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 in combination, the ECU (104) is disposed at a front side of the suspension (106). In an embodiment, 15 the ECU (104) is disposed below the suspension centre point (106B) of the suspension (106). In an embodiment, the ECU (104) is disposed below the suspension mounting axis (106A) of the suspension (106).
[00039] Figure 3 exemplarily a top view of the vehicle (100) of the Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle 20 (100)comprises the frame (102) and the engine control unit (ECU) (104).Figure 3 further depicts a central axis (aA) of the vehicle (100). In anembodiment, the ECU (104) is mounted left hand side of a central axis (aA)of the vehicle (100).
[00040] In a scenario, a keyless entry system is implemented in a motorcycle. 25 In the traditional design, the ECU might have been mounted in a less secure or accessible location, such as beneath the seat or within a bodywork of the vehicle. However, in the proposed vehicle, the keyless ECU is strategically mounted on the left-hand (LH) side of the motorcycle frame, using a bracket assembly secured with fasteners. This placement ensures greater security and 30 easier access for serviceability.
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[00041] The Keyless ECU is integrated with various vehicle components, including the engine control unit (ECU), start/stop options, and battery. This integration allows for seamless communication between the keyless entry system and other vital systems of the motorcycle. A keyless entry system requires authentication via a communication protocol, ensuring that only 5 authorized individuals can access the motorcycle. This significantly reduces the risk of theft or unauthorized usage.
[00042] By addressing security concerns and ensuring ease of access and serviceability, the disclosed vehicle enhances overall customer satisfaction. Riders can confidently use the keyless entry system knowing that their 10 motorcycle is secure and easily serviceable when needed.
[00043] The placement of the keyless ECU on the LH side of the frame and its integration with other vehicle components contribute to enhanced security, improved customer satisfaction, and seamless integration with other vehicle components. 15
[00044] In another scenario, a keyless entry system is implemented in a motorcycle. Traditionally, the Keyless ECU may have been mounted beneath the seat. In the present scenario, the Keyless ECU is mounted on the LH side of the motorcycle frame using a bracket assembly. The distance from the centre of the frame to the Keyless ECU mounting point is 15 centimetres. 20
[00045] The Keyless ECU is integrated with one or more vehicle components such as, the engine control unit (ECU), the start/stop unit, and the battery. Communication between the Keyless ECU and these components occurs via a secure wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy). The Keyless ECU communicates with the ECU to authorize engine start/stop commands. When 25 an authenticated user approaches the motorcycle with the key fob, the keyless ECU detects the presence of the key fob within a radius of 3 meters. The keyless ECU sends an authentication request to the key fob, which responds with a secure encrypted signal. If the authentication is successful, the Keyless ECU unlocks the motorcycle's ignition system, allowing the user to start the 30 engine.
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[00046] The keyless entry system utilizes advanced encryption algorithms to prevent unauthorized access. In the event of multiple failed authentication attempts, the system activates a temporary lockout period to deter hacking attempts. The Keyless ECU continuously monitors for tampering or signal interference, triggering an alarm if detected. The motorcycle's dashboard 5 includes indicators to display the status of the keyless entry system (e.g., "Ready to Start," "Authentication Failed," "System Locked," etc.). Users can program personalized settings, such as preferred proximity for automatic disarming or the duration of the temporary lockout period.
[00047] Thus, the disclosed vehicle specifies the exact positioning of the 10 Keyless ECU on the LH side of the motorcycle frame, ensuring optimal security and accessibility. Additionally, the disclosed vehicle can integrate the Keyless ECU with specific vehicle components, enhancing system performance and reliability. As evident from the scenario, the motorcycle keyless entry system is implemented with specific values and parameters. The 15 placement, integration, authentication mechanism, security features, customer interface, and patented aspects collectively contribute to a robust and user-friendly keyless entry system, ensuring enhanced security and convenience for motorcycle riders.
[00048] The disclosed vehicle provides enhanced security. By strategically 20 placing the Keyless ECU on the LH side of the frame of the vehicle and integrating it with other vehicle components, the vehicle significantly enhances security. This placement makes it more challenging for potential thieves to access or tamper with the keyless entry system, reducing the risk of unauthorized vehicle use or theft. 25
[00049] The disclosed vehicle has improved access control. The keyless entry system utilizes advanced authentication mechanisms, such as encrypted communication with a key fob, to ensure that only authorized users can access the motorcycle. This enhances access control compared to traditional key-based systems, which may be vulnerable to theft or unauthorized duplication 30 of keys.
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[00050] The disclosed vehicle provides seamless integration of the keyless ECU. The Keyless ECU is seamlessly integrated with various vehicle components, including the engine control unit (ECU), start/stop options, and battery. This integration facilitates smooth communication between different systems, ensuring reliable operation and optimal performance of the keyless 5 entry system. Further, as the Keyless ECU is near to one or more electronic components, a length of wire used to connect the keyless ECU to the one or more electronic components is reduced. Therefore, a voltage drop is reduced.
[00051] The disclosed vehicle offers greater convenience and ease of use for motorcycle riders. Users can start the engine remotely using the key fob 10 within a predefined radius, eliminating the need to insert a physical key or interact with a keyless ignition button. This streamlined process enhances the overall user experience.
[00052] The disclosed vehicle has optimized serviceability. The placement of the Keyless ECU on the LH side of the motorcycle frame facilitates easy 15 access for service and maintenance purposes. Technicians can quickly troubleshoot and diagnose any issues with the keyless entry system, reducing downtime and maintenance costs for vehicle owners.
[00053] The disclosed vehicle provides customization options. The keyless entry system may offer customization options, allowing users to personalize 20 settings such as proximity for automatic disarming or the duration of lockout periods. This flexibility enhances user satisfaction and accommodates individual preferences.
[00054] Overall, the keyless entry system for the vehicles offers a range of technical advantages, including enhanced security, improved access control, 25 seamless integration, convenience, optimized serviceability, customization options, and patented innovations. These advantages collectively contribute to a robust and user-friendly keyless entry system, enhancing the overall experience for motorcycle riders while addressing key technical challenges in the automotive industry. 30
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[00055] The objectives of the claimed invention collectively aim to address the technical challenges associated with the keyless ECU placement and provide a comprehensive solution that disposes the ECU within a first predefined proximity of a battery.
[00056] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical 5 advancements provided by the disclosed vehicle, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the configuration itself as the claimed steps 10 provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[00057] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with another does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention. 15
[00058] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application 20 based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[00059] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 25 The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[00060] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that 30 various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted without
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departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include 5 all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
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Reference Numerals:
100– vehicle
102-Frame
104-ECU
106- Suspension 5
106A- Suspension mounting axis
106B- Suspension centre point
108-Electronic component
aA- Central axis , Claims:We Claim:
1. A vehicle (100) comprising: 5
a front wheel;
a rear wheel;
a frame (102); and
an engine control unit (ECU) (104), wherein
the ECU (104) is disposed at a region corresponding to 10 a left hand (LH) side of the frame (102) of the vehicle (100), and wherein
the ECU (104) is in within a first predefined proximity of a battery.
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2.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a radiator, whereinthe ECU (104) is disposed above the radiator.
3.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (104) isdisposed backside of the battery.20
4.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising one or moremotors, wherein the ECU (104) is disposed above the one or moremotors.
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5.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a suspension(106), wherein the ECU (104) is disposed at a front side of thesuspension (106).
6.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ECU (104) is30 disposed below a suspension centre point (106B) of the suspension(106).
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7.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ECU (104) isdisposed below a suspension mounting axis (106A) of the suspension(106).
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8.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ECU (104) is akeyless ECU.
9.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the ECU (104) isconnected to a start/stop component, the battery, a set of motors, and10 the suspension.
10.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a rider seatpositioned at a front region of the frame (102), wherein the ECU (104)is positioned below the rider seat, and wherein the ECU (104) is15 aligned at a pre-defined angle with respect to the rider seat.
11.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (104) ismounted on the frame (102) of the vehicle (100).
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12.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (104) ismounted to a bracket assembly, wherein the bracket assembly isassembled to the LH side of the frame (102) by using a first set offasteners.
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13.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (104) ismounted away from an electronic component (108), wherein theelectronic component (108) is a vehicle control unit (VCU).
14.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (104) is30 mounted left hand (LH) side of a central axis (aA) of the vehicle (100).