Plugin-pod for electronic control unit
AssigneeCummins Inc.
InventorsDaniel R. Harshbarger, Nikhil Pandey, Joseph L. Gahimer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A ruggedized engine control module (ECU) system includes a plugin-pod, a connector configured to connect the plugin-pod to a connector of an ECU, and signal processing circuitry. The ruggedized ECU system further includes a ruggedized enclosure for the connector and the signal processing circuitry. The ruggedized enclosure is configured to mount the plugin-pod to the ECU. The connection circuit includes signal processing circuitry configured to receive signals from at least one of the connectors, process the signals, and output the processed signals. The ruggedized ECU is configured to dissipate heat from the signal processing circuitry.
Claims14
An aftertreatment control system comprising:
- an aftertreatment system comprising:
- an exhaust passage defining an exhaust stream from an engine;
- an exhaust outlet disposed at an end of the exhaust passage and configured to output exhaust from the engine;
- an exhaust catalyst assembly;
- an engine control unit (ECU) comprising at least one first connector;
- a plugin-pod including:
- an enclosure configured to house processing circuitry therein;
- an aftertreatment controller configured to control the aftertreatment system and to communicate with a printed circuit board;
- and
- at least one second connector configured to connect to the ECU,
- wherein the at least one first connector comprises a first plurality of pins extending vertically in a first direction of the at least one first connector and extending horizontally in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the at least one first connector, and
- wherein the at least one second connector comprises a second plurality of pins extending vertically at least in a first direction of the at least one second connector.
An electronic control unit (ECU) system for an engine, comprising:
- the ECU, which comprises at least one processing component, at least one printed circuit board protected by an enclosure, and a first connector;
- at least one plugin-pod including an aftertreatment controller and a second connector, the aftertreatment controller configured to:
- control emissions;
- store data relating to emission control;
- communicate with the printed circuit board;
- and
- connect externally to the ECU;
- wherein the enclosure and the first and second connectors are dust-resistant and waterproof, and are operable between −40° C. and 105° C., and to withstand vibrations of 20 G or more,
- wherein the first connector comprises a first plurality of pins extending vertically in a first direction of the first connector and extending horizontally in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the first connector, and
- wherein the second connector comprises a second plurality of pins extending vertically in a first direction of the second connector.
A kit comprising:
- an engine configured to be installed in a vehicle,
- an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to control the engine and comprising a printed circuit board protected within a hermetic enclosure, the ECU comprising at least one first connector;
- a plugin-pod comprising at least one second connector that is compatible with the ECU and configured to
- connect externally to the ECU via the at least one second connector, receive signals from the connector, process the signals, and output the processed signals at the connector;
- communicate with the engine so as to manage at least one characteristic output of the engine, and
- extend functionality of the ECU,
- wherein the at least one first connector comprises a first plurality of pins extending vertically in a first direction of the at least one first connector and extending horizontally in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the at least one first connector, and
- wherein the at least one second connector comprises a second plurality of pins extending vertically at least in a first direction of the at least one second connector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.