Electronic control module heat limiting systems and methods
AssigneeRobert Bosch GmbH
InventorDavid Burnham
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An electronic control module for a vehicle. The electronic control module includes a housing, a temperature sensor positioned in the housing, and a controller positioned in the housing and coupled to the temperature sensor. The controller includes a processor, a memory, and a plurality of switches. The controller performs a first function related to a comfort level of an occupant of the vehicle at a first level of functionality. The controller also detects a temperature in the housing, and modifies the first function when the detected temperature exceeds a temperature threshold. The modification of the first function reduces a quantity of heat generated by the controller.
Claims15
An electronic control module for a vehicle, comprising:
- a housing;
- a temperature sensor positioned in the housing;
- and
- a controller positioned in the housing and coupled to the temperature sensor, the controller including a processor, a memory, a plurality of switches, the controller performing a first function related to a comfort level of an occupant of the vehicle at a first level of functionality, detecting a temperature in the housing, and modifying the first function when the detected temperature exceeds a temperature threshold, wherein modifying the first function reduces a quantity of heat generated by the controller, and wherein the first function includes at least one of wave-shaping functions to reduce Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) emissions and functions to control Noise Vibration and Heat (NVH).
A method of operating an electronic control module for a vehicle to reduce a rise in temperature within a housing of the electronic control module, the electronic control module including a temperature sensor, a processor, a memory, and a plurality of switches, the method comprising:
- performing a plurality of functions to increase a comfort level of an occupant of the vehicle, the plurality of functions having a first level of functionality;
- detecting a temperature in the housing;
- determining whether the detected temperature exceeds a temperature threshold;
- and
- modifying the plurality of functions when the detected temperature exceeds the temperature threshold to reduce a quantity of heat generated by the electronic control module, and
- wherein the plurality of functions include at least one of wave-shaping functions to reduce Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) emissions and functions to control Noise Vibration and Heat (NVH).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.