Wireless redundant sensor

Abstract

This invention provides a wireless redundant sensor comprising a sensor module and a control module. The sensor module includes a holder and a first sensor chip mounted on the holder. The control module comprises a control panel, a control unit arranged on the control panel, and a wireless transmission module arranged on the control panel. The first sensor chip is connected to the control panel via a first metal connector. The control unit is configured to process a sensor signal from the first sensor chip and transmit the processed sensor signal to the wireless transmission module, which then transmits the processed sensor signal to a vehicle control unit. The redundant sensor of this invention can process the sensor signal and transmit it wirelessly to the vehicle control unit.This reduces the number of wiring harnesses required, lowers the overall cost of the vehicle, and prevents signal transmission from being affected by dynamic ranges. This reduces the risk of signal interruptions and thus improves the reliability and stability of the redundant sensor.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle sensor technology, in particular a wireless redundant sensor. State of the art

[0002] Sensors are essential measuring devices in vehicles. Different sensors collect different data. For example, wheel speed sensors monitor vehicle speed, acceleration sensors detect changes in speed, height sensors track changes in the vehicle chassis, and distance sensors measure the distance between the vehicle and its surroundings. With the rapid development of driver assistance systems and autonomous driving, the role of sensors as the "eyes" of vehicles has become increasingly important. If the collected data is inaccurate or faulty, this can easily lead to the vehicle control system making incorrect decisions and thus applying incorrect driving strategies, which can compromise vehicle safety. Therefore, these sensors must meet high standards of reliability and stability.

[0003] Furthermore, existing sensors are typically connected to the vehicle via wiring harnesses. Wiring harnesses require space and are prone to problems such as breaks or failures, which can prevent them from meeting the safety requirements of driver assistance systems or autonomous driving applications. Content of the invention

[0004] The aim of this invention is to propose a wireless redundant sensor to which a control unit and a wireless transmission module are added, thereby improving signal processing capabilities and enabling wireless communication to meet the safety requirements of assisted driving or autonomous driving.

[0005] In one aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, a wireless redundant sensor is provided, comprising a sensor module and a control module. The sensor module comprises a holder and a first sensor chip mounted on the holder; the control module comprises a control panel, a control unit arranged on the control panel, and a wireless transmission module arranged on the control panel; and the first sensor chip is connected to the control panel via a first metal connector.

[0006] The control unit is configured to process a sensor signal from the first sensor chip and transmit the processed sensor signal to the wireless transmission module so that the wireless transmission module can transmit the processed sensor signal to a vehicle control unit.

[0007] A further development of the wireless redundant sensor according to the invention consists in the sensor module further comprising a second sensor chip which is connected to the control panel via a second metal connection, wherein the first sensor chip and the second sensor chip are arranged next to or on top of each other.

[0008] A further development of the wireless redundant sensor according to the invention consists in the control module further comprising a signal processing module, wherein an input connection of the signal processing module is connected to the first sensor chip and the second sensor chip respectively, and an output connection of the signal processing module is connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit serves to transmit the wheel speed signal processed by the signal processing module to the vehicle control unit via the wireless transmission module.

[0009] A further development of the wireless redundant sensor according to the invention consists in the fact that the control module further comprises a power supply module arranged on the control panel, which is electrically connected to all devices on the control panel, wherein the power supply module is also connected to the first sensor chip and the second sensor in order to supply the first sensor chip and the second sensor chip with power.

[0010] A further development of the wireless redundant sensor according to the invention consists in the wireless transmission module comprising a wireless signal processing unit and a transmitting antenna, wherein an input terminal of the wireless signal processing unit is connected to the control unit and an output terminal of the wireless signal processing unit is connected to the transmitting antenna.

[0011] A further development of the wireless redundant sensor according to the invention consists in the fact that the control unit is a Complex-Programmable-Logic-Device (CPLD) chip.

[0012] A further embodiment of the wireless redundant sensor according to the invention consists in the wireless redundant sensor further comprising a sensor housing and a main housing, wherein the sensor housing is attached to the main housing, wherein the first sensor chip, the second sensor chip, the holder, the first metal connector and the second metal connector are all arranged in the sensor housing and the control panel is arranged in the main housing.

[0013] A further development of the wireless redundant sensor according to the invention consists in the fact that the main housing is box-shaped and the sensor housing is column-shaped.

[0014] A further embodiment of the wireless redundant sensor according to the invention consists in the fact that the wireless redundant sensor further comprises a mounting part arranged on the sensor housing, which includes a connecting arm and a mounting opening arranged on the connecting arm, wherein the connecting arm extends in the thickness direction of the main housing.

[0015] A further development of the wireless redundant sensor according to the invention consists in the fact that the first sensor chip and the second sensor chip are wheel speed sensor chips.

[0016] The redundant sensor according to the invention extends the sensor module by a control module that includes a wireless transmission module. In this way, the sensor signal can be processed and transmitted wirelessly to the vehicle control unit, thereby reducing the wiring harness complexity, lowering overall vehicle costs, and achieving interference-free signal transmission regardless of moving parts. The risk of signal interruption is reduced, and the reliability and stability of the redundant sensor are increased. Brief description of the characters

[0017] The present utility model is described in detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings. The figures show: Fig. Figure 1 shows a structural schematic representation of a wireless redundant sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a wireless redundant sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 3 shows a structural schematic representation of a sensor module according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4 shows a structural block diagram of a wireless redundant sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 5 shows a structural block diagram of a wireless redundant sensor according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a wireless redundant sensor according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 7 shows a structural schematic representation of a wireless redundant sensor according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. Figure 8 shows an exploded view of a wireless redundant sensor according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] The drawings are for schematic representation only and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, they only show the parts necessary to explain the present invention, while other parts may be omitted or only mentioned briefly. This means that the present invention may include additional components beyond those shown in the drawings. Detailed descriptions

[0019] The embodiments of the present invention are explained below by means of specific, detailed examples. The other advantages and effects of the present invention will be readily understandable to those skilled in the art from the content disclosed in this description. Although the description of the present invention is carried out in connection with the preferred embodiments, this does not mean that the features of the present invention are intended to be limited exclusively to these embodiments. On the contrary, the explanation of the present invention in connection with the embodiments serves to cover further possibilities or modifications that may be developed based on the claims of the present invention. In order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, the description below includes many specific details.The present invention can also be carried out without these details. Furthermore, some specific details are omitted to avoid losing sight of the main focus of the present invention. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments and features in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be combined without conflict.

[0020] It should be noted that in the present description, similar reference symbols and letters represent similar elements in the figures below. Therefore, once an element is defined in one figure, no further definition or explanation is required in subsequent figures.

[0021] It should be noted that in the description of the present embodiments, the direction or position designated by the terms "above", "inside", etc., is used in relation to the direction or position shown in the respective figure or the direction or positioning in which the product of the present invention is usually arranged for use, solely to describe the present invention and, where necessary, to simplify the description. These terms neither implicitly nor explicitly refer to the positioning, configuration, and operation of the device or element in question in a predetermined position, and therefore do not constitute a limitation of the present invention.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first", "second" and the like are only used for distinguishing descriptions and cannot be understood as an indication of relative importance.

[0023] In describing the present embodiments, it should also be noted that the terms "provided," "connected," "link," etc., should be understood in a broad sense unless expressly stated and defined otherwise. For example, the connection may be permanent, detachable, or a single piece; a mechanical or electrical connection; a direct connection; an indirect connection via an intermediate medium; or a connection within two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present embodiments can be understood by the person skilled in the art in this field with regard to the respective circumstances.

[0024] In order to clarify the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a structural schematic representation of a wireless redundant sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a wireless redundant sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 3 shows a structural schematic representation of a sensor module according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4 shows a structural block diagram of a wireless redundant sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. Figure 5 shows a structural block diagram of a wireless redundant sensor according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] As in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 5 shows that the wireless redundant sensor 100 of the embodiments of the present invention comprises a sensor module 10 and a control module 20. The sensor module 10 serves to acquire sensor signals, and the control module 20 serves to process the sensor signals.

[0027] In one embodiment, the sensor module 10 comprises a holder 11 and a first sensor chip 13 mounted on the holder 11, the holder 11 having a receiving slot 12 that fits the first sensor chip 13. The control module 20 comprises a control panel 21, a control unit 22 arranged on the control panel 21, and a wireless transmission module 23 arranged on the control panel 21. The first sensor chip 13 is connected to the control panel 21 via a first metal connector 131 to enable communication between the first sensor chip 13 and the control panel 21.

[0028] The control unit 22 is configured to process a sensor signal from the first sensor chip 13 and transmit the processed sensor signal to the wireless transmission module 23, so that the wireless transmission module 23 transmits the processed sensor signal to a vehicle control unit. More precisely, the control unit 22 serves to convert the pulse signal of the first sensor chip 13 into a digital signal and transmit it to the vehicle control unit via the wireless transmission module 23, so that the vehicle control unit can further analyze the digital signal to obtain the signal detected by the first sensor chip 13. In the embodiments of the present invention, the control unit 22 is a CPLD chip that can be configured with logic functions as required.The vehicle control unit can be a domain control unit, an ABS (anti-lock braking system) control unit, or an ESP (electronic stability program) control unit; there is no specific restriction here, and any control unit used in a vehicle is applicable.

[0029] Furthermore, the sensor module 10 also includes a second sensor chip 14. The second sensor chip 14 is connected to the control panel 21 via a second metal connector 141 to enable communication between the second sensor chip 14 and the control panel 21. This provides double redundancy, thereby ensuring the stability of the measurement signal acquired by the sensor chip.

[0030] The control module 20 also includes a signal processing module 15, which processes the sensor signals from the first sensor chip 13 and the second sensor chip 14. The input terminal of the signal processing module 15 is connected to both the first sensor chip 13 and the second sensor chip 14, and the output terminal of the signal processing module 15 is connected to the control unit 22. The control unit 22 transmits the sensor signal processed by the signal processing module 15 to the vehicle control unit via the wireless transmission module 23. A wireless receiver module is provided on the vehicle side, to which the vehicle control unit is connected in order to receive sensor signals. Furthermore, the signal processing module 15 can also contain filters and comparators for processing the acquired signal.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first sensor chip 13 and the second sensor chip 14 are wheel speed sensor chips used to detect the wheel speed signal of the vehicle. The first sensor chip 13 and the second sensor chip 14 are arranged side by side or stacked on top of each other. Of course, the first sensor chip 13 and the second sensor chip 14 can also be different sensor types, for example, a combination of a wheel speed sensor and an accelerometer.

[0032] In the application scenario where both the first sensor chip 13 and the second sensor chip 14 are wheel speed sensor chips, the signal processing module 15 analyzes the wheel speed pulse signals detected by the two wheel speed sensor chips, converts the pulse signals into pulse duration and pulse count, etc. Based on the pulse duration and pulse count, the signal processing module 15 generates corresponding digital signals and transmits these digital signals to the vehicle control unit via the wireless transmission module 23.

[0033] The control module 20 of the present invention also includes a power supply module 24, which is arranged on the control panel 21. The power supply module 24 is electrically connected to various devices on the control panel 21 to supply these devices with power, including the signal processing module 15, the control unit 22, and the wireless transmission module 23. The power supply module 24 is also connected to the first sensor chip 13 and the second sensor chip 14, respectively, and thus supplies the first sensor chip 13 and the second sensor chip 14 with power.

[0034] Furthermore, the control module comprises 20, as described in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 in conjunction with Fig. Figure 6 shows a signal detection module 25, which is located on the control panel 21. The signal detection module 25 can consist of one or more different sensor types, so that the wireless redundant sensor integrates 100 different sensor types and has a multi-sensor data acquisition function. The signal detection module 25 includes one or more of the following sensors: accelerometer, road noise suppression sensor, and / or altitude sensor. The power supply module 24 is also connected to the signal detection module 25 to supply power to the signal detection module 25.

[0035] In the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, see again Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5. The control unit 22 is configured to receive and process wheel speed measurement signals from the first sensor chip 13 and the second sensor chip 14, as well as detection signals from the signal detection module 25, before transmitting them from the control unit 22 to the wireless transmission module 23. The wireless transmission module 23 then transmits the signals to the vehicle control unit. This enables the vehicle control unit to acquire various sensor data and expands the functionality of the wireless redundant sensor 100. Furthermore, an integrated design approach can reduce the number of sensors required on the vehicle and optimize its architecture.

[0036] The wireless transmission module 23 of the present invention comprises a wireless signal processing unit 231 and a transmitting antenna 232. The power supply module 24 is connected to both the wireless signal processing unit 231 and the transmitting antenna 232 and serves to supply power to both. The input terminal of the wireless signal processing unit 231 is connected to the control unit 22, and the output terminal of the wireless signal processing unit 231 is connected to the transmitting antenna 232. The wireless signal processing unit 231 transmits the processed digital signal via the transmitting antenna 232 to the vehicle control unit 22. The wireless transmission module 23 is compatible with various wireless transmission standards, e.g., Wireless Local Area Network (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, and Ultra Wide Band (UWB).

[0037] The wireless redundant sensor 100 further comprises a sensor housing 102 and a main housing 101. The sensor housing 102 is attached to the main housing 101. The first sensor chip 13, the second sensor chip 14, the mounting bracket 11, the first metal connector 131, and the second metal connector 141 are all located in the sensor housing 102, and the control panel 21 is located in the main housing 101. The main housing 101 is box-shaped, and the sensor housing 102 is column-shaped. The sensor housing 102 and the main housing 101 can be either formed as a single piece or permanently connected by a detachable assembly. In one embodiment, the main housing 101 comprises a housing body 1011 with a receiving chamber and a housing cover 1012 mounted on the housing body 1011. The control module 20 is mounted in the receiving chamber. By placing the housing cover 1012 onto the housing body 1011, the main housing 101 forms a sealed structure.The first sensor chip 13 and the second sensor chip 14 are located at one end of the sensor housing 102 facing away from the main housing 101.

[0038] Furthermore, the wireless redundant sensor 100 also includes a mounting part 30 arranged on the sensor housing 102. The mounting part 30 comprises a connecting arm 31 and a mounting opening 32 arranged on the connecting arm 31, the connecting arm 31 extending in the thickness direction of the main housing 101. Naturally, the connecting arm 31 can also be extended at various angles relative to the main housing 101 to adapt to different installation environments. The mounting part 30 is integrally formed with the sensor housing 102. In one embodiment, the mounting part 30 is a flange structure formed on the sensor housing 102, and the mounting opening 32 serves for connection to the vehicle. To increase the reliability of the connection, a metal ring 33 can be provided at the mounting opening 32.

[0039] To further increase the reliability of the wireless redundant sensor 100, the wireless redundant sensor 100 of this invention is also equipped with a wired connection structure that is connected to the vehicle control unit. This allows the vehicle control unit to perform a comprehensive assessment based on the data acquired via the wired connection, thereby improving the reliability of the acquired sensor signal and avoiding safety risks due to data deviations.

[0040] In one embodiment, the wireless redundant sensor 100 further comprises a connector 40 for connection to the vehicle, which is electrically connected to a vehicle control unit. The connector 40 can be electrically connected to the vehicle control unit directly or via other components. The housing of the connector 40 and the sensor housing 102 are located on opposite sides of the main housing 101. Specifically, the connector 40 comprises a connector housing 41 and a terminal contact 42, wherein one end of the terminal contact 42 is connected to the control panel 21 and the other end of the terminal contact 42 is located inside the connector housing 41.

[0041] In another embodiment, as in Fig. 7 and Fig.As shown in Figure 8, the wireless redundant sensor 100 additionally includes a wiring harness 50 that is connected to the vehicle control unit. One end of the wiring harness 50 is connected to the control panel 21 and protrudes from the main housing 101, while the other end of the wiring harness 50 leads to the vehicle side and can be electrically connected to the vehicle control unit directly or via other components. The wiring harness 50 and the sensor housing 102 are arranged on opposite sides of the main housing 101.

[0042] The redundant sensor according to the invention extends the sensor module by a control module that includes a wireless transmission module. In this way, the sensor signal can be processed and transmitted wirelessly to the vehicle control unit, thereby reducing the wiring harness complexity, lowering overall vehicle costs, and achieving interference-free signal transmission regardless of moving parts. The risk of signal interruption is reduced, and the reliability and stability of the redundant sensor are increased.

[0043] The present invention is illustrated and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments. However, it is understandable to a person skilled in the art that the above content constitutes a further detailed description of the present invention in conjunction with specific embodiments and cannot be considered a limitation of the specific embodiment of the present invention. A person skilled in the art can make various modifications, including several simple derivations or substitutions, with respect to form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Wireless redundant sensor comprising a sensor module and a control module, wherein the sensor module comprises a holder and a first sensor chip mounted on the holder, wherein the control module comprises a control panel, a control unit arranged on the control panel and a wireless transmission module arranged on the control panel, wherein the first sensor chip is connected to the control panel via a first metal connector; wherein the control unit is configured to process a sensor signal from the first sensor chip and to transmit the processed sensor signal to the wireless transmission module so that the wireless transmission module transmits the processed sensor signal to a vehicle control unit. [2] Wireless redundant sensor according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module further comprises a second sensor chip which is connected to the control panel via a second metal connector, wherein the first sensor chip and the second sensor chip are arranged side by side or one above the other. [3] Wireless redundant sensor according to claim 2, wherein the control module further comprises a signal processing module, wherein an input terminal of the signal processing module is connected to the first sensor chip and the second sensor chip respectively, and an output terminal of the signal processing module is connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit serves to transmit a sensor signal processed by the signal processing module to the vehicle control unit via the wireless transmission module. [4] Wireless redundant sensor according to claim 3, wherein the control module further comprises a power supply module arranged on the control panel which is electrically connected to all devices on the control panel, wherein the power supply module is connected to the first sensor chip and the second sensor to supply power to the first sensor chip and the second sensor chip. [5] Wireless redundant sensor according to claim 1, wherein the wireless transmission module comprises a wireless signal processing unit and a transmitting antenna, wherein an input port of the wireless signal processing unit is connected to the control unit and an output port of the wireless signal processing unit is connected to the transmitting antenna. [6] Wireless redundant sensor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) chip. [7] Wireless redundant sensor according to claim 2, wherein the wireless redundant sensor further comprises a sensor housing and a main housing, wherein the sensor housing is attached to the main housing, wherein the first sensor chip, the second sensor chip, the holder, the first metal connector and the second metal connector are all arranged in the sensor housing and the control panel is arranged in the main housing. [8] Wireless redundant sensor according to claim 7, wherein the main housing is box-shaped and the sensor housing is column-shaped. [9] Wireless redundant sensor according to claim 7, wherein the wireless redundant sensor further comprises a mounting part arranged on the sensor housing, comprising a connecting arm and a mounting opening arranged on the connecting arm, wherein the connecting arm extends in the thickness direction of the main housing. [10] Wireless redundant sensor according to claim 3, wherein the first sensor chip and the second sensor chip are both wheel speed sensor chips.

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