Actuator Control Device Series Addressing Cabling Bottleneck
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing control systems for internal combustion engines require a multitude of separate control and supply lines for each actuator, leading to excessive cabling, space requirements, and the risk of miswiring.
Innovation Solution
A control device where actuators are connected in series via a first control line with voltage dividers and comparators, allowing for selective control through a central control unit, reducing the need for multiple lines and enabling automatic addressing of each actuator, with optional preset addresses using switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate control and supply lines are run to each actuator, then each actuator can be independently controlled, but the amount of cabling and space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control lines are merged into a single control line by connecting actuators in series. Each actuator control unit responds to control signals based on its specific address, allowing independent control functionality while using shared cabling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control line serves multiple functions by carrying control signals to multiple actuators simultaneously. The control system can selectively address and control any actuator on the line, making the control line universal for all actuator controls.
2Measurement precision
If separate control lines are used for each actuator, then control precision is maintained, but the risk of miswiring increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each actuator control unit automatically determines its own address and responds accordingly. The system performs self-addressing through the series connection, where each unit's position in the series automatically defines its control parameters, eliminating manual wiring configuration and reducing miswiring risks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control lines are used, then selective control capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent control units, each capable of selective response. Each actuator control unit contains address comparison logic that segments the control function, allowing the system to achieve selective control through software/logic segmentation rather than physical line segmentation.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A control device for the selective control of a multiplicity of actuators of an internal combustion engine, comprising: - a central control unit (1); - a multiplicity of actuators associated with the multiplicity of actuator controls (2), which are connected to the central control unit (1), wherein each actuator control (2) of the multiplicity of actuator controls (2) comprises an address, so that the actuator controls (2) are selectively controllable by the central control unit (1) by means of the address and that each actuator control (2) comprises a comparator (6), which is configured to compare a signal, preferably a voltage or current signal, emitted by the central control unit (1) with the address and to emit an activation signal via an activation line (13), if the comparison has resulted in a match of the signal with the address of the respective actuator control (2) within a window, preferably voltage window (ΔV).