Actuator Resistance Determination Using Shared Test Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the resistance value of actuating devices in transmission control units, such as those in vehicles, are inaccurate and require additional sensors, leading to increased complexity and cost, as they rely on temperature calculations and individual test circuits for each actuator.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of test current pulses to actuating devices and evaluation of total currents at a measuring resistor to determine resistance values, allowing for precise calculation without additional temperature sensors or individual test circuits, using a common test circuit for all actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual test circuits and temperature sensors are used for each actuator, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the test current application and measurement functions into a single shared test circuit that can be used for all actuating devices. The control unit integrates temperature calculation based on resistance values without requiring separate temperature sensors for each actuator, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision through unified circuit design and centralized control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The test circuit is designed with universal functionality to serve all actuating devices in the transmission control unit. The same circuit infrastructure and measurement methodology are applied across multiple actuators, eliminating the need for dedicated test circuits per actuator and reducing overall device complexity while preserving accurate resistance measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If additional temperature sensors are added to each actuator, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating devices' temperature characteristics are determined through electrical resistance measurements using the existing test circuit, rather than requiring separate temperature sensors. The control unit calculates temperature based on the measured resistance values and known resistance-temperature relationships, allowing the system to self-determine temperature without additional sensing components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a common test circuit is used for all actuators, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by sequentially applying test current pulses to individual actuating devices through the shared test circuit. By isolating measurements in time rather than requiring physical separation of circuits, the system achieves precise individual actuator measurements while using a unified circuit infrastructure, thus maintaining measurement precision without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit employs periodic test current pulses to sequentially measure resistance values of different actuating devices. This time-multiplexed approach allows the single test circuit to accurately measure each actuator in turn, maintaining measurement precision through structured periodic measurement cycles while avoiding the need for multiple concurrent test circuits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides accurate and cost-effective determination of actuator resistances, enabling precise monitoring of electric currents and temperature calculations without additional sensors, improving system security and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Evaluation of a total current of output currents of the plural number of actuating devices engaging on the test current pulses at a measuring resistor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a resistance value of a plural number of actuating devices is provided. The method features a step of the application of a test current pulse at each of the plural number of actuating devices. Moreover, the method features the step of the evaluation of a total current of output currents of the plural number of actuating devices engaging on the test current pulses at a measuring resistor, in order to determine the resistance value of the plural number of actuating devices.