Adaptive Sensor Offset Compensation for Temperature Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque sensors in automotive applications face challenges with temperature stability, requiring costly or bulky designs, additional calibration steps, and inability to account for long-term temperature effects, especially when designed as separate parts in the power train.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize naturally occurring operation points when the drive train is unloaded to collect and store sensor data, determining a model for temperature dependence of the sensor offset, which is then used to continuously calculate and compensate for temperature drift, eliminating the need for external temperature sensors and costly calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a sensor is designed to be sufficiently stable throughout the temperature range, then temperature stability is improved, but the sensor becomes too costly to produce or too bulky to integrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the sensor by introducing temperature-dependent offset values that are stored in memory. Instead of designing a physically stable sensor, the system dynamically adjusts the offset parameter based on temperature conditions, achieving temperature stability through parameter adaptation rather than physical design modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of designing a temperature-stable sensor with an electronic/software-based solution. A microcontroller reads temperature data, selects appropriate offset values from memory based on temperature ranges, and applies compensation to the sensor output, substituting physical stability requirements with computational compensation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a temperature calibration step is added in production, then temperature characteristics are compensated, but extra cost is added to each individual sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing multiple offset values in the sensor's memory during manufacturing, each corresponding to a specific temperature range. This preliminary preparation allows the sensor to automatically select the appropriate offset during operation without requiring real-time calibration equipment or additional production steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor performs self-service by automatically selecting and applying the appropriate offset value based on the current temperature conditions. The microcontroller reads the temperature sensor data, determines the appropriate temperature range, retrieves the corresponding offset from memory, and applies it to compensate for temperature drift, all without external intervention.
3Measurement precision
If a zero reset is performed during gearshifts, then sensor offset is calibrated, but the calibration is only valid at that particular temperature level and requires repeated calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by implementing continuous temperature monitoring and automatic offset selection. Instead of periodic calibration during gearshifts, the system continuously reads temperature data and automatically applies the appropriate offset compensation, ensuring accurate measurements without interrupting operation for calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the offset value dynamic rather than static. The offset automatically changes based on temperature conditions, allowing the sensor to adapt to different temperature levels without requiring manual recalibration. The system transitions from a static calibration approach to a dynamic, temperature-adaptive offset selection.
4Ease of manufacture
If separate parts are designed for the torque sensor, then practical design is improved, but temperature calibration cannot be performed on separate parts and requires complete sensor assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the temperature compensation function into separate components: temperature sensing, offset value storage in memory, and offset application. This allows the sensor parts to be manufactured and calibrated separately, with the offset values pre-stored in memory during manufacturing, and the complete system assembled without requiring complex calibration procedures on the final assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adaptive compensation of a temperature drift of a sensor, designed to measure the torque of a shaft or a drive train or the force in mechanical equipment during operation. A sensor signal is recurrently measured. An associated temperature is determined. An offset value is calculated as a function of temperature based on measured and stored data. The measured signal value is compensated using the calculated offset value. When the sensor is unloaded or nearly unloaded is detected. When the sensor is unloaded or nearly unloaded the signal sensor signal value and the associated temperature value are stored in a memory and a model of the sensor offset is updated. A system and computer program product for adaptive compensation of the temperature drift of such a sensor signal offset.