Vehicle Air Flap Control Using Current-Based Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle networking protocols, such as the LIN protocol, are limited in addressing a large number of actuators, and current actuators require expensive position sensors and multiple conductive wires for feedback, increasing the cost and complexity of systems for adjusting air guiding flaps in motorized vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that separates the control module from the driving unit, using a communication module for addressing multiple driving units with a single address, and incorporates a current sensor module to derive position information from supply current variations, reducing the need for position sensors and conductive wires, allowing for shared functionality and simplified actuator design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If position sensors like annular encoders are used in driving units, then position feedback accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position sensing function from the driving unit and relocates it to the control unit. The control unit determines position by monitoring current variations in the power supply lines, eliminating the need for position sensors in the driving unit itself. This extraction reduces actuator complexity while maintaining measurement precision through alternative sensing methodology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces current variations as an intermediary parameter to infer position information. Instead of directly measuring position with encoders, the system uses the intermediary signal of current consumption patterns to deduce flap position, thereby avoiding complex position sensors in the driving unit.
2Loss of information
If multiple conductors are used for feedback connection, then position information transmission is improved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power supply conductors multi-functional by using them for both power delivery and position information transmission. The same two conductors that supply power to the driving unit also carry the position information through current variation patterns, eliminating the need for separate feedback wiring and reducing overall wiring complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power supply function and position feedback function into a single communication channel. By combining these functions in the current-carrying conductors, the system reduces the number of required wires while maintaining both power delivery and position information transmission capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If full control functionality is built into each driving unit, then actuator independence is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functionality from the driving unit and consolidates it in the control unit. This segmentation allows driving units to be manufactured as simpler, cheaper components without embedded control electronics, while the central control unit handles all control logic for multiple driving units, reducing overall system cost while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with universal control capability that can manage multiple different driving units through a standardized interface. This multi-functionality allows a single control unit to replace multiple dedicated control units, reducing the need for expensive actuators with built-in control while maintaining system adaptability and independence.
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit is presented for controlling a driving unit arranged for adjustment of one or more first air guiding flaps of a motorised vehicle between a first outer position and a second outer position. The control unit comprises a communication module for communicating with a vehicle control network for receiving first adjustment instructions for adjusting the first flap, a power supply module comprising an input power terminal for receiving power from a vehicle power network and a first output power terminal for supplying a first current to the driving unit. The control unit further comprises a current sensor module for sensing variations in the first supply current and a control module arranged to control the first supply current in accordance with the adjustment instructions and the sensed variations. By separating the control module from the driving unit, functionality of the control module may be shared over multiple driving units.