Antenna Amplifier Connection Checks Across Unknown Heater Tap Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the connection status between an antenna amplifier and an antenna structure, particularly in vehicle window heaters, face challenges in distinguishing between faulty and fault-free connections due to the ambiguity caused by the switching state of the window heater's switching element and the unknown connecting point, leading to inaccurate diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A method using two different diagnostic voltages applied to the connecting link between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure, with voltage values read and compared to determine a fault-free or faulty connection, allowing for clear differentiation without knowledge of the switching state or connecting point, and incorporating a diagnostic module with a generation unit for voltage generation and a readout unit for comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single diagnostic voltage is applied to determine connection status, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the diagnostic result is ambiguous when the window heater switching element is in a specific state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic diagnostic measurements using two different diagnostic voltages at different times. The first diagnostic voltage is applied at a first point in time, and the second diagnostic voltage is applied at a second point in time. This periodic approach allows the system to capture the connection status under different electrical conditions, resolving the ambiguity that occurs when a single measurement is taken during a specific switching element state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the diagnostic voltage parameter between measurements. By applying a first diagnostic voltage and then a second diagnostic voltage with a different magnitude, the system can distinguish between different connection states. The comparison of voltage readings taken at different voltage levels allows accurate determination of connection status regardless of the window heater's switching element state.
2Stability of the object's composition
If diagnostic voltage corresponds to switching element potential, then the measurement is consistent, but it becomes impossible to distinguish between faulty and fault-free connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs diagnostic measurements at multiple distinct time points using different diagnostic voltages. By comparing readings from the first diagnostic voltage measurement with readings from the second diagnostic voltage measurement, the system can identify when a measurement was affected by switching element state alignment, and make a more accurate determination of actual connection status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by comparing the first voltage reading with the second voltage reading. If the readings differ by more than a threshold amount, this indicates that at least one measurement was taken when the switching element potential did not match the diagnostic voltage, providing feedback that allows the system to reliably determine connection status despite the ambiguity that would occur with a single measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting point is unknown, then the system is more versatile and applicable to different configurations, but the interpretation of voltage measurements becomes ambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal diagnostic method that works regardless of where the antenna amplifier is connected along the heating wire. The method using two different diagnostic voltages and comparing the readings provides a connection status determination that is valid for any connecting point position, making the diagnostic system universally applicable to different vehicle and antenna configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the diagnostic voltage parameter between measurements, the system can determine connection status without needing to know the specific connecting point location. The difference in voltage readings caused by the unknown connecting point position is distinguishable from readings that would indicate a faulty connection, allowing accurate diagnosis across all possible connecting point configurations.
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
Enables precise and reliable determination of connection status between the antenna amplifier and antenna structure, effectively distinguishing between fault-free and faulty connections, and applicable to any antenna structure with varying connecting points, ensuring accurate diagnostics during operation and switch-on operations.
Implementation Method 1
Applying a first diagnostic voltage to a connecting link between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure, and reading out a first voltage value at a measurement point of the connecting link
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (100) for determining a connection status between an antenna amplifier (201) and an antenna structure (203), wherein the method (100) comprises: Applying (101) a first diagnostic voltage (U1) to a connecting link (209) between the antenna amplifier (201) and the antenna structure (203), and reading out (103) a first voltage value (U1read) at a measuring point (MP) of the connecting link (209); Comparing (105) the first voltage value (U1read) with the first diagnostic voltage (U1); Applying (107) a second diagnostic voltage (U2), which is different from the first diagnostic voltage (U1), to the connecting link (209), and reading out (109) a second voltage value (U2read) at the measuring point (MP) of the connecting link (209); Comparing (111) the second voltage value (U2read) with the second diagnostic voltage (U2); and Determining (113) a faulty connection between the antenna amplifier (201) and the antenna structure (203) if the first voltage value (U1read) corresponds to the first diagnostic voltage (U1) and the second voltage value (U2read) corresponds to the second diagnostic voltage (U2).