Vehicle Braking Sensor Arrangement with Independent Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle braking systems require activation of the control unit to request sensor data, making it impossible to access sensor information when the braking system is switched off or faulty, which is a limitation for vehicles with autonomous driving functions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement with an external interface and switching elements allows sensor data to be accessed and transmitted independently of the control unit's activation state, enabling data retrieval without starting the braking system, and providing power to the sensor through a separate power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control unit is activated to request sensor data, then the sensor data can be processed and transmitted to higher-level units, but the power consumption increases and the system cannot operate when the braking system is switched off or fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission path into two independent channels: (1) sensor to control unit through switching elements, and (2) sensor directly to higher-level units through the connection interface. This segmentation allows sensor data to bypass the control unit and reach higher-level units directly, enabling operation even when the control unit is inactive or failed, while consuming minimal power since only the sensor and switching elements need to be active.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching elements act as intermediaries that can route sensor signals either to the control unit or directly to the connection interface for transmission to higher-level units. This intermediary mechanism enables flexible signal routing and allows direct sensor-to-higher-level-unit communication without requiring control unit activation, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the braking system is switched off to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but sensor data cannot be accessed for autonomous driving functions or emergency programs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a segmented architecture where the sensor and its connection to the hydraulic unit remain independent of the control unit's power state. The sensor can be powered separately and transmit data directly through the connection interface to higher-level units, ensuring data accessibility even when the main braking system control is switched off, thus maintaining reliability while improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that the sensor and its direct connection path to higher-level units are prepared in advance and can operate independently. The switching elements are pre-configured to allow direct signal routing, so when autonomous driving functions or emergency programs need sensor data, the data is already accessible without requiring the main control unit to be activated, enabling preliminary preparation for low-power operation.
3Reliability
If additional mechanical switches are used to enable direct sensor access, then the system can operate independently of the control unit, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switching elements with the existing connection interface and control unit architecture. The switching elements are integrated into the signal path between the sensor and the connection interface, utilizing existing structural elements rather than adding completely separate mechanical switch assemblies. This merging approach enables independent sensor access while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing components and spatial arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor arrangement for a braking system of a vehicle is disclosed comprising a connection interface, a control unit, and a sensor. The sensor has an external interface with electrical contacts via which the sensor is connected to the control unit. The control unit is connected to and supplied with power via the connection interface and exchanges data with a higher-level unit via the connection interface. The sensor is provided power via the electrical contact points and provides electrical output signals via the electrical contact points. A first contact point provides a first electrical output signal and is connected to the connection interface via a first switching element such that the first contact point is connected to the connection interface when the first switching element is in the deenergized state and is disconnected from the connection interface when the first switching element is in the energized state.