Vehicle Capacitive Sensor Evaluation With Phase-Jump Interference Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive sensors in vehicles face interference from environmental moisture and electromagnetic signals, particularly from external transmitters, which can disrupt their evaluation and require complex and costly measures to mitigate.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device and circuit arrangement that adapts the evaluation sequence of a capacitive sensor device by incorporating phase jumps and modulation techniques to reduce interference signal sensitivity, thereby improving the reliability of the sensor's evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard evaluation sequences are used for capacitive sensors, then the sensor can detect activation actions, but the sensor becomes sensitive to external electromagnetic interference signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the evaluation sequence parameters (frequency, phase, amplitude) to reduce sensitivity to interference signals. The control device adapts the evaluation sequence by changing its temporal and spectral characteristics, specifically introducing phase jumps and using modulation techniques to shift the evaluation frequencies away from problematic interference ranges while maintaining sensor functionality for detecting activation actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the evaluation sequence adaptive rather than static. The control device dynamically adjusts the evaluation sequence based on detected interference conditions, changing parameters in real-time to optimize sensor performance. This dynamic adaptation allows the sensor system to respond to varying electromagnetic environments and maintain reliable operation despite changing interference conditions.
2Reliability
If complex measures are implemented to reduce interference signal sensitivity, then the sensor reliability improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the control device perform multiple functions: it not only controls the sensor evaluation but also detects interference signals, adapts the evaluation sequence parameters, and optimizes sensor performance. This multi-functionality is achieved within the existing control device architecture, avoiding the need for separate dedicated interference mitigation hardware and thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the evaluation sequence is adapted to reduce interference sensitivity, then the sensor accuracy improves, but the processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using modulation techniques and introducing phase jumps at regular intervals in the evaluation sequence. This periodic structure allows the system to achieve frequency diversity and reduce interference sensitivity through structured variations rather than continuous complex processing. The periodic nature of the adapted evaluation sequence enables efficient implementation with manageable processing requirements while maintaining improved measurement precision.
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
The adaptation of the evaluation sequence using phase jumps and modulation techniques effectively reduces the interference signal sensitivity of capacitive sensors, enhancing their reliability and accuracy in detecting activation acts in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The control device (50.1) is designed to provide the evaluation sequence (S') with repeated phase jumps (P) in order to attenuate at least one predetermined frequency, in particular an original sampling frequency, during the evaluation sequence
Implementation Method 2
The evaluation of a capacitive sensor can be performed using a so-called charge transfer method
Implementation Method 3
capacitive sensors can be provided in vehicles to detect an activation action
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for evaluating a vehicle (1) capacitive sensor device (20), in particular for detecting an activation action of the vehicle (1), comprising a control device (50) for operating at least one sensor element (20.1) using at least one evaluation sequence (S'), wherein a trigger device (50.1) of the control device (50) is used to provide the evaluation sequence (S') by an adaption for influencing an interference signal sensitivity of the evaluation, preferably for influencing the spectrum of the evaluation sequence (S').