Dual Hall Effect Detectors for Reliable Switch Troubleshooting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure-type switches used for controlling stop lamps in motor vehicles face issues with detecting the state of the brake pedal accurately due to potential troubles with Hall Elements, leading to constant signal transmission and inability to differentiate between ON and OFF states when the actuator moves.
Innovation Solution
The proposed switch incorporates a casing with a movable actuator, a magnet, and two detectors (detector 16A and detector 16B) positioned along a predetermined direction, where detector 16A and detector 16B are arranged to detect magnetism generated by the magnet, allowing for accurate detection of actuator movement and simplifying the configuration to identify any detector troubles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single Hall Element detector is used to detect magnetism for switch operation, then the device configuration is simple, but the ability to detect detector troubles and differentiate ON/OFF states accurately is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single detector is segmented into two detectors (16A and 16B) positioned at different locations along the actuator's movement path. Each detector independently monitors magnetism at its specific position, allowing the system to detect troubles by comparing signals from multiple segments and accurately differentiate ON/OFF states through spatial distribution of detection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system transitions from a single-point detection to multi-point detection along the actuator's movement dimension. By arranging detectors 16A and 16B at different positions along the predetermined direction of actuator movement, the system adds spatial dimensionality to the detection process, enabling more reliable state differentiation and trouble detection.
2Reliability
If the actuator moves to change switch state, then the stop lamp control function is achieved, but the ability to detect detector troubles is lost due to constant signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback signals from both detectors 16A and 16B simultaneously. By comparing the magnetism detection results from multiple detectors, the controller can identify abnormal patterns that indicate detector troubles while still accurately determining switch ON/OFF states. The feedback mechanism uses spatial distribution of detector signals to distinguish between normal actuator movement and detector failures.
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
This configuration enhances the accuracy of detecting the actuator's position and simplifies the detection of any abnormalities in the detectors, ensuring reliable operation of the stop lamp control system and reducing the overall size of the switch.
Implementation Method 1
detector 16A and detector 16B which are arranged to detect magnetism generated from magnet 13
Data Source
AI summary
Regarding a switch used for various controls of a motor vehicle in particular and a switch device using the switch, it becomes possible to simplify the configuration and to perform reliable detection of trouble. A first detector is disposed on a surface opposing to a magnet fitted to an actuator, and a second detector is disposed thereunder. A controller detects magnetism of the magnet by using the first detector and the second detector. In case one of the detectors is out of order, it can also be detected from ON/OFF signal from the first detector and the second detector.