Dual-Sensor Module Switching by Supply Voltage Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor modules for motor vehicles require complex communication interfaces and additional evaluation units to switch between active and standby sensor units, leading to a cumbersome design and inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module design that utilizes a control unit to adjust the supply voltage based on output signal thresholds, allowing seamless switching between active and standby sensor units without additional communication interfaces, using a decision unit and circuit units to manage the electrical connection/disconnection of sensor units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional communication interfaces and evaluation units are added to switch between sensor units, then the reliability of sensor switching is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching control function from complex communication interfaces and evaluation units, concentrating it in a simplified decision unit that monitors supply voltage directly. This removes unnecessary communication overhead while maintaining reliable switching between sensor units based on voltage threshold detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The decision unit serves multiple functions: it monitors supply voltage, determines switching conditions, controls the switching between sensor units, and manages power distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate communication interfaces and evaluation units, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining switching reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor units operate simultaneously, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between sensor units based on real-time supply voltage conditions. The decision unit continuously monitors voltage and activates only the necessary sensor unit, allowing the system to adapt measurement coverage to actual operating conditions while minimizing energy consumption by keeping standby units powered down.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards the operation of standby sensor units when not needed, saving energy, and recovers their availability when voltage conditions permit. The standby units remain powered off until the decision unit determines they are needed, at which point switching occurs without energy loss from continuous operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the supply voltage is increased to operate both sensor units, then the sensor functionality is improved, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter (number of active sensor units) based on supply voltage levels. When voltage is sufficient, the active sensor unit operates with full functionality. When voltage drops below thresholds, the system switches to standby units or reduces operation, maintaining energy efficiency while preserving sensor functionality when conditions permit.
4Reliability
If a complex evaluation unit is added to manage sensor switching, then the switching reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the evaluation and switching control functions into the decision unit, which directly monitors supply voltage and controls sensor unit switching. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate complex evaluation units, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable switching through direct voltage-based control logic.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor module (4) comprising: at least two sensor units (6, 7); a control device (8) which is designed to adjust an electrical supply voltage for the sensor units (6, 7); and at least one sensor signal output (12), wherein the at least two sensor units (6, 7) can be electrically connected to or electrically disconnected from the control device (8) and are electrically connected to the sensor signal output (12), wherein a first of the sensor units (6), during a normal operation of the sensor module (4), provides a first output signal (13) through the sensor signal output (12) and a second of the sensor units (7), during an energy-saving operation of the sensor module (4), provides a second output signal (14), which is different from the first output signal (13), through the sensor signal output (12), and wherein a decision unit (15) is associated with the control device (8), which decision unit is designed to electrically connect either the first sensor unit (6) or the second sensor unit (7) to the control device (8). According to the invention: the decision unit (15) is designed to electrically connect or disconnect the first sensor unit (6) or the second sensor unit (7) to or from the control device (8) depending on the adjusted electrical supply voltage; and the control device (8) is designed, at least during the energy-saving operation, to change the supply voltage when the output signal (13, 14) provided by the sensor signal output (12) reaches a defined threshold value.