Humidity Sensor Abnormality Detection via Signal Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional physical quantity measuring devices for fluids, such as air flow rate and humidity, face challenges in detecting abnormalities in humidity sensors due to single-point sensing configurations, making it difficult to identify failures or deteriorations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a physical quantity measuring device with at least two humidity detection parts that output corresponding signals, allowing for the determination of abnormalities when the difference between these signals exceeds a predetermined threshold, enabling effective abnormality detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single humidity detection part is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect abnormalities is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabnormality detection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of detection parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The humidity sensing function is segmented into multiple independent detection parts (first humidity detection part and second humidity detection part). Each part operates independently and outputs separate signals, enabling comparison-based abnormality detection while maintaining functional modularity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by comparing the output signals from multiple humidity detection parts. The abnormality determination part continuously monitors the difference between signals and provides feedback when the difference exceeds a threshold, indicating potential sensor degradation or failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple humidity detection parts are added, then abnormality detection capability is improved, but the hardware complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor failure detectionVSAvoiddevice space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple humidity detection parts are merged into a single integrated sensor assembly. The first and second humidity detection parts, along with their signal processing circuits, are combined in one compact structure, reducing the overall space required compared to separate sensor units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each humidity detection part serves multiple functions: normal humidity sensing and abnormality detection. The same detection parts used for measuring humidity also provide redundancy for detecting sensor failures, eliminating the need for separate test sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11286893B2Physical quantity measuring device, humidity detector abnormality detection device, and humidity detector abnormality detection method

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A physical quantity measuring device is configured to measure a physical quantity of a fluid. The physical quantity measuring device includes: at least two humidity detection parts configured to output a humidity signal corresponding to a humidity of the fluid; and an abnormality determination part configured to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the humidity detection parts in response to that a difference between the humidity signals obtained from the two humidity detection parts exceeds an abnormality determination threshold.