Ignition Lock Position Detection Using Wake-Up Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ignition lock systems require frequent activation of sensors or mechanical switches to detect position changes, leading to high quiescent current consumption and complexity, especially when trying to maintain a power-saving idle state.

Innovation Solution

An electronic ignition lock system utilizing a rotation angle sensor with a wake-up output, where a magnetic sensor module generates a wake-up signal upon detecting changes in the actuating element's position, allowing the control unit to switch from an idle to an operating state only when necessary, thereby reducing power consumption and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensors or mechanical switches are activated frequently to detect position changes, then position detection reliability is improved, but quiescent current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection reliabilityVSAvoidquiescent current consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is activated periodically or event-driven rather than continuously. The sensor module operates cyclically to detect position changes, and the control unit is only activated when a change is detected (wake-up signal), implementing periodic action to reduce energy consumption while maintaining detection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor module autonomously monitors position changes and generates wake-up signals without requiring continuous control unit operation. The system serves itself by having the sensor module handle the initial detection and triggering, allowing the control unit to remain in low-power state until needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to detect all switching positions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection precisionVSAvoidsensor quantity and assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single rotation angle sensor serves multiple functions by detecting all switching positions of the actuating element. Instead of using separate sensors for each position, one universal sensor covers the entire range of motion, reducing component count while maintaining precise position detection across all switching positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple position detection functions are merged into a single rotation angle sensor. The sensor combines the capabilities of what would otherwise require multiple discrete sensors or mechanical switches, integrating position detection for all switching positions into one component that simplifies assembly and reduces complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables cost-effective, energy-efficient detection of all positions using a single sensor, allowing for easier assembly and compensation of initial tolerances, while maintaining low quiescent current consumption and enabling efficient operation of the ignition lock system.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor component can be embodied as a magnetic sensor, in particular in the form of a Hall sensor. A magnet that interacts with the magnetic sensor is then located as a signal transmitter on the transmitter and/or actuating element.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2037221B1Ignition lock for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 MARQUARDT GMBH
  • EP2037221B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2037221B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2037221B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The encoder (40) has a sensor component (44) e.g. magnetic sensor, detecting and/or outputting an angle position of a movable sensing and/or actuating element (41) e.g. shaft. A control device (43) is switched between energy-saving resting and operating conditions. The component is cyclically operated in the resting condition and stores an actual position during the cycle. The stored position during the cycle is compared with the actual position. A waking signal (45) is generated for switching the device in the operating condition when a position change e.g. angular deviation is recognized.