Independent Sensor Submodules for Flexible Vehicle Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicle sensor systems are often optimized for specific applications, making them inflexible and difficult to exchange or adapt to new functions, and there is a need for a more versatile sensor module that can maintain functionality even with defective or damaged components.

Innovation Solution

A combination sensor module with at least two independent sensor submodules, capable of operating as a 6D sensor system, which can be used as a 5D or 3D system if one submodule is defective, allowing for flexible use across different applications and reducing the number of module variants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor modules are optimized for specific applications, then measurement precision and reliability for that application is improved, but adaptability to other applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a sensor module with multiple sensor units (first sensor unit with first degree of freedom, second sensor unit with second degree of freedom) that can detect different physical quantities or directions. This multi-functional design allows the same module to serve various measurement needs (acceleration, rotation, orientation) while maintaining high measurement precision for each specific function, thereby resolving the contradiction between specialization and adaptability.

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

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensor types are integrated into separate modules for different functions, then measurement precision for each function is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor units (first sensor unit, second sensor unit) with different degrees of freedom into a single integrated sensor module. These sensor units are arranged in a coordinated manner within one module, sharing common electronics and housing, thereby achieving high measurement precision for multiple functions while reducing the overall number of separate modules and simplifying the system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a 6D sensor system is implemented with full functionality, then adaptability to various safety systems is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the 6D sensing capability into multiple independent sensor units, each with specific degrees of freedom (first sensor unit with first degree of freedom, second sensor unit with second degree of freedom). This segmentation allows the system to provide full 6D functionality when needed while enabling flexible configuration for applications requiring fewer sensors, thereby achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2675668B1Flexible combination sensor system module for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2675668B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP2675668B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

Combination sensor system module (2) for a vehicle, having at least two sensor submodules (4a, b), arranged in a combination sensor system module (2) and able to be connected to the electronics of the vehicle, characterized in that the at least two sensor submodules (4a, b) can be operated independently of one another.