Inductive Element Shunt Detection via Digital Signal Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic actuating devices face challenges in detecting parasitic shunts with moderate resistance, which can interfere with the operation of inductive elements without being easily detectable, and require complex and costly analog systems for monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a current-measuring device in series with the inductive element to generate digital signals, employing a sigma-delta A/D converter to ascertain current signals with temporal shifts, allowing for shunt detection without predefined measurement instants or time synchronization, and using filtering and decimation to enhance robustness and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If analog measurement systems are used for current monitoring, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex analog measurement systems with a digital evaluation method that processes existing current control signals. Instead of adding dedicated analog measurement hardware, the system uses digital signal processing to detect shunts by analyzing temporal relationships in current signals already present in the control circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a digital copy of the current signal information that already exists in the control system. By evaluating existing control signals through digital processing, the system obtains measurement data without requiring separate physical measurement channels, thereby reducing hardware complexity.
2Measurement precision
If analog measurement systems are used for current monitoring, then measurement precision can be achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive analog measurement hardware with digital signal processing of existing control signals. This substitution eliminates the need for additional precision analog components, reducing bill of materials costs and simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation device performs multiple functions using the same digital processing infrastructure: it monitors current for both control purposes and shunt detection purposes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated measurement hardware, reducing overall system cost.
3Loss of time
If predefined measurement instants are used for current analysis, then measurement timing can be controlled, but robustness against switching variations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic measurement approach where the evaluation window adapts to the actual switching behavior. Instead of fixed time instants, the system identifies measurement points based on detected switching edges, making the measurement timing dynamic and adaptive to real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detected switching events to adjust the measurement timing. By continuously monitoring for switching edges and base on that information to select appropriate measurement points, the system ensures accurate shunt detection regardless of variations in switching characteristics.
4Measurement precision
If time synchronization with switching operations is implemented, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation device performs self-synchronization by automatically detecting switching edges from the current signals themselves. Instead of requiring external synchronization signals or complex timing coordination, the system uses the signals under investigation to establish its own measurement timing reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detected switching events to automatically adjust measurement timing. The detection of switching edges provides real-time information that guides the selection of measurement points, eliminating the need for pre-configured synchronization mechanisms.
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
The solution enables effective detection of shunts with improved robustness and flexibility, allowing for monitoring of inductive elements of varying sizes without the need for explicit measurement instants or time synchronization, while reducing costs and chip costs through digital signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage drop which arises in the current-measuring device and characterizes the current flowing through the current-measuring device is ascertained and converted into the first signal by an A/D converter
Implementation Method 2
converted into the first signal by an A/D converter, especially by a sigma-delta A/D converter
Implementation Method 3
An inductive element in these devices is energized for a predefinable period of time using a defined average value of a current
Data Source
AI summary
A device for monitoring an operation of an inductive element, includes a current-measuring device is switched in series with the inductive element. The device is configured to ascertain a first time-discrete and value-discrete signal, which characterizes a current flowing through the current-measuring device; to ascertain a second time-discrete and value-discrete signal, which characterizes a current flowing through the current-measuring device and has a predefinable time shift in relation to the first signal; and to infer the presence of a shunt from a comparison of the first signal with the second signal. Also described is a method for monitoring the operation of the inductive element.