Magnetic Flux Element Sensor Arrangement for Vehicle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements for controlling functions in motor vehicles are costly and may compromise operational safety due to the need for redundant designs to meet safety standards, which can be expensive and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement using an electrical coil, a magnetic field sensor, and a movable magnetic flux element that guides the magnetic field, allowing for position determination without contact or interference, and utilizing a processing device to check the magnetic field changes, thereby ensuring functional reliability without the need for redundant components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant design is implemented to meet safety standards, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement performs self-diagnosis by comparing measured magnetic field values with expected values calculated from coil current and position data. The system monitors its own functionality through internal consistency checks, eliminating the need for separate redundant safety systems while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the magnetic field signal and compares it with expected values based on coil current and flux element position. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of sensor malfunctions or external interference, providing functional safety without redundant hardware.
2Reliability
If redundant design is implemented to meet safety standards, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement performs self-diagnosis by comparing measured magnetic field values with expected values calculated from coil current and position data. The system monitors its own functionality through internal consistency checks, eliminating the need for separate redundant safety systems while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic flux element serves as an intermediary that guides the magnetic field between the coil and sensor, enabling precise position detection. This single integrated component performs multiple functions (field guidance, position encoding) without requiring separate redundant systems.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic field strength is increased to improve signal strength, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic flux element concentrates and guides the magnetic field locally from the coil to the sensor, creating a high-field-strength region exactly where measurement is needed. This localized field enhancement achieves strong sensor signals without requiring high overall coil current, reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic flux element serves as an intermediary that guides the magnetic field between the coil and sensor, enabling precise position detection. The flux element's high permeability material concentrates magnetic flux, improving coupling efficiency and signal strength without increasing coil power consumption.
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 provides a cost-effective and reliable means to control motor vehicle functions, meeting safety standards by reducing costs and enhancing security through dynamic magnetic field control and measurement accuracy, while allowing for self-assurance of safety by the manufacturer.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical coil (120) for providing a magnetic field (125)
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic flux element (135) for guiding the magnetic field (125) between the coil (120) and the magnetic field sensor (130)
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic field sensor (130) for determining a magnetic field (125) prevailing in an area of the magnetic field sensor (130)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor arrangement (115) for controlling a function onboard a motor vehicle, the sensor arrangement comprising: an electric coil (120) for providing a magnetic field (125); a magnetic field sensor (130); and a magnetic flux element (135) for guiding the magnetic field (125) between the coil (120) and the magnetic field sensor (130). The magnetic flux element (135) is mounted so as to be movable and is formed in such a way that the magnetic field (125) prevailing in the region of the magnetic field sensor (130) is dependent on the position of the flux element (135). A processing device (140) for determining the position of the flux element (135) on the basis of the magnetic field (125) determined by means of the magnetic field sensor (130) is also provided.