Magnetic Sensor Steering Angle Detection Ignition Off Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic sensors for detecting steering angles in automobiles face challenges in achieving high accuracy and reliability, particularly when the ignition switch is turned off, as they struggle to maintain precise detection and power efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic sensor system incorporating a magneto-resistive element and a Hall element, with a detection circuit that includes a regulator, current paths, and a diagnostic circuit, which allows for selective connection of the magneto-resistive element to the regulator through switchable current paths, enabling efficient signal processing and power management, even when the ignition switch is off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a magnetic sensor uses a magneto-resistive element to detect steering angles with high precision, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases and reliability decreases when the ignition switch is turned off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering angle detection precisionVSAvoidsensor reliability when ignition is off
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic operation modes for the magnetic sensor: a first operation mode with full functionality when the ignition switch is on, and a second operation mode with reduced functionality when the ignition switch is off. The control unit dynamically switches between these modes based on the ignition state, allowing the sensor to maintain acceptable detection precision while consuming less power and improving reliability during parked conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters based on ignition state: in the first mode, the sensor operates with full precision requirements, while in the second mode, it transitions to a lower precision mode that consumes less power. This parameter change allows the system to balance between measurement precision and power consumption/reliability depending on the operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the magnetic sensor operates with high precision detection capabilities, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering angle detection precisionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically adjusts the operation mode based on ignition state. When the ignition is off, the sensor transitions to a second operation mode that reduces power consumption while maintaining sufficient detection capability for safety purposes. This dynamic adjustment directly addresses the contradiction between precision and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

In the second operation mode (ignition off), the sensor performs partial detection functions rather than full precision detection. This partial action is sufficient for safety monitoring purposes while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous high-precision operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If the magnetic sensor maintains full detection functionality when the ignition is turned off, then measurement precision is preserved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering angle detection precisionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control unit that dynamically manages the sensor's operation based on ignition state. This dynamic control simplifies the overall system design by automatically switching between operation modes, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration or multiple separate sensor systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system achieves precise detection of steering angles over a full 360-degree range with reduced power consumption and circuit complexity, maintaining accuracy and reliability even when the ignition is turned off, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the magnetic sensor.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic sensor includes a magneto-resistive element configured to output a signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagneto-resistive effect: Magnetoresistance

Implementation Method 2

A magnetic sensor combining a magneto-resistive element and a Hall element is known

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10935396B2Rotation detecting device
Publication Date: 2021.03.02 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • US10935396B2 patent drawing
  • US10935396B2 patent drawing
  • US10935396B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A magnetic sensor includes a magneto-resistive element configured to output a signal and a detection circuit configured to receive the signal. The detection circuit includes a regulator configured to supply a potential to the magneto-resistive element, a first current path configured to electrically connect the magneto-resistive element to the regulator, a second current path, a switch, and a diagnostic circuit connected to the second current path. The second current path includes, and is configured to electrically connect the magneto-resistive element to the regulator via the resistor. The switch is configured to select one of the first current path and the second current path, and electrically connect the magneto-resistive element to the regulator via the selected one of the first current path and the second current path.