Magnetic Turn Counter Error Detection via Dual Sensor Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic sensors in systems like automotive steering systems face challenges with changing sensitivity levels and non-linearity errors due to temperature changes, necessitating an effective sensor error detection mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field turn sensor system that utilizes two magnetic field angle sensors and corresponding signal processing paths to compare angle measurements, determining if they differ by more than a threshold angle, and indicating faults accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single magnetic field angle sensor is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient due to sensitivity changes and non-linearity errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnetic field angle sensors (first sensor 110 and second sensor 118) with separate signal processing paths to measure the same shaft angle. By merging the outputs of these redundant sensors and comparing their measurements, the system achieves higher measurement precision and reliability while compensating for individual sensor errors such as sensitivity changes and non-linearity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing the angle measurements from the first and second signal processing paths. When a discrepancy exceeding a threshold is detected, the system generates a fault indication, creating a closed-loop error detection mechanism that enhances measurement reliability without requiring complex calibration procedures.
2Reliability
If error detection mechanisms are implemented, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by using its own redundant sensors to monitor each other's performance. The first and second signal processing paths serve as mutual backup and verification mechanisms, allowing the system to detect faults internally without requiring external diagnostic equipment or complex additional error detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a practical error detection approach by comparing measurements from redundant sensors and triggering fault indications only when discrepancies exceed a predefined threshold. This partial action approach provides sufficient reliability improvement without implementing overly complex error detection algorithms or continuous monitoring of all possible failure modes.
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 system effectively detects sensor errors by comparing angle measurements from multiple sensors, ensuring accurate turn count measurements and preventing hazardous situations in vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic sensors can be implemented to obtain linear or circular position or angle information of a mechanical component, such as a shaft
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting magnetic turn counter errors are provided herein. In one aspect, there is provided a magnetic field turn sensor system including: a magnetic field angle sensor, a signal processing path configured to receive an output from the magnetic field angle sensor and generate an angle measurement based on the output, a turn count path configured to process the output from the magnetic field angle sensor and output a quadrant measurement based on the output and a processor. The processor is configured to: receive the angle measurement from the signal processing path and the quadrant measurement from the turn count path, determine that the angle measurement deviates from the expected transition angle by more than a threshold value, and indicate a fault in response to determining that the angle measurement deviates from the expected transition angle by more than the threshold value.