Motor Control Line Reducing Connections for Vehicle Fans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle fan control systems for lighting devices require a large number of connections for speed regulation and function monitoring, leading to space and cost issues, especially in compact designs like full-LED headlights.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-purpose communication line for both speed control and functional status signals using analog or pulse-width-modulated signals, allowing encoding of desired speed and functional information, reducing the number of connections required to three while maintaining full functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate lines are used for power supply, control signals, and functional status signals, then reliable communication and control are achieved, but the number of connections increases leading to space and cost issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication functions (control signals and functional status signals) into a single bidirectional communication line. The control unit transmits control signals to the electric motor and receives functional status signals through the same connection, eliminating the need for separate lines and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The single communication line serves multiple purposes: it functions as both a control signal transmission path (from control unit to electric motor) and a status signal transmission path (from electric motor to control unit). This multi-functional approach reduces the number of connections required while ensuring reliable operation and monitoring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate connections are provided for power supply and signal transmission, then all control functions are available, but space and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power supply and communication functions into a compact arrangement where a single communication line handles both control and status signaling. This integration reduces the space required for connection terminals and wiring harnesses, making the system more suitable for space-constrained applications like motor vehicle lighting devices.
3Device complexity
If a single connection is used for bidirectional communication, then space and costs are reduced, but signal interference and communication reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulse-width modulation (PWM) for signal transmission, using periodic pulse signals to encode control and status information. This periodic signaling method provides noise immunity and reliable communication over the single bidirectional line, as the pulsed nature of the signals helps distinguish valid data from background electrical interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pulse-width modulation where the width (duration) of the pulse signals varies to encode different information states. By changing the temporal parameter (pulse width) rather than using separate physical lines, the system achieves reliable bidirectional communication on a single connection with immunity to signal interference.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (20) for controlling and/or regulating an electric motor (4) in a motor vehicle by means of an electronic control unit (2). The device (20) comprises the control unit (2), a first line (6; 7) through which electrical energy is applied to the electric motor (4) or a control circuit (3) of the motor (4), and a second line (6; 8) through which the electric motor (4) or the control circuit (3) is connected to ground, and wherein the device (20) has means for transmitting a control signal with information regarding a desired speed of the electric motor (4) from the control unit (2) to the electric motor (4) or the control circuit (3) and means for transmitting a status signal with information regarding a function of the electric motor (4) from the electric motor (4) or the control circuit (3) to the control unit (2).In order to reduce the number of required lines (6) while maintaining the full functionality of the control of the electric motor (4), it is proposed that the means for transmitting the control signal and the means for transmitting the operating status signal be designed as a common line (21).