Vehicle Operating Interface With Parallel Inductive Sensor Evaluation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices with inductive sensor areas require complex evaluation processes and significant time due to the sequential quenching of sensor areas, which increases the complexity and time required for evaluation.
Innovation Solution
The operating device incorporates at least two inductive sensor areas coupled with a joint control circuit, allowing for parallel evaluation and signal processing through common signal lines, enabling differentiation between signal increases and drops based on the spatial orientation of the sensor areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If inductive sensor areas are evaluated sequentially, then the evaluation process is simple, but the evaluation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inductive sensor areas into a single evaluation process by connecting them in parallel to common signal lines, allowing simultaneous evaluation of all sensor areas through one control circuit, thus reducing both complexity and time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial orientation as a differentiating dimension by arranging sensor areas with different orientations relative to their targets, enabling the control circuit to distinguish between sensors based on signal direction (increase or decrease) rather than requiring separate evaluation channels
2Measurement precision
If multiple inductive sensor areas are connected to separate control circuits, then each sensor can be evaluated independently, but the device complexity and number of control contacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor areas into a single control circuit by connecting them in parallel through common signal lines, reducing the number of control contacts and circuit complexity while maintaining the ability to evaluate all sensors simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetric spatial orientation of sensor areas relative to their targets, where sensors are positioned at different angles (e.g., 0 degrees and 90 degrees), enabling the control circuit to differentiate between sensors based on the direction of signal change (increase or decrease) rather than requiring separate evaluation channels
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 configuration reduces evaluation complexity and time, allowing for simultaneous and uniform measurement of signals from multiple inductive sensor areas, while maintaining high reliability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
They use the principle of induction to detect changes in an electric field caused by the presence of metal or electrically conductive materials. Inductive sensors work on the principle of impedance change caused by eddy currents in a conductive target. The sensor is excited by an oscillator, which generates an electromagnetic field that couples to the (galvanically decoupled) target.
Implementation Method 2
Inductive sensors work on the principle of impedance change caused by eddy currents in a conductive target.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Operating device for a motor vehicle with a housing (1) in which at least two inductive sensor areas (5, 6) are arranged, each associated with a metallic target (5a, 6a). A force applied to actuation areas (7a, 7b) causes a change in the distance between the associated inductive sensor area (5, 6) and its associated target (5a, 6a). The inductive sensor areas (5, 6) are coupled to each other via signal lines (4a, 4b) and to a control circuit (4) via common contacts in parallel. The inductive sensor areas (5, 6) are aligned relative to each other and the signal lines (4a, 4b) are routed such that an approach of a first target (5a, 6a) relative to the first sensor area leads to a signal increase at the control circuit, while an approach of a second target (5a, 6a) relative to the second inductive sensor area (5, 6) leads to a signal decrease.