Vehicle Component Position Sensing With Distinct Error Voltage States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for determining the position of rotatably and longitudinally displaceable structural components in vehicles fail to distinguish between normal and error states, leading to incorrect control signals due to the absence of specific error signals, which can result in malfunction or damage.
Innovation Solution
The sensor device incorporates a processing circuit that generates distinct error signals with varying voltage levels compared to normal operation signals, allowing for identification and classification of error states, and a control arrangement that processes these signals to adjust vehicle component operation accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor device outputs a sensor signal voltage in normal operation, then the position information is transmitted to the control device, but in error state the output voltage becomes indistinguishable from normal operation voltage leading to incorrect control signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of color changes by using distinct voltage levels to represent different operational states. In normal operation, the sensor outputs a first voltage level (e.g., 0V to 5V range), while in error state it outputs a second voltage level (e.g., -5V to -10V range). This voltage 'color' change allows the control device to easily distinguish between normal and error states, preventing incorrect control signals and improving reliability.
2Productivity
If the sensor device generates position-dependent sensor signals continuously, then real-time position control is enabled, but error states cannot be distinguished from valid position signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by continuously monitoring the voltage level of sensor signals and comparing them against predefined thresholds. The control device periodically checks whether the received voltage falls within the normal operation range or error range, enabling real-time distinction between valid position signals and error states without interrupting continuous operation.
3Device complexity
If no specific error signal is generated in error state, then the sensor device structure remains simple, but the control device cannot identify error conditions and may generate incorrect control signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the voltage parameter of the output signal to indicate error states. Instead of adding complex error signaling hardware, the sensor simply changes the voltage level parameter (from positive/nominal range to negative/error range) when an error occurs. This maintains structural simplicity while ensuring reliable error identification and preventing incorrect control actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device for determining a position of a rotatably and/or longitudinally displaceably mounted structural component of a vehicle component for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one processing circuit which is set up to generate at least one electrical and position-dependent sensor signal with a sensor signal voltage and to output it via at least one signal output, wherein the at least one processing circuit is further set up to check whether an error state relating to the sensor device is present in which the generation of the at least one sensor signal is prevented, and, in this case, to generate at least one error signal with an error signal voltage that deviates from the at least one sensor signal voltage and to output it via the at least one signal output.