Position Sensor Mapping Module for Continuous Discrete Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to efficiently detect both continuous and discrete changes in the position of mechanical moving parts, such as shift levers, using a single position sensor, leading to increased complexity and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A position sensor that emits an electrical measurement signal, connected to an analog-to-digital converter and an evaluation device with a mapping module that maps adjacent bit patterns to position values, allowing for the generation of reaction variables for both continuous and discrete position changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single position sensor is used to detect both continuous and discrete position changes, then production costs are reduced and device complexity is simplified, but the system cannot efficiently handle both continuous and discrete detection scenarios simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single position sensor system that can perform multiple functions: detecting both continuous position changes and discrete position changes. The evaluation device includes a mapping module that can map bit patterns to position values in different modes (continuous or discrete), allowing one sensor to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mapping module configurable to adapt its behavior based on the detection scenario. The mapping module can dynamically switch between continuous position detection mode and discrete position detection mode, or even mixed mode, by adjusting how bit patterns are mapped to position values. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware to efficiently handle different detection requirements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple specialized sensors are used for continuous and discrete position detection, then detection precision is improved for specific scenarios, but production costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor combined with the configurable mapping module serves as a universal detection system that maintains precision for both continuous and discrete scenarios. The mapping module's ability to configure different mapping relationships ensures that precision requirements are met regardless of the detection mode, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the mapping parameters in the evaluation device to adapt to different detection scenarios. By changing how bit patterns are mapped to position values (continuous mapping vs. discrete mapping), the system maintains measurement precision for different types of position changes without requiring different hardware sensors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a position sensor system is designed for versatile detection scenarios, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple specialized detection systems into a single integrated system. The position sensor is combined with an analog-to-digital converter and a configurable mapping module in one evaluation device, creating a unified system that handles both continuous and discrete detection through software/configuration rather than separate hardware systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves versatility through dynamic configurability of the mapping module. The mapping relationships between bit patterns and position values can be dynamically adjusted based on the detection scenario, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different precision requirements and detection modes without physical reconfiguration.
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 approach simplifies production by allowing a single position sensor to handle various position detection scenarios, reducing costs and enabling flexible configuration for mixed continuous/discrete position detection.
Implementation Method 1
a position sensor which continuously detects the position of a mechanical moving part designed as a shift lever in the driver's cab of a locomotive and emits a corresponding electrical measurement signal
Implementation Method 2
connected to an analog-to-digital converter which emits bit patterns at its output
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement having a position sensor (3) which continuously detects the position of a moving mechanical part (1), emits a corresponding electrical signal (M) and has a downstream analogue/digital converter (5) which emits bit patterns at the output thereof. Connected downstream of this converter is an evaluation device (7) having a mapping module (6) in which a plurality of bit patterns which are similar to one another in terms of value are together each mapped to a respective corresponding position value of a plurality of position values (St1 to Stn) for position ranges of the moving mechanical part (1). There is also an output module (7) which detects the position value (St1 to Stn) for the position, to which value a bit pattern corresponding to a detected position of the moving part (1) is mapped when this bit pattern is present, and provides at least one corresponding reaction variable (R).