Vehicle Pressure Measuring Module With Vibration-Resistant Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pneumatic pressure sensors for vehicles require complex and costly installation, are not easily exchangeable, and suffer from signal disruption due to vibrations, particularly in electropneumatic switching devices of automated manual transmissions.

Innovation Solution

A pressure measuring module with a plate-shaped carrier, featuring mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical interfaces, allowing direct and secure attachment, pneumatic pressure recording, and vibration-resistant electrical connection using spring contacts, enabling easy adaptation to various vehicle components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If circuit board connections with contact pads are used for electrical interfacing, then electrical connection is established, but signal transmission is disrupted by vibrations and additional cost expenditure occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidvibration sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact pad system with an inductive coupling system using magnetic fields. The first circuit board has a first coil generating a magnetic field, and the second circuit board has a second coil that receives the signal inductively. This substitution eliminates physical contact, making the system immune to vibrations while maintaining reliable signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If special tools and complex fitting procedures are used for pressure sensor installation, then secure mechanical connection is achieved, but cost expenditure increases and exchangeability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connection securityVSAvoidinstallation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the pressure sensor system into separate modular components: the pressure sensor itself, the first circuit board with coil, and the second circuit board with coil. These segments are connected through magnetic coupling rather than requiring complex mechanical assembly, enabling simple installation and easy exchange without special tools while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the two circuit boards, transferring electrical signals without direct physical contact. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the mechanical connection requirements, allowing easy installation and exchange of components while maintaining reliable electrical coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If soldered electrical leads are used for electrical connection, then electrical connection is established, but additional working steps are required and exchangeability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidsensor exchangeability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces soldered electrical leads with an inductive coupling system using magnetic fields. The first coil on the first circuit board generates a magnetic field that inductively couples with the second coil on the second circuit board, establishing electrical connection without physical soldering. This eliminates the need for additional working steps and maintains full exchangeability of the pressure sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates flexible, cost-effective, and robust pneumatic pressure measurement in vehicles, supporting easy installation and maintenance without complex design adaptations, and maintaining reliable signal transmission despite vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

the first circuit board has a first coil, which, in the connected state, generates a magnetic field that extends through the first circuit board to the second circuit board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250216280A1Pressure measuring module for a pneumatic device of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 ZF CV SYST EURO BV

AI summary

A pressure measuring module (1) for a pneumatic device (2) includes a pressure sensor (20), a mechanical interface (4), a pneumatic interface (26), and an electrical interface (30), by way of which an electrical pressure measuring signal generated by the pressure sensor can be passed on. The mechanical interface has a plate-shaped carrier (5), on which the pressure sensor is arranged, the pneumatic interface is arranged on a first carrier side (15), and is provided with a sealing means (27), and the electrical interface is arranged on a second carrier side (16). The electrical interface has an electrical spring contact device (31), and the electrical interface can be electrically connected to an electronic control device of the pneumatic device directly or by way of an adapter (35, 40).