Redundant Sensor Signal Comparison for Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing redundant sensor systems face challenges in determining sensor abnormalities, particularly when output values vary unpredictably, leading to difficulties in distinguishing normal and abnormal sensors, which complicates redundancy management and increases costs and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A redundant sensor device and method for determining abnormality of the sensor device, and a method of determining abnormality of the redundant sensor device, and a method of determining abnormality of the redundant sensor device, and a method of determining abnormality of the redundant sensor device, in which the number of circuits and signal lines are reduced while maintaining equivalent redundancy, allowing for cost and size reduction and enhanced mounting capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors and detection circuits are provided for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection circuits into a single integrated circuit that can process signals from multiple sensors. The circuit includes multiple input terminals for receiving signals from redundant sensors and performs differential comparison internally, eliminating the need for separate detection circuits for each sensor and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining redundancy capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle various sensor types and abnormality detection modes. It can process signals from different sensor configurations (single sensor, dual sensors, triple sensors) and perform multiple functions including differential comparison, abnormality determination, and output signal generation, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized circuits.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors and detection circuits are provided for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple detection functions into a single integrated circuit, the patent reduces the total component count and assembly requirements. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs through reduced part procurement, simplified assembly processes, and smaller PCB real estate requirements, while still providing the same level of redundant sensor coverage.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors and detection circuits are provided for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but mounting capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple detection circuits into one compact unit significantly reduces the space required on the PCB and within the housing. The single circuit with multiple input terminals occupies far less area than multiple separate circuits would require, improving mounting capability and allowing for more compact sensor system designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
In at least two groups of independent sensors (8a, 8b, 17a, 17b) connected to an electronic control device(s) (1a, 1b), at least two output signal ports (83a, 83b) are included in a sensor (8a, 17a) of a first group, and one output signal port (83c) is included in a sensor (8b, 17b) of a second group; and two output signals in the first group have different characteristics while having a constant relationship to each other defined in advance, and the one output signal in the second group has an equivalent characteristic to either one of the two output signals in the first group. The electronic control device(s) (1a, 1b) includes an abnormality determination unit (18) which is configured in such a manner that all of output signals of the output signal ports (83a, 83b, 83c) are compared, and, for the control by the electronic control device(s) (1a, 1b), only a normal output signal(s) is used among the output signals thereof having been determined by the abnormality determination unit (18).