RF Resonator Tuning Element for Automotive Steering Rotation Measurement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack efficient methods for real-time measurement of mechanical rotations and fluid conditions in automotive applications, such as steering mechanisms and transmission systems, which are critical for performance and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a microwave resonator with a tuning element and a spectrum analyzer that measures resonant wavelengths, allowing for the determination of mechanical displacements and fluid conditions by adjusting the length of the tuning element within the cavity, either through a steering wheel or solenoid actuator, and using look-up tables to compute corresponding parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a microwave cavity with tuning element is used to measure mechanical rotations, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical rotation measurementVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a microwave resonant system. A tuning element (such as a plunger or screw) is inserted into a microwave cavity, and its position is determined by measuring the resonant frequency of the cavity. This substitutes direct mechanical measurement with electromagnetic field measurement, simplifying the overall measurement system while enabling precise rotation detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system measures the position of the tuning element by detecting changes in the resonant frequency parameter of the microwave cavity. As the tuning element moves with mechanical rotation, it changes the electrical length of the cavity, which directly alters the resonant frequency. This parameter change provides a measurable signal that correlates with the mechanical rotation angle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a spectrum analyzer is used to measure resonant wavelengths, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresonant wavelength measurementVSAvoidmeasurement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microwave cavity system serves multiple functions: it acts as both the measurement target and the sensing element. The cavity's resonant characteristics are used to determine the position of the tuning element, which in turn reflects the mechanical rotation. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate specialized measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The microwave cavity acts as an intermediary between the mechanical rotation and the electrical measurement signal. The tuning element's mechanical position is translated into a change in the cavity's resonant frequency, which is then measured by the spectrum analyzer. This intermediary conversion enables precise measurement while maintaining system integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If real-time monitoring is implemented in automotive systems, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomotive system monitoringVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic microwave signals to probe the resonant cavity and detect tuning element position. By transmitting microwave pulses at the resonant frequency and measuring the reflected or transmitted signal, the system achieves real-time monitoring with relatively low energy consumption compared to continuous high-power transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables real-time monitoring of angular rotations and fluid conditions, improving the accuracy and efficiency of automotive systems and extending to industrial applications for displacement and fluid monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

Microwave cavities serve as resonant microwave circuits, where the resonant frequencies depend upon the size of the cavities, as well as structures inside the cavities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

For example, one or more tuning screws in a microwave cavity can be adjusted to change the resonant frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance tuning: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS11697458B2Systems with radio frequency resonators, tuning elements, and spectrum analyzers to provide values of resonance parameters

Publication Date: 2023.07.11 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

A system comprises: a radio frequency (RF) resonator comprising a cavity and a tuning element, the cavity having at least one port, and the tuning element having a length inside the cavity; a processor; a spectrum analyzer coupled to the at least one port, the spectrum analyzer to provide to the processor values of a resonance parameter, the resonance parameter indicative of a resonant wavelength of the RF resonator; and an automotive steering mechanism coupled to the tuning element.