Steer-by-Wire Sensor Assembly Moisture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The steer-by-wire (SBW) steering apparatuses are vulnerable to moisture infiltration, which can cause malfunctions in electronic devices such as the angle sensor, potentially rendering the vehicle undrivable due to water damage.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sensor assembly is provided, comprising an angle sensor and a moisture sensor housed together. The moisture sensor includes a ground electrode, first and second input electrodes, and a control unit to detect moisture levels by comparing input-electrode voltages or currents with reference values, generating water level detection signals accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an angle sensor is incorporated in the steering apparatus for wheel movement, then steering angle tracking capability is improved, but vulnerability to moisture infiltration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a moisture sensor as an intermediary detection device that monitors moisture levels in the steering apparatus. This mediator detects moisture infiltration early and provides warnings before the moisture can damage the angle sensor, thus protecting the main component while maintaining its measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The moisture sensor performs preliminary detection of moisture infiltration before it reaches critical levels that would damage the angle sensor. By detecting moisture early and providing advance warning, the system allows for preventive maintenance or corrective action before reliability is compromised.
2Reliability
If a moisture sensor is added to detect water penetration, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the angle sensor and moisture sensor into a single integrated sensor assembly housed within one housing. This merging of functions reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate mounting locations and wiring harnesses for each sensor, while still providing both steering angle tracking and moisture detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor assembly serves multiple functions: the angle sensor tracks steering wheel position, the moisture sensor detects water infiltration, and both share a common housing and control unit. This multi-functionality approach consolidates components and reduces system complexity while improving reliability through comprehensive monitoring.
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
The integrated sensor assembly effectively detects moisture infiltration, preventing potential malfunctions and ensuring the vehicle's operational safety by providing timely warnings or controlling the steering system appropriately.
Implementation Method 1
The control unit is electrically connected to the ground electrode, the first input electrode, and the second input electrode to detect moisture
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a sensor assembly capable of detecting moisture introduced into a rack housing. The sensor assembly includes a housing, an angle sensor provided in the housing, and a moisture sensor provided in the housing. The moisture sensor includes a ground electrode, a first input electrode, a second input electrode, and a control unit electrically connected to the ground electrode, the first input electrode, and the second input electrode to detect moisture. The ground electrode, the first input electrode, and the second input electrode extend downward from the housing. A lower end of the ground electrode, a lower end of the first input electrode, and a lower end of the second input electrode are exposed to the outside of the housing. Further, the first input electrode extends downward to a different level compared to the second input electrode.