Sensor Adapter with Embedded Filters for Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensors require application-specific manufacturing, increasing costs due to the need for custom configurations, and lack efficient methods to manage electromagnetic interference and mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A sensor component with multiple signal paths and an output interface that allows for flexible pin configuration and integration of filtering components, encapsulated in a resin for protection, enabling standardized manufacturing and enhanced electromagnetic compatibility and mechanical resilience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If application-specific manufacturing is used for sensors, then the sensor can be customized for different control units and signal routing requirements, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter component introduces dynamic reconfigurability through multiple switchable signal paths. The component can be positioned in different orientations (e.g., 0° or 180°) to activate different signal routing configurations, allowing a single standardized component to adapt to different application requirements without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter component is designed as a universal multi-functional element that can serve different control units and signal routing requirements. By integrating multiple signal paths (first signal path for differential signals, second signal path for single-ended signals) within a single component, it eliminates the need for application-specific sensor manufacturing while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple signal paths are integrated in the sensor, then different control units can be supported, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter component acts as an intermediary between the sensor element and different control units. It provides a standardized interface that translates between different signal types (differential and single-ended) through internally integrated signal paths, simplifying the overall system architecture while supporting multiple control unit types.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal routing functionality is segmented into distinct, independently controllable paths within the adapter component. The first signal path handles differential signals while the second signal path handles single-ended signals, allowing selective activation of appropriate paths based on the specific application without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire device.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If filter components are added to improve electromagnetic compatibility, then interference is reduced, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter components are merged with the adapter component structure rather than being separate additions. The filtering functionality is integrated into the existing signal paths and housing, providing electromagnetic interference protection while maintaining a compact, unified component design that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter component housing serves as a flexible protective shell that provides electromagnetic shielding. The housing structure itself is designed to filter out interference signals while protecting the internal circuitry, eliminating the need for additional complex filtering structures and reducing overall device complexity.
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 cost-effective, application-specific sensor configurations while improving electromagnetic compatibility and reducing mechanical stress, allowing for efficient signal routing and interference filtering.
Implementation Method 1
the circuit can be encapsulated in an investment material. Encapsulating the component protects the signal paths and, if applicable, the electrical components
Implementation Method 2
The electrical component can, for example, be configured to filter out interference from the electrical signal. This increases the electromagnetic compatibility of a sensor with the specified component
Data Source
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AI summary
A component for a sensor having a sensor element and having an output interface for the outputting of an electrical signal, which is dependent on a physical variable, from the sensor element to the output interface, including—a circuit with at least one first signal path for receiving the electrical signal from the sensor element and for conducting the electrical signal to the output interface, and a second signal path, which differs from the first signal path, for conducting the electrical signal to the output interface, —wherein an activity of the first signal path or of the second signal path is dependent on a position of the component in the sensor.