Sensor Array Unstable Error Analysis via Signal Edge Cumulative Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for diagnosing errors in analog sensor arrays, particularly unstable errors, are inadequate as they cannot reliably detect intermittent issues like periodic contact breakage or short circuits, which affect the accuracy and reliability of applications such as engine control in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the determination of the cumulative height of signal edges within a predetermined time interval, generating a diagnostic signal, and comparing it with thresholds to assess the severity of unstable errors, allowing for precise error analysis without requiring structural adjustments to the diagnostic device or method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diagnostic voltage is fed into the sensor to analyze errors, then stable errors can be detected, but unstable errors cannot be reliably detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being analyzed from voltage level (in existing methods) to signal edge characteristics (rising/falling edges). By monitoring cumulative edge heights over time intervals, the system can detect unstable errors that manifest as intermittent signal transitions, while stable errors appear as sustained edge patterns. This parameter transformation enables universal detection across both stable and unstable error types.
2Measurement precision
If the diagnostic method is designed specifically for lambda probes, then lambda probe errors can be detected, but the method cannot be transferred to other analog sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal diagnostic method that works across all analog sensor types by focusing on the common characteristic of signal edges rather than sensor-specific parameters. The method monitors cumulative edge heights in the analog signal, which is a universal property of all analog sensors regardless of their measurement function (lambda probes, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.). This eliminates the need for sensor-specific diagnostic routines while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
3Reliability
If intermittent errors are monitored without considering severity, then all error events are detected, but the impact on system function cannot be assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary accumulation of edge heights over predetermined time intervals before making diagnostic decisions. By summing the heights of all rising and falling edges within each time interval and comparing against thresholds, the system automatically assesses error severity based on the cumulative impact of intermittent errors. This preliminary accumulation action enables both detection and severity assessment in a single integrated process.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies and techniques for analyzing a sensor array for unstable errors, wherein the sensor array emits an analog sensor signal according to a measured variable, a number of error events is identified within a given time interval, the sensor signal having a first slope and a second slope for each of the error events. A diagnostic signal is generated according to a cumulative height of the first and/or the second slopes and is compared with a first threshold value. An error message is generated according to a result of the comparison.