Sensor Controller Fault Handling via Periodic Wireless Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
In motorized systems, low- or medium-complexity sensors face challenges in efficiently communicating with complex computing units using robust protocols that balance throughput and simplicity, particularly in detecting and handling faults within sensor modules.
Innovation Solution
A sensor controller and sensor signal receiver system with a control module that obtains sensor information, generates and transmits sensor signals, detects faults, and executes fault handling instructions, enabling communication via wired or wireless connections and reducing energy consumption by activating wireless communication only during diagnostic modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless communication is activated continuously for fault detection and data transmission, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating wireless communication only during diagnostic modes rather than continuously. The control module switches between operational mode (wired communication) and diagnostic mode (wireless communication), thereby maintaining communication reliability when needed while significantly reducing energy consumption during normal operation.
2Reliability
If a robust fault detection and handling system is implemented in the sensor controller, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a dedicated control module as a mediator between the sensor module and the sensor signal receiver. This control module centralizes fault detection and handling functions, managing communication modes and coordinating fault responses, thereby improving system reliability while containing complexity within a single dedicated component rather than distributing it across multiple elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor controller for a sensor module includes at least one interface to obtain sensor information from the sensor module and to communicate with a sensor signal receiver. The sensor controller includes a control module to control the at least one interface. The control module is configured to obtain the sensor information from the sensor module; generate a sensor signal based on the sensor information; and transmit the sensor signal. The control module is further configured to detect a fault state of the sensor module; transmit a fault indicator if the fault state indicates a failure of at least a part of the sensor module; and receive a control signal from the sensor signal receiver based on the fault indicator. The control signal includes at least one fault handling instruction. The control module is configured to execute the at least one fault handling instruction.