Sensor Device Abnormal Signal Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor devices face challenges in identifying which detection signal is abnormal among multiple signals, leading to difficulties in computing rotation angles or torque values, especially when one signal exceeds threshold limits, and fail to determine the specific abnormal signal source.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device comprising multiple sensor ICs that detect the same state quantity and output signals, allowing for comparison of detection results to identify abnormal signals and continue computation using redundant signals, thereby enhancing redundancy and ease of manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple detection signals are used to detect the same state quantity, then redundancy is improved and reliability is enhanced, but it becomes difficult to identify which specific signal is abnormal when an anomaly occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveredundancyVSAvoidabnormal signal identification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses multiple detection signals (S11, S12, S13, S14) as copies of the same state quantity measurement. By comparing these identical copies against each other, the system can identify which copy has deviated from the expected pattern, thereby identifying the abnormal signal while maintaining redundancy through the multiple copies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If signal addition and threshold comparison methods are used for abnormality detection, then abnormality detection capability is improved, but the ability to identify the specific abnormal signal source deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormality detectionVSAvoidsignal source identification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control device continuously monitors the relationships between multiple detection signals and compares them against expected patterns. When an abnormality is detected, the feedback loop identifies which specific signal relationship has deviated, providing both abnormality detection and source identification through the feedback comparison process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of stationary object

If redundant detection signals are implemented, then computation continuity is improved during abnormalities, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputation continuityVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection system into multiple independent detection signals (S11, S12, S13, S14) that can be individually monitored and compared. This segmentation allows the control device to process each signal relationship separately, identifying abnormalities in specific segments without requiring complete system redesign, thereby managing complexity through modular segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2672233B1Sensor device
Publication Date: 2019.01.23 JTEKT CORP
  • EP2672233B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2672233B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2672233B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A torque sensor (4) to which a sensor device is applied includes: a first sensor IC (50) that detects a torque that acts on a steering shaft of a vehicle and outputs detection signals (S11, S12) based on the detection results; and a second sensor IC (60) that detects a torque that acts on the steering shaft of the vehicle and outputs detection signals (S 13, S14) based on the detection results.