Sensor Interface Auto-Detection for Mixed Sensor Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine control computers require different hardware interfaces for voltage-source and current-source sensors, making it impossible to change sensor types without modifying the interface, limiting adaptability and increasing the risk of anomalies during coupling.

Innovation Solution

A hardware interface with a detection module and storage module that automatically identifies and stores the type of sensor connected, allowing seamless adaptation to both sensor types without altering the engine control computer's internal structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different hardware interfaces are used for voltage-source and current-source sensors, then sensor coupling reliability is improved, but device adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor coupling reliabilityVSAvoidsensor type adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hardware interface is designed to handle multiple sensor types (voltage-source and current-source sensors) through a single unified interface. The interface includes a detection module that automatically identifies the sensor type and a storage module that stores the detected type, enabling the same hardware interface to adaptively support different sensor configurations without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each sensor type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If the hardware interface is modified for each sensor type, then sensor coupling precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor coupling precisionVSAvoidhardware interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hardware interface performs self-identification and self-configuratio nby automatically detecting the sensor type through its detection module and storing the result in its storage module. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration or complex external setup procedures, thereby maintaining high coupling precision while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If sensor type is fixed during design, then hardware interface reliability is improved, but product adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware interface reliabilityVSAvoidsensor replacement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hardware interface transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adaptive configuration by incorporating real-time detection and storage capabilities. The detection module continuously identifies the connected sensor type, and the storage module retains this information, allowing the interface to dynamically adjust its operation to match the actual sensor configuration. This enables sensor replacement and type changes throughout the vehicle's lifespan while maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12530442B2Device for automatically detecting coupling between electronic devices

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG

AI summary

A method for automatically detecting a sensor coupled to an electronic computer including steps of detecting the sensor and steps of configuring a hardware interface.