Sensor Module Adjustment Circuit for Redundant Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
As vehicle manufacturers replace mechanical linkages with sensors, the increasing number of sensors leads to a rise in the number of wires and costs, making it challenging to accurately compare position values from multiple sensors, especially in static and dynamic vehicle conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module adjustment circuit that includes first and second position sensors generating signal waveforms with varying frequencies and duty cycles, a gain module for signal gain adjustment, and a control module that decodes and normalizes position values using learned values during operations, allowing for accurate redundant position sensing with reduced wiring and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for redundant position sensing, then measurement precision and system reliability are improved, but device complexity and wiring costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor signals (first and second position sensors) into a single PWM signal for transmission to the control module. The signal combiner integrates the frequency-modulated first signal and duty-cycle-modulated second signal into one unified waveform, reducing the number of wires from multiple separate connections to a single conductor while maintaining redundant position sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single PWM signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it encodes position information from both sensors through frequency and duty cycle variations, provides redundant measurements for cross-validation, and reduces wiring complexity. The control module decodes both position values from the single signal, enabling multi-functional use of one signal line
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors with shared reference voltages are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms position sensor outputs into different parameter domains: the first sensor's position value modulates signal frequency while the second sensor's position value modulates duty cycle. This parameter transformation allows both sensors to share a common reference voltage and transmission line while maintaining distinct, measurable position information through frequency and duty cycle separation
3Measurement precision
If position values from multiple sensors are compared, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by establishing predetermined signal waveforms corresponding to known position values (minimum, maximum, and breakout positions). The signal preset module uses these predetermined waveforms to automatically adjust sensor outputs during initialization, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control module uses feedback from the predetermined signal waveforms to automatically scale and normalize position values. By comparing actual sensor readings against the calibrated predetermined waveforms, the system automatically adjusts position value ranges without requiring manual intervention, simplifying operation while maintaining precision
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 accurate redundant position sensing of vehicle devices by presetting sensor modules, reducing inaccuracies and costs through the use of a single conductor for dual position indication signals, and scaling measured position values between predetermined and learned values.
Implementation Method 1
a first signal conversion module that generates a first signal waveform based on the first position value, that varies a frequency of the first signal waveform based on the first position value
Implementation Method 2
a second signal conversion module that generates a second signal waveform based on the second position value, varies a duty cycle of the second signal waveform based on the second position value
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor module adjustment circuit includes a device have a position between minimum and maximum positions. First and second position sensors sense the position of the device and generate first and second position values, respectively. A sensor module includes first and second signal conversion modules that generate first and second signal waveforms based on the first and second position values, that include first and second gain modules, and that vary a frequency and a duty cycle, respectively, of the first and second signal waveforms based on the first and second position values. A gain magnitude module determines first and second signal gains of the first and second gain modules, respectively. A signal preset module adjusts the first and second signal gains so that the first and second signal waveforms are equal to first and second predetermined signal waveforms, respectively, when the position of the device is fixed.