Sensor Mounting Verification via Power Supply Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for ensuring correct mounting of multiple sensors, particularly in diesel engines, become complex and costly when trying to prevent incorrect installation, especially for large engines with numerous sensors, as they require changes to the sensor side or additional pins/connector coding.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a controller to monitor and evaluate the sequence and timing of signals from sensors in relation to their power supply switching on/off, ensuring correct correlation of sensors with predefined mounting positions without altering the sensors themselves, thereby detecting any mix-ups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical keys or extra pins are added to connectors to prevent sensor mix-up, then sensor mounting correctness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from the physical connector structure and moves it to the electrical signal domain. Instead of adding physical keys or pins to the connector, the system uses existing communication lines to transmit sensor identification information, thereby solving the mounting correctness problem without increasing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical prevention methods (physical keys, pin configurations) with an electrical/electronic identification system. The controller receives sensor signals, evaluates identification information, and determines correct mounting through software logic rather than mechanical constraints, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If software protection models are implemented to check sensor consistency, then sensor mounting correctness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary identification of sensors during the mounting phase rather than requiring complex continuous verification models. The controller receives identification information from sensors and performs initial correctness evaluation, establishing a baseline for proper installation before full operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses changes in signal parameters (presence/absence of identification information, signal timing, signal characteristics) to determine sensor mounting correctness. Instead of complex consistency models, the system evaluates specific parameter changes in sensor signals to identify mounting errors with simpler logic.
3Ease of operation
If multiple sensors are installed without identification methods, then ease of installation is improved, but sensor mounting correctness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables sensors to self-identify through their own signals. Each sensor transmits identification information that the controller evaluates to determine correct mounting. This self-service approach maintains installation ease while ensuring correctness, as sensors automatically provide their own identification without requiring external labeling or complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller provides feedback by evaluating sensor identification signals and determining mounting correctness. The system receives signals from sensors, processes identification information, and can indicate whether sensors are correctly mounted, creating a feedback loop that ensures reliability without complicating the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure shows a system for checking a correct mounting of a plurality of sensors, in particular of sensors mounted in an engine system, comprising a controller configured for receiving signals from the plurality of sensors. The controller is configured to monitor a sequence and/or timing of the signals received from the sensors and to evaluate it with respect to a sequence and/or timing of a switching of a power supply to the sensors for checking the correct mounting of the sensors.