Sensor Signal Multiplexing on Shared Wiring Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Redundant sensor systems require multiple separate lines for connection to an evaluation unit, leading to increased space, cost, and weight issues, particularly in applications like vehicles, where a more efficient method is needed to transmit measured values from multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
A system where two sensors, one producing continuous measured values and the other discrete values, are connected in parallel and share a common two-wire line, using different protocols to distinguish their outputs and eliminate the need for separate lines, allowing the evaluation unit to correctly interpret the measured values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate lines are used for each sensor connection, then reliability of signal transmission is improved, but device complexity and number of lines increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor connections are merged into a single common line. The patent combines multiple separate sensor lines into one shared communication bus, allowing multiple sensors to transmit their signals through the same physical medium. This merging approach maintains signal transmission reliability while dramatically reducing the total number of lines required in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The common line serves multiple functions by carrying signals from multiple different sensors simultaneously. This universal communication bus can handle various sensor types and measurement protocols, making the line multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single sensor, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If redundant sensors are used for safety monitoring, then safety detection capability is improved, but quantity of lines and wiring increases
Solution Approach 1:
Redundant sensor connections are merged into a common communication line. The patent enables multiple redundant sensors to share the same physical wiring infrastructure, maintaining safety monitoring capabilities while reducing the quantity of lines from N separate connections to a single shared bus.
3Ease of operation
If multiple sensors are connected via separate lines, then ease of operation is maintained, but space and weight requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor connections are merged into a single common line, directly reducing the total wiring weight in the system. This approach maintains ease of operation through standardized connection protocols while dramatically reducing the physical weight of the wiring harness.
Solution Approach 2:
The common line serves as a universal communication medium for multiple sensors, reducing the overall wiring requirements and associated weight while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized multi-functional communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring a state, for example a filling state of a container, with a first sensor which in operation produces a measured value, and a second sensor which in operation produces a second, discrete measured value. The first measured value and the second measured value are forwarded to an evaluation unit via a common line.