Sensor With Reference Inductance and Parallel Resonant Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensors have complex structures and are difficult to evaluate, making them challenging to connect and use effectively in applications such as detecting the position of pedals or controllers in automobiles.

Innovation Solution

A sensor design featuring a circuit carrier with measuring inductances and a reference inductance, where the measuring inductances are electrically isolated and arranged along a path, allowing for simple production and measurement of position or force variables, with an electronic control unit connected to form a parallel resonant circuit for easy evaluation and scalability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex sensor structures are used to achieve accurate position measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is divided into independent functional modules: a reference inductance unit and multiple measuring inductance units arranged along a path. Each unit can be independently configured and evaluated, simplifying the overall system while maintaining measurement accuracy through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reference inductance serves multiple functions: it generates the magnetic field for measurement, provides a reference for comparison, and enables evaluation of multiple measuring inductances simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Length of stationary object

If multiple measuring inductances are used to extend measuring range, then measuring range is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasuring rangeVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple measuring inductances are combined along a single path and evaluated together through the parallel resonant circuit. The measuring body's position is determined by evaluating the combined effect of all measuring inductances, allowing extended measuring range without proportionally increasing circuit complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring inductances are arranged linearly along a path rather than being distributed in three-dimensional space. This one-dimensional arrangement simplifies the spatial configuration and circuit connections while maintaining an extended measuring range along the path

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If measuring inductances are electrically connected to reference inductance for evaluation, then ease of evaluation is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation easeVSAvoidshort circuit risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A parallel resonant circuit is introduced as an intermediary evaluation element. The reference inductance and measuring inductances are electrically connected to this resonant circuit, which mediates the evaluation process. This allows electrical connection for easy evaluation while the resonant circuit's inherent properties provide isolation and protection against short circuits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The sensor achieves a simple and cost-effective structure for measuring position or force variables, enabling high resolution and long measuring ranges without complex wiring, and allows for easy scaling and efficient evaluation of multiple inductances.

Implementation Method 1

The reference inductance can generate a magnetic field which is detected by the measuring inductances and which depends on an external variable and/or on the position or location of a measuring body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

the reference inductance can generate a magnetic field which is detected by the measuring inductances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

The electronic control unit is configured to excite the parallel resonant circuit to oscillate with an excitation frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3417244B1Sensor
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO OHG
  • EP3417244B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3417244B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor comprising a circuit carrier, a number of measuring inductors on the circuit carrier, and a reference inductor that is coupled to the measuring inductors.