Sensor Signal Processing Unit for Precision Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor signal processing units face challenges in achieving precise determination of physical quantities due to noise and sensor errors, particularly when using ferromagnetic elements in differential throttle position sensors, where only a limited position range can be accurately determined, and simple arrangements can mask errors like cable breaks.
Innovation Solution
A sensor signal processing unit and method that utilize two sensor signals representing the same physical variable but with different maxima values, where the signals are processed to form a sensor signal evaluation variable by combining signal values at the same time, allowing for enhanced precision and error compensation, and the unit can identify faulty signals by checking validity ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sensor signal is used to determine physical quantity, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is limited due to noise and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into multiple independent sensor channels, each providing a separate signal. Instead of relying on a single sensor, the system segments the measurement function across multiple sensors (at least two), allowing individual signals to be processed and combined. This segmentation enables noise reduction through signal differentiation and combination, improving measurement precision while keeping each individual sensor simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple sensor signals through a signal processing unit that combines the outputs of at least two sensors. The evaluation variable is formed by mathematically combining the first and second sensor signals, which allows the system to leverage information from multiple sources. This merging process improves measurement precision by canceling out common-mode noise and errors present in individual signals.
2Reliability
If conventional sensor arrangements are used, then the device complexity is low, but reliability is reduced due to undetected faults like cable breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the signal processing unit that continuously monitors the relationship between multiple sensor signals. By evaluating the consistency and validity of signals from multiple sensors, the system can detect faults such as cable breaks or sensor failures. The feedback loop allows the system to identify when a sensor signal becomes invalid and adjust or discard affected measurements, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares for potential failures by having redundant sensor channels in place before faults occur. The system is designed with at least two sensor signals that can compensate for each other, providing a cushion against single-point failures. This prior cushioning approach ensures that if one sensor or cable fails, the system can still operate using the remaining functional signals, improving overall reliability.
3Measurement precision
If a single sensor signal is used, then the device complexity is low, but the positional range determination is limited and cannot achieve high precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional single-signal measurement to two-dimensional multi-signal evaluation space. By forming an evaluation variable that combines multiple sensor signals, the system creates an additional dimension for measurement. This dimensional expansion allows for more precise determination of physical quantities, as the combined evaluation space provides richer information than any single signal alone, effectively resolving the limitation of positional range determination.
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
This approach enables significantly more precise determination of physical variables with minimal additional effort, increasing system functionality and robustness, particularly in systems with high security requirements, by compensating for systematic measurement errors and noise through signal offset and validation.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second inductor (200a, 200b) coupled to a first movable ferromagnetic element (210a), wherein the first and second inductors (200a, 200b) are configured to provide the first sensor signal
Implementation Method 2
a third and a fourth inductor (200c, 200d) coupled to a second movable ferromagnetic element (210b), wherein the third and fourth inductors (200c, 200d) are configured to provide the second sensor signal
Implementation Method 3
a first and a second inductor (200a, 200b) coupled to a first movable ferromagnetic element (210a)... arranged to detect an identical physical quantity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sensor signal processing unit (120) with an interface (130) for reading a first sensor signal (115a) and a second sensor signal (115b), wherein the first (115a) and the second (115b) sensor signal represent an identical physical quantity and wherein, for a first value of the physical quantity, the first sensor signal (115a) has a maximum (520) and, for a second value of the physical quantity that differs from the first value, the second sensor signal (115b) has a maximum (520).Furthermore, the sensor signal processing unit (120) comprises a sensor signal conditioning unit (140) configured to determine a sensor signal evaluation quantity (610, α) based on a first and a second component, wherein the first component of the sensor signal evaluation quantity (610, α) is formed by a signal value of the first sensor signal (115a) and the second component of the sensor signal evaluation quantity (610, α) is formed by a signal value of the second sensor signal (115b), the first and second signal values being recorded at the same time. Finally, the sensor signal processing unit (120) comprises a sensor signal evaluation unit (150) configured to determine the physical quantity underlying the first (115a) and second (115b) sensor signals using the sensor signal evaluation quantity (610, α).