Sensor Unit Manipulation Detection Using Periodic Diagnostic Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to reliably detect manipulation, such as the replacement of original sensor units, which can falsify measurement signals in vehicles, necessitating a robust detection mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A method involving sending diagnostic signals at short intervals to verify the connection between a control unit and a measuring unit, analyzing response signals, and synchronizing time values to detect unauthorized replacements or disconnections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If diagnostic signals are sent at short intervals to detect manipulation, then detection reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit sends diagnostic signals at predetermined periodic time intervals to the measuring unit and waits for response signals. This periodic communication mechanism enables reliable detection of manipulation without requiring continuous monitoring, thus improving detection reliability while keeping the system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by sending diagnostic signals and waiting for response signals from the measuring unit. The absence of expected response signals indicates manipulation. This feedback mechanism provides reliable detection with minimal additional complexity compared to continuous monitoring approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If continuous monitoring is implemented to detect manipulation, then detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic diagnostic signals sent at predetermined intervals. This approach maintains detection reliability by periodically verifying the measuring unit's functionality while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The diagnostic signal transmission continues at regular intervals to maintain ongoing detection capability. This continuous periodic action ensures the system remains vigilant for manipulation without the excessive energy cost of truly continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4291860B1Method for identifying manipulation of a sensor unit
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP4291860B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for identifying manipulation of a sensor unit (100), which comprises a measuring unit (110) designed to measure a physical property and a control unit (120) connected to the measuring unit (110), the control unit being designed to receive measurement signals from the measuring unit (110) and to send control signals to the measuring unit (110). The method comprises: sending at least one diagnostic signal to the measuring unit (110) by means of the control unit (120); receiving, at the control unit (120), a reply signal generated by the measuring unit (110) in response to the diagnostic signal; and identifying manipulation of the sensor unit (100) if a reply signal is not received.