Vehicle Spoiler Position Sensing with Redundant Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spoiler position sensing devices for motor vehicles do not provide drivers with information about the current operating state or functional capability, leading to potential misinterpretation and risk of malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A device using Hall sensors and an adjustment position sensing device generates position signals to evaluate the current position of the spoiler, providing feedback to the driver through an information device, allowing for detection of malfunctions and ensuring accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only Hall sensors are used to sense spoiler position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the driver receives no information about the operating state leading to potential misinterpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the evaluation unit processes signals from both Hall sensors and the adjustment position sensing device, then provides information to the driver through an information device. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the driver is informed about the actual spoiler position and sensor functionality, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit serves as an intermediary that receives raw signals from the sensing devices, processes and compares them, and then generates appropriate information output for the driver. This intermediary function allows the system to transform complex sensor data into useful information without requiring the driver to interpret raw sensor signals directly.
2Reliability
If redundant sensing devices are added to provide driver information, then the reliability of position determination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the adjustment position sensing device to continuously monitor and verify the spoiler position. The evaluation unit compares the feedback signals from both Hall sensors and the adjustment position sensing device, providing reliable position determination while the information device keeps the driver informed of the system's confidence level.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit performs self-verification by automatically comparing signals from multiple sensing devices and determining its own reliability status. This self-service capability allows the system to provide reliable position information without requiring external verification or complex manual monitoring procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If the spoiler position is determined solely by Hall sensors, then the manufacturing precision is simplified, but the ability to detect malfunctions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment position sensing device provides continuous feedback about the actual spoiler position, which the evaluation unit uses to detect discrepancies indicating sensor malfunction. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically detect and report Hall sensor failures or position deviations without complicating the manufacturing or installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit acts as an intermediary that monitors the consistency between Hall sensor readings and adjustment position sensing device readings. By comparing these intermediate signals, the system can detect malfunctions in either sensing device while maintaining the simplicity of the overall manufacturing process.
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 solution enables the driver to determine the operational state of the spoiler and sensors, preventing misinterpretation and ensuring the spoiler is correctly positioned, with redundancy in signals providing immediate feedback on potential defects.
Implementation Method 1
at least one Hall sensor for sensing at least one of the retracted setpoint base position and the extended setpoint operating position of the spoiler
Implementation Method 2
an adjustment position sensing device which senses a current position of the spoiler and generates second position signals on a basis of a sensed current position
Data Source
AI summary
A device for sensing a position of a spoiler on a motor vehicle, where the spoiler is moved with a drive unit between a retracted setpoint base position and an extended setpoint operating position. At least one sensor is provided with which at least one of the setpoint positions of the spoiler can be sensed, and which generates first position signals on the basis of the sensed setpoint position. An adjustment position sensing device is provided which senses a current position of the spoiler, and which generates second position signals on the basis of the sensed current position. An evaluation unit evaluates the first position signals and the second position signals, and which actuates, on the basis of the evaluation result, an information device which provides the driver with information about the state of at least one of the position sensing devices and/or actuates the drive unit.