Steering Torque Sensor Device With Redundant Control Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque sensors for detecting steering torque are vulnerable to disruptions when abnormalities occur in the CPU, leading to a halt in detection operations.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with multiple sensor sections and control units, along with bidirectional signal lines, allows for continuous detection by transmitting trigger signals from a single corresponding control unit to each sensor section, preventing signal interference and enabling adequate acquisition of detection signals even in the presence of abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single CPU is used for detection, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates because detection cannot continue when abnormality occurs in the CPU
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the control function into multiple independent control units (first control unit and second control unit), each capable of independently acquiring detection signals from sensor sections. This segmentation allows the system to maintain detection functionality even when one control unit fails, thereby improving reliability without requiring a complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control unit is assigned specific responsibilities and connection relationships with sensor sections, creating localized functional quality. The first control unit corresponds to the first sensor section, and the second control unit corresponds to the second sensor section, allowing localized operation and failure isolation that maintains overall system reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple control units transmit trigger signals simultaneously, then detection coverage is improved, but signal interference occurs leading to inadequate signal acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The signal transmission paths are segmented into dedicated main lines and sub lines. Each control unit transmits trigger signals through its designated main line to corresponding sensor sections, preventing signal overlap and interference while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage through the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal line configuration acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between multiple control units and sensor sections. By introducing main lines and sub lines as intermediate transmission paths, the system enables multiple control units to operate simultaneously without direct signal interference, ensuring accurate signal acquisition.
3Reliability
If redundant sensor sections and control units are added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular segments consisting of sensor sections paired with corresponding control units. Each segment can operate independently, providing fault tolerance without requiring a completely complex interconnected system. The segmented architecture naturally improves reliability while keeping individual component complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control unit is designed with universal capability to acquire detection signals from sensor sections, and each sensor section can provide detection signals to control units. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain operation with reduced complexity by having components that can perform multiple roles rather than requiring specialized dedicated pathways for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
In a sensor device, microcomputers acquire detection signals from plural sensor sections. A first signal line includes a main line and a sub line, and is capable of bidirectional communication between the sensor section and the microcomputers. A second signal line includes a main line and a sub line, and is capable of bidirectional communication between the sensor section and the microcomputers. A trigger signal is transmitted to the sensor section from the first microcomputer via the main line. A trigger signal is transmitted to the sensor section from the second microcomputer via the main line. Detection of steering torque can be continued in the occurrence of an abnormality in part of the sensor sections or microcomputers.