Switching Module Function Identification Using Resistor Combinations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle-mounted control devices face challenges in determining the function of control instruction units with a large number of types, as they require multiple resistor values that are impractical to prepare.

Innovation Solution

A switching module with multiple function determination resistors and a determination unit that determines the function based on voltage combinations applied to these resistors, allowing for easy identification of switching unit functions without needing a corresponding number of resistor values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If only one resistor element is provided in the control instruction unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability decreases when there are a large number of types of control instruction units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from using a single resistor value dimension to using multiple resistor elements that can be combined in series and parallel configurations. This dimensional expansion allows the system to represent multiple function types through different combination patterns rather than requiring a separate resistor value for each function type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes a single resistor element serve multiple functions by allowing it to be combined with other identical resistor elements in different configurations (series, parallel, or individually). This universal approach enables one resistor element type to identify multiple different switch functions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized resistor values.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If resistor values are prepared by the number of types of control instruction units, then the measurement precision of function identification is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to the large number of resistor elements needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction identification precisionVSAvoidresistor element quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple resistor elements through series and parallel connections to create different effective resistance values. Instead of using separate resistor elements for each function type, the system combines identical resistor elements in different configurations to achieve the same identification precision with fewer unique component types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the resistance parameter by altering the configuration (series/parallel) of identical resistor elements rather than changing the resistor element type itself. This allows the same physical resistor elements to produce different effective resistance values for different function identifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple resistor values are prepared for different function types, then the reliability of function determination is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction determination reliabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resistance identification function into multiple identical resistor elements that can be independently placed and connected. This segmentation allows for modular assembly where identical components are used throughout, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to assembling different types of resistors with precise value requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables efficient determination of switching unit functions and ON/OFF states, reducing the need for multiple resistor values and allowing for easy function changes and arrangements, even with a large number of functions.

Implementation Method 1

The switching unit is provided with a plurality of function determination resistors. The determination unit is configured to determine the function of the switching unit according to a combination of voltages applied to the plurality of function determination resistors corresponding to resistor values of the plurality of function determination resistors.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS11463010B2Apparatus for identifying switch of switching module

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A switching module includes a switching unit and a determination unit configured to determine a function of the switching unit and an ON/OFF state of the switching unit. The switching unit is provided with a plurality of function determination resistors. The determination unit is configured to determine the function of the switching unit according to a combination of voltages applied to the plurality of function determination resistors corresponding to resistor values of the plurality of function determination resistors.