Temperature-Compensated Sensor System for Differential Lockers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for measuring the engagement and disengagement of a locking gear in a differential locker are prone to inaccuracies due to temperature variations, affecting their efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system that includes a first sensor, such as an eddy current sensor, and a controller with a memory to store offset values, along with a second temperature sensor like a thermistor, to compensate for temperature fluctuations, enhancing accuracy by adjusting sensor outputs based on temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an eddy current sensor is used to measure the engagement and disengagement of the locking gear, then the sensor can detect the position of the conductive material, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors temperature variations and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the sensor's measurement parameters. The controller receives temperature data from the temperature sensor and compensates the eddy current sensor readings accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains measurement precision despite temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the eddy current sensor based on temperature conditions. By adjusting the sensor's sensitivity, reference values, or measurement frequency according to temperature variations, the system maintains accurate position measurements across different temperature ranges.
2Measurement precision
If temperature compensation is implemented using a second sensor, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it processes signals from the eddy current sensor, reads data from the temperature sensor, stores compensated values in memory, and outputs corrected position measurements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite adding temperature compensation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the temperature sensing and position measurement functions into an integrated system where both sensors feed into a single controller. The controller merges the data streams, applies compensation algorithms, and produces unified output signals that reflect accurate position measurements compensated for temperature effects.
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 system provides enhanced accuracy and efficiency in determining the locked or unlocked state of a differential by compensating for temperature changes, ensuring reliable operation of the differential locker.
Implementation Method 1
The eddy current sensor uses an inductive wire coil to generate a high-frequency alternating magnetic field. If a conductive material (e.g. the locking gear) is in close proximity to the eddy current sensor, eddy currents will form within the conductive material. These eddy currents create an opposing magnetic field to the magnetic field of the wire coil.
Implementation Method 2
The eddy current sensor uses an inductive wire coil to generate a high-frequency alternating magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
the second sensor is a thermistor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a control in electrical communication with the first and second sensors. The controller includes a memory for storing data configured to store an offset profile for the at least one output of the first sensor. The offset profile includes a plurality of offset values, which is calculated using measured outputs of the first sensor determined while a position of a conductive material is maintained and a temperature of surrounding atmosphere is varied.