Track Electrical Assembly Using Impedance-Based Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical assemblies for vehicles lack efficient mechanisms to determine the precise position and orientation of components relative to track assemblies, which is crucial for safe and reliable operation, especially in scenarios involving multiple components and varying electrical characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The electrical assembly incorporates a track assembly with conductors and additional conductors, identifiers with unique impedance characteristics, and a component controller that senses these impedances to determine the section and orientation of the component, allowing for precise positioning and control of safety devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional electrical assemblies are used without impedance sensing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of component position and orientation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical position detection mechanisms with an electrical impedance sensing system. Identifiers with unique impedance characteristics are electrically connected to track sections, and the controller determines component position and orientation by sensing electrical impedance values rather than using mechanical sensors or switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces identifiers as intermediary elements between the track assembly and the component. These identifiers have unique impedance characteristics that act as mediators, allowing the controller to indirectly determine component position and orientation by measuring impedance values without direct mechanical contact or complex sensing mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If impedance sensing is implemented to determine component position, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional conductors and identifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the track assembly conductors serve multiple functions: they provide electrical power to components and simultaneously serve as sensing conductors for impedance measurement. The same conductors used for power distribution are also used to carry impedance signals, eliminating the need for separate sensing conductors and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power delivery function and the position sensing function into a single electrical infrastructure. The track assembly conductors are used both to supply power to components and to sense impedance values for determining component position and orientation, merging two separate systems into one integrated system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple identifiers with unique impedance characteristics are used, then the measurement precision of component orientation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns unique impedance characteristics to identifiers at different locations and orientations within the track assembly. Each identifier has locally differentiated electrical properties (resistance, capacitance, or inductance values) that correspond to its specific position and orientation, allowing the controller to determine component orientation by comparing sensed impedance values against known characteristics of identifiers at different orientations.
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
This solution enables accurate determination of component position and orientation, facilitating safe operation and control of safety devices, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of electrical assemblies in vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
an identifier (34N) including a first terminal (80N) and a second terminal (82N). The first terminal (80N) is electrically connected to a conductor (36N) and the second terminal (82N) is electrically connected to an additional conductor (38N). A component (32) includes a sensor (62) that senses an electrical characteristic of the identifier (34N).
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical assembly comprises a track assembly; a conductor connected to the track assembly; an additional conductor connected to the track assembly; an identifier including a first terminal electrically connected to the conductor and a second terminal electrically connected to the additional conductor; and a component movably coupled with the track assembly, the component including a sensor configured to sense an electrical characteristic of the identifier.