Ultrasonic Sensor Assembly Wiring Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current driver assistance systems with ultrasonic sensors require complex wiring and separate integration of ultrasonic array sensors and individual sensors, leading to increased production costs and cabling efforts for vehicle manufacturers.

Innovation Solution

Integration of ultrasonic array sensors and individual sensors into a combined assembly with a communication interface, reducing wiring complexity and allowing for simplified communication with higher-level control units, potentially eliminating the need for separate module control units and reducing electronic hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If ultrasonic array sensors and individual sensors are integrated into a combined assembly, then wiring complexity and cabling efforts are reduced, but separate integration of sensors requires complex wiring and separate control units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring complexityVSAvoidseparate integration effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple ultrasonic sensors (array sensors and individual sensors) into a single integrated assembly with shared electronic components and common wiring infrastructure. This merging approach reduces the overall wiring complexity and eliminates the need for separate control units for each sensor type, while maintaining the functional independence of each sensor through integrated signal processing circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate module control units are used for each sensor type, then signal processing is dedicated and reliable, but electronic hardware and cabling requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing reliabilityVSAvoidelectronic hardware quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control architecture where a single control unit handles signal processing for both ultrasonic array sensors and individual ultrasonic sensors. This multi-functional approach maintains reliable signal processing through standardized processing pathways while reducing the total quantity of electronic hardware by eliminating redundant control units and their associated cabling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If ultrasonic sensors are wired in star configuration to central controller, then signal processing is centralized and manageable, but cabling efforts and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing managementVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces production complexity by integrating multiple sensors into assemblies that require fewer wiring connections to the central controller. By combining sensors that share common wiring requirements into single assemblies, the overall cabling effort is reduced, streamline 生产 process, and improve production efficiency while maintaining centralized signal processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integration simplifies the production process, reduces cabling, and enhances data processing efficiency by allowing shared electronic components and joint connection to vehicle networks, improving object recognition and distance determination capabilities within the vehicle environment.

Implementation Method 1

at least one ultrasonic array sensor and at least one further ultrasonic sensor are integrated into the assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave propagation: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

used to detect a vehicle environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEcho detection: Echo

Data Source

PatentEP3019890B1Assembly for a driver assistance system and method for operating a driver assistance system
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3019890B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (2) for a driver assistance system (1), at least one ultrasonic array sensor (4) and at least one additional ultrasonic sensor (6) being integrated in said assembly (2). Furthermore, a driver assistance system (1) having such an assembly (2) and a method for operating such a driver assistance system (1) are provided.