Ultrasonic Sensor Frequency Modulation for Simultaneous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic sensor systems for motor vehicles require long measuring cycles due to sequential operation of multiple sensors, leading to inefficiencies and potential signal interference, which complicates reliable area capture around the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using frequency-modulated excitation signals with distinct frequency ranges for multiple ultrasonic sensors, ensuring they have the same resonant frequency, and adjusting the temporal profile of maximum amplitudes to minimize overlap and allow simultaneous emission and reception, enabling efficient and reliable area capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple ultrasonic sensors operate sequentially to avoid mutual interference, then signal interference is reduced, but the measuring cycle duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using frequency modulation of excitation signals for different ultrasonic sensors. Each sensor is assigned a distinct frequency range (first frequency range for first sensor, second frequency range for second sensor), allowing simultaneous operation without interference. This resolves the contradiction by enabling parallel operation (reducing time loss) while maintaining signal distinguishability through frequency parameter differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into distinct ranges for different sensors. The first ultrasonic sensor operates in a first frequency range while the second ultrasonic sensor operates in a second frequency range. This frequency segmentation allows multiple sensors to operate simultaneously without mutual interference, thereby reducing the measuring cycle duration while maintaining signal reliability.
2Productivity
If multiple ultrasonic sensors operate simultaneously to reduce measuring cycle duration, then productivity increases, but signal interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of excitation signals to enable simultaneous sensor operation. By assigning different frequency ranges to different sensors (first frequency range vs. second frequency range), the system achieves high productivity through parallel operation while preventing signal interference through frequency differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses frequency-modulated excitation signals as an intermediary mechanism to mediate between multiple simultaneous sensors. The frequency modulation acts as a mediator that allows simultaneous operation by encoding sensor identity in the frequency domain, thus enabling high productivity without harmful signal interference.
3Measurement precision
If different resonant frequencies are used for different sensors to avoid interference, then signal distinction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes to the excitation signals rather than to the physical sensor characteristics. All sensors can have identical resonant frequencies, but they are excited with frequency-modulated signals in different frequency ranges. This approach improves signal distinction while avoiding the complexity of configuring different resonant frequencies for each sensor.
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 approach allows for faster and more reliable detection of objects around the vehicle by distinguishing between ultrasonic signals based on frequency ranges, reducing interference and maintaining resolution without the need for sensors with different resonant frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic sensors comprise a diaphragm which is excited to vibrate mechanically for the purpose of emitting the ultrasonic signal using a corresponding transducer element
Implementation Method 2
the diaphragm of the first ultrasonic sensor and the diaphragm of the second ultrasonic sensor have the same resonant frequency
Implementation Method 3
The ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic sensor is then reflected by the object and strikes the diaphragm of the ultrasonic sensor again
Implementation Method 4
These mechanical vibrations can be captured using the transducer element and can be provided in the form of a sensor signal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an ultrasonic sensor apparatus (3) for a motor vehicle (1), in which a diaphragm of a first ultrasonic sensor (4a) is excited to emit a first ultrasonic signal using a frequency-modulated first excitation signal (10a) and a diaphragm of a second ultrasonic sensor (4b) is excited to emit a second ultrasonic signal using a frequency-modulated second excitation signal, wherein the diaphragm of the first ultrasonic sensor (4a) and the diaphragm of the second ultrasonic sensor (4b) have the same resonant frequency (fR), wherein the first excitation signal (10a) comprises a first frequency range (fa) and the second excitation signal comprises a second frequency range (fb) that differs from the first frequency range (fa), wherein a temporal profile of a maximum amplitude (Am) of the first excitation signal (10a) and a temporal profile of a maximum amplitude (Am) of the second excitation signal are changed.