Universal Vehicle Wheel Sensor Interface Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel sensor systems require different hardware to connect active and passive sensors with a controller, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for separate connectivity, power, and communication methods.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle wheel apparatus and method that determines if a sensor is active or passive and provides necessary connectivity, power, and communication using a standardized interface with three nodes (power, signal, and signal return) without requiring changes to the controller hardware, allowing for efficient connection of both active and passive sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different hardware is used to connect active and passive sensors with a controller, then each sensor type can be properly connected, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring separate hardware configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface circuit that can connect both active and passive sensors to the controller through a single standardized interface. The interface circuit automatically detects sensor type and configures appropriate connection parameters, eliminating the need for separate hardware configurations for different sensor types while maintaining reliable connectivity for both active and passive sensors
2Reliability
If separate hardware is provided for active and passive sensors, then each sensor type receives appropriate power and communication, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface circuit is designed as a universal power management unit that can supply power to active sensors or provide communication with passive sensors through the same hardware pathway. The circuit includes automatic power management functionality that detects whether an active or passive sensor is connected and activates the appropriate power supply mode, eliminating the need for separate power supply circuits for each sensor type
3Reliability
If different communication methods are used for active and passive sensors, then each sensor type can transmit data effectively, but the controller hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface circuit serves as an intermediary between the controller and the sensors, handling all communication protocol variations. It translates different sensor communication methods into a unified interface that the controller can process, thereby protecting the controller from hardware complexity while ensuring reliable communication with both active and passive sensors
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 and cost-effective connectivity, power, and communication between vehicle wheel sensors and controllers, eliminating the need for separate hardware configurations for active and passive sensors, thus simplifying the integration process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a passive variable reluctance (VR) sensor, utilized as a speed sensor, may comprise a coil of wire wound around a pole piece of a magnet. When sensing a suitable exciter ring (a.k.a., 'tone wheel'), this passive speed sensor provides the controller an approximately sinusoidal signal
Implementation Method 2
an active speed sensor may utilize a 'Hall Effect' element that senses the poles on a multi-pole magnet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vehicle wheel sensor apparatus and a method that determine if a vehicle wheel sensor is active or passive, while efficiently providing the necessary connectivity, power, and communication between the sensor and a controller, without requiring a change in controller hardware. For an active sensor, the apparatus provides power and receives speed signals, high frequency vibration or acceleration signals, or other analog signals. For a passive sensor, the apparatus receives speed signals.