Vacuum Sensor Error Detection via Multi-Dimensional Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems with redundant sensors, such as those in hydraulic boost compensation braking systems, face challenges in accurately detecting error conditions due to variations in sensor readings, which can lead to undetected malfunctions and undesired vehicle behavior.
Innovation Solution
A method involving at least two vacuum sensors in a braking system where a processor compares readings for differences, rate of change, and time-integral levels, using multiple thresholds and counters to determine error conditions, ensuring timely detection of sensor malfunctions before they cause issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple vacuum sensors are used for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but the complexity of error detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the error detection process into three distinct analytical dimensions: gradient comparison (rate of change), absolute difference comparison, and time-integral comparison. Each dimension independently evaluates sensor discrepancies, allowing complex multi-sensor error detection to be broken down into manageable, parallel comparison operations that reduce overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple comparison dimensions beyond simple threshold checking: temporal dimension (rate of change/gradient), magnitude dimension (absolute difference), and cumulative dimension (time integral). This multi-dimensional approach enables comprehensive error detection across different error modes without requiring overly complex detection logic in any single dimension
2Loss of time
If simple threshold comparison is used, then detection speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing three progressively stricter comparison tests: gradient threshold (rate of change), absolute difference threshold, and time-integral threshold. Not all tests need to fail to trigger an error condition - passing any one test can be sufficient depending on the specific error mode, allowing fast detection of obvious errors while maintaining precision for subtle errors through the combination of multiple tests
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the single threshold parameter into three distinct threshold parameters operating at different levels: gradient threshold (temporal rate of change), difference threshold (magnitude), and sum threshold (cumulative error). This parameter transformation enables the system to detect errors across different scales and timeframes, improving both detection speed for obvious errors and precision for subtle errors
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of monitoring redundant vacuum sensors in the same vacuum chamber of a braking system to determine when an error condition is present in a braking system. The braking system includes a first sensor positioned in a chamber of the braking system and a second sensor positioned in the same chamber. A first reading is received from the first sensor and a second reading is received from the second sensor. A difference between the first reading and the second reading is determined. An error condition is indicated when the difference between the first reading and the second reading is greater than a threshold.