Variable Gyrator Inductance for Vehicle Ultrasonic Echo Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic transducers in vehicles face challenges with decay time issues due to parasitic capacitances, particularly under varying ambient conditions, leading to inadequate echo signal recognition.
Innovation Solution
Implement a gyrator circuit with a variable compensation inductance to adjust the actuation and evaluation circuit, compensating for parasitic connection capacitances and environmental influences, using a logic circuit with adjustable resistors to optimize reception sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a push-pull transformer is used in the actuation and evaluation circuit, then the ultrasonic transducer can achieve proper actuation voltage and resonant circuit adjustment, but the decay time becomes too long preventing reliable echo signal recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic secondary inductance from the push-pull transformer configuration and replaces it with a compensation inductance circuit that specifically addresses decay time issues without the harmful effects of the original transformer's secondary winding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inductance parameter by introducing a compensation inductance with specific characteristics (lower inductance value than the transformer's secondary inductance) to modify the resonant circuit's decay behavior and achieve faster signal decay for improved echo recognition.
2Device complexity
If a bipolar DC-DC converter with inductor coil is used instead of push-pull transformer, then the circuit complexity is reduced, but the decay time increases excessively preventing echo signal detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compensation inductance as an intermediary element between the DC-DC converter and the piezo element, which mediates the energy transfer and controls the decay time without requiring complex transformer-based circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the inductance value dynamic by using a switchable configuration where the compensation inductance can be selectively connected or disconnected based on operational requirements, allowing adaptive control of the resonant circuit's decay characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed compensation inductance is used in the gyrator circuit, then the circuit is simple to implement, but the compensation is insufficient under varying ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switchable compensation inductance configuration where the inductance value can be dynamically adjusted based on ambient conditions such as temperature, allowing the gyrator circuit to adapt to varying operating environments without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inductance parameter of the compensation circuit by switching between different inductance values through controlled connections, enabling the system to compensate for parameter drift caused by temperature variations and other environmental factors.
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
The solution ensures reliable operation of ultrasonic transducers by minimizing decay time and improving echo signal detection across varying conditions, enhancing the transducer's functionality and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer (10) comprising a piezo element (12)... for producing an actuation voltage (Us) for the piezo element (12) that produces and emits a measurement signal
Implementation Method 2
a gyrator circuit (26) for providing a compensation inductance for adjusting the actuation and evaluation circuit (14), in particular for compensating for a parasitic connection capacitance of the piezo element (12)
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic transducer having a piezoelectric element for use on a vehicle is disclosed. The transducer has a control and evaluation circuit for generating a control voltage for the piezoelectric element, which generates and emits an ultrasonic signal based on the control voltage, and for outputting an output signal on the basis of an echo signal received at the piezoelectric element. A gyrator circuit is included for providing a compensation inductance for adapting the control and evaluation circuit, for compensating for a parasitic connection capacitance of the piezoelectric element. The gyrator circuit has a variable compensation inductance. A method for compensating for an ultrasonic transducer having a piezoelectric element for adapting a reception sensitivity is also disclosed. The method involves recording a measurement variable for adapting the reception sensitivity, and compensating for the ultrasonic transducer by changing the compensation inductance of the gyrator circuit based on the recorded measurement variable.