Vehicle Computer Crankshaft Sensor Type Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle computers are specialized for specific types of crankshaft sensors, such as variable reluctance and Hall effect sensors, resulting in the need for separate computers for different signal formats, which limits compatibility and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle computer with an input port and signal processing module that includes adapting modules for different crankshaft sensor types, along with routing means and a diagnostic module to detect and adapt to the connected sensor type, ensuring signals are processed in a standardized format regardless of the sensor type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motor vehicle computers are specialized for specific crankshaft sensor types (variable reluctance or Hall effect), then signal processing accuracy is improved, but device versatility and compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The motor vehicle computer is designed with multiple adapting modules (first adapting module for variable reluctance sensors, second adapting module for Hall effect sensors) that can be selectively activated based on the detected sensor type. This allows a single computer to universally support multiple sensor types while maintaining optimized signal processing for each specific type through the specialized adapting modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer dynamically adapts its signal processing configuration by detecting the crankshaft sensor type and automatically activating the appropriate adapting module. The system transitions from a static specialized design to a dynamic multi-functional system that adjusts its behavior based on the connected sensor type, ensuring both versatility and processing accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If separate computers are used for different crankshaft sensor types, then signal processing optimization is improved, but device complexity and quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple specialized signal processing paths into a single computer by incorporating both a first adapting module for variable reluctance sensors and a second adapting module for Hall effect sensors. The routing means selectively connects the appropriate adapting module based on sensor type detection, combining the functionality of what would otherwise require separate computers into one integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapting modules serve as intermediaries between the different sensor types and the common processing module. Each adapting module translates and conditions the specific sensor output format into a standardized format that the processing module can handle, allowing optimized processing for each sensor type without requiring separate computers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single computer supports multiple sensor types, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer is segmented into distinct functional modules: a first adapting module specialized for variable reluctance sensors, a second adapting module specialized for Hall effect sensors, routing means for selective connection, and a common processing module. This segmentation allows each module to remain relatively simple and specialized while the overall system achieves versatility through modular composition.
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 a single computer to be compatible with multiple crankshaft sensor types, automatically detecting and adapting to the sensor type, reducing the need for multiple computer variants and dedicated hardware, and ensuring consistent signal processing for accurate angular position determination.
Implementation Method 1
a variable reluctance sensor is a passive sensor which, associated with a ferromagnetic target rigidly connected to the crankshaft, mainly includes means for measuring the air gap between said measuring means and the target, which air gap varies over the course of time with the rotation of said target
Implementation Method 2
a Hall effect sensor is an active sensor including a magnetic field generator and means for measuring the magnetic field formed by said generator, which varies over the course of time with the rotation of the target
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle computer includes an input port connected to a crankshaft sensor and a module for processing signals received from the crankshaft sensor. The computer includes: a first adapting module, suited to making the signals, provided by a crankshaft sensor of a first type, conform to an input predefined format of the processing module; a second adapting module, suited to making the signals, provided by a crankshaft sensor of a second type, conform to the input format of the processing module; a routing unit suited to connecting the input port to the first or to the second adapting module; a unit for detecting the type of the crankshaft sensor connected to the input port; and a unit for commanding the routing unit according to the type of crankshaft sensor detected.