Vehicle Operating Interface With Parallel Inductive Sensor Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices with inductive sensor areas require complex evaluation processes and prolonged evaluation times due to sequential or parallel quenching by a tax circuit.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with at least two inductive sensor areas coupled to a joint control circuit, allowing for parallel evaluation and signal recording through common signal lines, with mechanical linkage ensuring distinct distance changes between sensor areas and their targets in response to force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple inductive sensor areas are connected to a common control circuit via parallel connection, then evaluation time is reduced and productivity is improved, but signal differentiation between sensor areas becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control circuit receives signals from multiple inductive sensor areas connected in parallel and uses the characteristic response patterns of each sensor area to differentiate their signals. The control circuit evaluates the combined signals and determines which specific sensor area was actuated based on the feedback information from the parallel connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sensing function into multiple independent inductive sensor areas that can be evaluated simultaneously through parallel connection. Each sensor area maintains its independence in detection while being electrically connected in parallel to the common control circuit, allowing simultaneous evaluation without requiring sequential processing.
2Device complexity
If inductive sensor areas are connected sequentially to the control circuit, then signal differentiation is simplified, but evaluation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple inductive sensor areas into a common parallel electrical connection that interfaces with a single control circuit. This combining approach allows all sensor areas to be evaluated simultaneously through the shared control circuit and common signal lines, eliminating the need for sequential evaluation while maintaining signal distinguishability through the control circuit's evaluation logic.
3Measurement precision
If the distance between inductive sensor areas and metallic targets is minimized for high sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but the operating device becomes more sensitive to external forces and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the housing structure as a flexible transmission element that can deform under external forces. This flexible housing design allows the sensor areas to maintain their optimal distance from targets while the housing itself absorbs and transmits mechanical deformations, protecting the sensitive inductive sensor areas from direct contamination and physical damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the housing and its deformable areas as intermediary elements between the external environment and the inductive sensor areas. These intermediaries transmit mechanical forces from operating surfaces to the sensor areas while maintaining a protective barrier that prevents direct contamination of the sensitive inductive components.
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 configuration simplifies the evaluation complexity and reduces evaluation time by enabling simultaneous, uniform measurement of signals from both inductive sensors, while maintaining high sensitivity to distance changes.
Implementation Method 1
They use the principle of induction to detect changes in an electric field caused by the presence of metal or electrically conductive materials. Inductive sensors work on the principle of impedance change caused by eddy currents in a conductive target. The sensor is excited by an oscillator, which generates an electromagnetic field that couples to the (galvanically decoupled) target.
Implementation Method 2
Inductive sensors work on the principle of impedance change caused by eddy currents in a conductive target.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Operating device for a motor vehicle with a housing (1) in which at least two inductive sensor areas (5, 6) are arranged, each associated with a metallic target (5a, 6a). A force applied to actuation areas (7a, 7b) causes a change in the distance between the associated inductive sensor area (5, 6) and its associated target (5a, 6a). The inductive sensor areas (5, 6) are coupled to each other via signal lines (4a, 4b) and to a control circuit (4) via common contacts in parallel. The first sensor area (5) and its associated target (5a) are mechanically coupled such that a force applied to the associated actuation area causes a reduction in the distance between the first inductive sensor area (5) and its associated target (5a), wherein the second sensor area (6) of the inductive sensor areas orwhose associated target (6a) is coupled to the associated operating area (7b) via a mechanical deflection device (8, 9), so that a force acting on the associated operating area causes an increase in the distance between the second inductive sensor area (6) and its associated target (6a).