Motor Vehicle Operator Control Device with Integrated Coil Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle operating devices are complex, cost-intensive, and prone to errors due to the need for separate sensors to detect actuation, which increases the number of components and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with an integrated evaluation device that uses a coil element and armature, where the armature's position is detected via a low current flow and magnetic flux density, allowing the actuator to function as both a sensor and feedback provider, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate sensor is used to detect the actuation of the operating element, then the detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor and actuator functions into a single integrated component. The coil element serves dual purposes: as an actuator that generates magnetic force to move the armature, and as a sensor that detects changes in magnetic flux density caused by armature displacement. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection reliability through the electromagnetic coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It acts as both an electromagnetic actuator (when supplied with current to move the armature) and a magnetic field sensor (when detecting flux density changes to determine armature position). This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while ensuring reliable detection of operating element actuation.
2Measurement precision
If a separate sensor is used to detect the actuation of the operating element, then the measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sensing and actuating functions into a single coil element, eliminating the need for separate sensor components. The armature position is detected by measuring changes in magnetic flux density within the coil, which provides precise measurement without requiring additional expensive sensor hardware. This integration significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining accurate position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil element serves itself by using its own magnetic field to detect armature position. When the armature moves, it changes the magnetic flux density within the coil, and this change is detected by the same coil that generates the magnetic field. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate sensing components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If the current flow through the coil element is increased to improve detection sensitivity, then the detection precision is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by supplying only the minimum current necessary to the coil element to generate a magnetic field sufficient for detection purposes, rather than using full actuating current continuously. This allows the system to detect armature position with adequate sensitivity while minimizing energy consumption. The coil is energized only when detection is required, not continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil element is energized periodically or intermittently rather than continuously to maintain magnetic flux density for detection purposes. This periodic energization provides sufficient detection sensitivity when needed while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation. The system activates the coil only when armature position detection is required.
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 solution simplifies the structure, reduces errors, and provides reliable haptic feedback to the operator, making the operating device more cost-effective and user-friendly by integrating sensing and actuation functions within a single component.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic component of the pushbutton switch is used on the one hand as a sensor for electrically evaluating the position of the pushbutton and on the other hand as an actuator which causes an additional movement of the pushbutton
Implementation Method 2
the evaluation device is additionally designed to detect a magnetic flux density present in the region of the coil element
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an operator control device (10) and to a method for actuating functional units of a motor vehicle. The operator control device (10) comprises at least one operator control element (12) which can be moved by an operator. Furthermore, the operator control device (10) comprises an actuator (22) by means of which activation of the operator control element (12) can be communicated to the operator. The actuator (22) comprises a coil element (28) and an armature (20) which can move relative to the coil element (28). The armature (20) is secured to the operator control element (12). The operator control device (10) comprises an evaluation device (36) by means of which a position of the armature (20) relative to the coil element (28) can be detected.