Motor Vehicle Sensor Circuit Reducing Wiring Complexity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle sensor architectures using resistive sensors are complex and costly due to the need for multiple connections between sensors and a control circuit, making them expensive and time-consuming to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A device with at least two measuring branches, each comprising a resistor and a resistive sensor, connected at a center tap, with center taps connected in pairs by another resistor or sensor, allowing voltage measurements at each center tap to determine parameter measurements, reducing the number of connections needed and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If each resistive sensor is connected in series with a resistor to form a measuring branch with individual connections to the control circuit, then measurement accuracy is ensured, but the number of connections increases linearly with the number of sensors, making the device complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measuring branches by connecting center taps in pairs through third elements (resistors or resistive sensors). This allows multiple sensor measurements to be performed through shared connections, reducing the total number of connections required while maintaining measurement capability for each sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The third elements connecting center taps serve multiple functions: they act as measurement path components for one sensor while simultaneously serving as part of the measurement circuit for paired sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the overall connection count while preserving individual sensor measurement accuracy
2Ease of manufacture
If the number of connections between sensors and control circuit is reduced, then manufacturing cost and complexity are decreased, but the ability to measure multiple sensors simultaneously is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic measurement sequences where the control circuit selectively activates different measuring branches at different times. By controlling the timing and sequencing of measurements across paired center taps, the system can measure multiple sensors through reduced connections without compromising the ability to capture data from all sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process uses periodic activation of different measuring branch configurations. The control circuit cycles through different connection states and measurement sequences, allowing all sensors to be measured over time through the reduced set of physical connections, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing manufacturing complexity
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 approach allows for an increased number of sensors while minimizing connections, reducing complexity and cost, and simplifying the manufacturing process by enabling voltage measurements at multiple center taps to determine sensor measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates to the automotive field, and more particularly to a device and a method for measuring a parameter in a motor vehicle using one or more 'resistive' sensors, such as for example a temperature sensor or pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
the control circuit being connected to said center tap. The device according to an aspect of the invention makes it possible to perform voltage measurements at each center tap of the measuring branches
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a device (1) for measuring at least one parameter of a motor vehicle, the device (1) comprising at least one reference resistor (R0) of a predetermined value and at least two measuring branches (K1, K2), each of the two measuring branches comprising at least a first element comprising a resistor (R0) or a resistive sensor (R2), capable of being connected to a voltage supply (Vcc), and a second element comprising a resistor or a resistive sensor (R1, R3) capable of being connected to earth (M), the first element and the second element being connected together at a mid-point (A, B), the mid-points (A, B) of the at least two measuring branches (K1, K2) being connected together in pairs by a third element comprising a resistor or a resistive sensor (R4).