Vehicle Sensor Assembly with Dual Control Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements for vehicles require multiple sensor elements for each measurement point, leading to increased costs and potential failure points, while existing solutions do not efficiently manage redundancy and energy source failures in wheel sensor systems.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement using a single sensor element with dual evaluation and control units, where a changeover apparatus automatically switches between two energy sources, allowing simultaneous evaluation by two control devices and reducing the likelihood of failure, with optional diodes or switching elements for seamless voltage switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensor elements are used for each measurement point, then reliability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor element serves multiple functions by being evaluated by two different control devices simultaneously. The sensor element is connected to both a first control device (via high-side path) and a second control device (via low-side path), allowing one component to provide redundant measurement information without requiring duplicate sensor elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the evaluation function into two separate control devices while keeping the sensor element single. The first control device evaluates sensor current through the high-side path, and the second control device evaluates sensor current through the low-side path, combining redundancy at the evaluation level rather than requiring multiple sensor elements.
2Reliability
If two sensor elements are used for redundant evaluation, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of copying the sensor element, the patent copies the evaluation function to two different control devices. The sensor element remains single, but its signal is routed to two evaluation paths (high-side and low-side), achieving redundancy through signal evaluation rather than through duplicate physical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor element is made universal by enabling it to be evaluated by two different control devices through different current paths. This multi-functional usage of one sensor element achieves the same reliability as two sensor elements would provide, reducing component quantity and manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If a single energy source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases when energy source fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the energy supply parameter by switching between two different energy sources based on availability. The sensor element can be supplied by a first energy source through the first control device or by a second energy source through the second control device, allowing adaptive parameter change to maintain operation during energy source failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing a backup energy source connection before the primary energy source fails. The second energy source and associated control device stand ready to take over evaluation of the sensor element if the first energy source becomes unavailable, preventing system failure rather than reacting after failure occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly for a vehicle includes a sensor element and at least two control devices, each having an evaluation and control unit and a power source. A first evaluation and control unit is connected to a first power source in a first control device, and a second evaluation and control unit is connected to a second power source in a second control device. The first control device comprises a switching device which connects a first connection of the sensor element to the first power source and/or to the second power source. A second connection of the sensor element is connected to the second control device. A sensor current flowing through the sensor element is modulated with information relating to a detected measurement variable. The first evaluation and control unit evaluates the sensor current detected between the connected power source and the sensor element.