Vehicle Ultrasonic Sensor Switching for Simplified ID Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of ultrasonic sensors in vehicles complicates wiring and communication channels, making it difficult to assign IDs efficiently and effectively, leading to increased costs and complexity in sensor control systems.
Innovation Solution
A switch module with multiple switches connected through an integral line to a controller, allowing for simplified ID assignment and reduced communication channels by selectively connecting switches to sensors, and using a transmission and reception device to manage detection signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of ultrasonic sensors is increased to improve collision detection capability, then the reliability of collision prevention is improved, but the device complexity and wiring complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor system into multiple groups, with each group sharing common wiring resources. Sensors within a group are connected through a switch module that multiplexes the communication channels, allowing multiple sensors to share fewer wiring paths while maintaining individual detectability through sequential switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching control where the switch module sequentially connects different sensor groups to the controller based on operational requirements. This dynamic allocation of communication channels allows the system to manage multiple sensors with reduced wiring by activating only necessary connections at any given time.
2Reliability
If the number of ultrasonic sensors is increased to improve collision detection capability, then the reliability of collision prevention is improved, but the device complexity and ID assignment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary ID assignment through the switch module before sensors are fully activated. The controller assigns IDs to sensors by sequentially switching through each sensor in a group and recording its response, establishing a mapping between physical sensors and their identification codes before normal operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch module acts as an intermediary between the controller and multiple sensors, managing the ID assignment process by sequentially connecting each sensor to the controller. This intermediary function simplifies ID assignment by providing a controlled, sequential interface rather than requiring simultaneous management of all sensor connections.
3Device complexity
If the number of communication channels is reduced to simplify the system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the capability to manage multiple sensors simultaneously is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching where the switch module cycles through different sensor groups in sequence, allocating communication channels to each group in turns. This periodic action allows multiple sensors to be managed efficiently with fewer channels by ensuring each sensor receives dedicated communication time periodically, maintaining productivity while reducing overall channel requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a vehicle sensor, the system including a plurality of sensors provided in a vehicle, a switch module including a plurality of switches connected to the plurality of sensors, respectively, the plurality of switches being connected to the switch module through an integral line; a controller configured to control operation of each of the plurality of switches, the controller being connected to the switch module through the integral line and thus performing communication with the plurality of sensors, and assigning an ID to each of the plurality of sensors in a corresponding manner by selectively connecting each of the plurality of switches thereto.