Vehicle Sensor Module Parallel Switching Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle sensors have a short replacement cycle, leading to frequent replacements that increase time and monetary costs.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module with multiple sensors connected in parallel and a controller that selectively activates and deactivates them based on resistance changes, along with self-cleaning devices to extend sensor life, allowing for staggered replacement and reducing the frequency of sensor replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a single sensor is used in the vehicle, then the device complexity is low, but the sensor replacement cycle is short leading to frequent replacements and increased time and monetary costs
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is divided into multiple identical sensor units (first sensor, second sensor, etc.), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to switch between sensors when one reaches end-of-life, extending the overall replacement cycle while maintaining simple individual sensor designs
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors resistance changes of each sensor over time and uses this parameter to determine when a sensor has reached end-of-life. By tracking resistance degradation parameters, the system can proactively manage sensor replacement timing and extend the operational lifecycle of the sensor module
2Reliability
If sensors are monitored continuously for resistance changes to determine end-of-life, then the reliability of sensor replacement timing is improved, but the use of energy increases due to continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors resistance values of each sensor and provides feedback to determine when end-of-life conditions are met. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable detection of sensor degradation while allowing the system to switch to backup sensors, thereby extending overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensors are installed in advance as backup units before any sensor actually fails. The controller monitors resistance changes proactively and switches to a backup sensor before the active sensor completely fails, ensuring continuous reliable operation and accurate end-of-life detection without emergency replacements
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple sensors are installed in parallel with switching capability, then the sensor replacement cycle is extended, but the device complexity increases due to additional switches and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is segmented into multiple identical, independent sensor units, each with its own switch. This segmentation allows the system to extend operational lifespan by switching between units while keeping each individual sensor simple and the overall architecture modular and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor unit is designed with universal functionality and identical specifications, allowing any sensor to replace any other in the module. This multi-functionality enables the system to extend operational lifespan through sensor switching without requiring complex differentiation or specialized control for each sensor type
4Reliability
If sensors are replaced more frequently to ensure optimal performance, then the reliability of sensor measurements is maintained, but the loss of time and money increases due to frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
Backup sensors are installed in advance within the sensor module, and the controller proactively monitors resistance changes to detect end-of-life conditions before actual failure occurs. This preliminary action allows seamless switching to backup sensors, maintaining measurement reliability while eliminating the need for frequent external replacements and reducing time loss
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
Significantly extends the sensor replacement cycle, reducing time and monetary costs associated with frequent replacements by using a controller to manage sensor activation and self-cleaning, thereby prolonging sensor life.
Implementation Method 1
When a value obtained by dividing the change in resistance of the activated one sensor by an initial resistance of the one sensor exceeds a preset reference value, the controller may be configured to determine that the one sensor has reached the end of its life
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle and a method of controlling the vehicle are provided, and an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a sensor module that can significantly increase a sensor replacement cycle of a vehicle to suppress the consumption of time and money according to sensor replacement. The vehicle includes a sensor module having a plurality of sensors connected in parallel and a plurality of switches configured to selectively activate each of the plurality of sensors, and a controller configured to selectively turn on/turn off each of the plurality of switches to generate a control signal for selectively activating the plurality of sensors and transmit the generated control signal to the sensor module.