Vehicle Sensor Signal Checking via Periodic Reference Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for checking sensor signals in vehicle passenger protection systems do not reliably detect faults, leading to potential false activations or failures in detecting collisions.
Innovation Solution
A method that compares a sensor signal with one or more reference signals multiple times within a predetermined time interval, evaluating the results to determine the fault-free status of the sensor signal, and uses this information to actuate the passenger protection arrangement only when the signal is deemed reliable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor signal is compared with a reference signal only once, then the checking process is simple and fast, but the detection reliability of sensor faults is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by comparing the sensor signal with the reference signal multiple times within a predetermined time interval instead of a single comparison. This repeated periodic comparison enables reliable detection of sensor faults while maintaining a systematic and manageable checking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing multiple comparisons within a time interval before making a final determination about sensor fault status. This preliminary repeated checking ensures that fault detection is based on consistent patterns rather than isolated incidents, improving reliability without requiring complex real-time decision mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a sensor signal is compared multiple times within a time interval, then the detection reliability of sensor faults is improved, but the checking process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to structure the multiple comparisons within a predetermined time interval, creating a systematic approach that improves fault detection reliability while maintaining processing organization and avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by evaluating multiple comparison results within a time interval and using this accumulated information to determine sensor fault status. This feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish between temporary signal variations and actual faults, improving detection reliability without requiring overly complex processing.
3Reliability
If multiple comparisons are performed within a time interval, then false activations are reduced, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by performing comparisons at regular intervals within a predetermined time window, allowing the system to gather sufficient data for accurate activation decisions while maintaining a bounded processing time that prevents excessive delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by performing a predetermined number of comparisons within a fixed time interval rather than continuous monitoring. This approach provides sufficient data for accurate fault detection and activation decisions while avoiding the time loss associated with exhaustive or continuous processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for checking a sensor signal suitable for actuating a passenger protection arrangement of a vehicle. The method includes a step of carrying out a comparison between the sensor signal and at least one reference signal, repeatedly within a predetermined time interval, in order to obtain a plurality of comparison results, and a step of evaluating the sensor signal based on the plurality of comparison results, in order to detect a fault in the sensor signal.