Vehicle Sensor Parallel Switching Signal Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors in motor vehicles face challenges in activating control units quickly and efficiently due to high power consumption, leading to delayed reaction times and potential safety issues, especially when the vehicle is started.
Innovation Solution
A sensor design that includes a switching signal unit connected in parallel with the evaluation unit, allowing it to be powered independently, with a Wheatstone bridge using tunnel magnetoresistive elements for low power consumption and fast switching, enabling immediate activation of control units without delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the sensor and evaluation unit are permanently supplied with voltage to enable immediate activation, then the response time is improved, but the power consumption increases causing excessive battery discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent power supply paths: one for the sensor that remains permanently powered, and another for the evaluation unit that is only activated when needed. This segmentation allows the sensor to immediately detect changes and generate switching signals without requiring the evaluation unit to be continuously powered, thus resolving the contradiction between fast response time and low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is prepared in advance by permanently supplying it with voltage, so it is already active and ready to detect changes immediately when the ignition is switched on. This preliminary action ensures that no time is lost for the sensor to wake up or initialize, while the evaluation unit remains dormant until the sensor triggers it, minimizing overall power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a Hall sensor switch is used to activate ECUs, then the power consumption is reduced, but the reaction time becomes relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional Hall sensor switch mechanism with a sensor-based switching signal unit that operates on different principles. Instead of relying on the relatively slow Hall effect switching, the system uses a sensor that can immediately detect changes and generate switching signals, achieving both low power consumption and fast reaction time by substituting the mechanical/electromagnetic switching mechanism with a more responsive detection system.
3Loss of time
If the evaluation unit is continuously operated to ensure immediate activation capability, then the response time is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the continuous operation requirement into two parts: the sensor operates continuously with permanent power supply to ensure immediate detection, while the evaluation unit operates only when triggered. This segmentation eliminates the need for continuous evaluation unit operation, reducing power consumption while maintaining immediate activation capability through the permanently active sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed to be self-sufficient with its own permanent power supply, enabling it to independently detect changes and generate switching signals without requiring the evaluation unit to be active. This self-service capability of the sensor allows the evaluation unit to remain dormant until needed, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining fast response times.
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 design significantly reduces power consumption, allowing for immediate and timely activation of control units, enhancing safety and reducing battery discharge, while maintaining low power usage and fast response times.
Implementation Method 1
tunnel magnetoresistive elements are connected in the Wheatstone bridge
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for a motor vehicle having an evaluation unit which is connected to an output of the sensor. The sensor should be able to activate at least one control unit and/or a sensor at low power consumption without significant delay. This is achieved by connecting a switching signal unit to the output of the sensor in parallel with the evaluation unit.