Vehicle Rotational Speed Sensor Redundancy via Segmented Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotational speed sensor systems in vehicles require redundant components for reliable operation, leading to increased costs and space usage, as well as unnecessary complexity in power supply management, which can be inefficient in normal conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a redundancy module independently provides a sensor voltage to the rotational speed sensor elements, allowing continuous operation even if the primary evaluation module fails, by monitoring the sensor voltage supply and switching to redundant power sources as needed, thus eliminating the need for redundant sensor elements and simplifying power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant rotational speed sensors with redundant energy sources and evaluation modules are provided, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a primary evaluation module and a redundancy module that are electrically independent but functionally integrated. The sensor element serves both modules, allowing the system to monitor wheel rotation behavior through multiple independent evaluation paths without duplicating the sensor itself, thus reducing complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element is designed to be universally compatible with both the primary evaluation module and the redundancy module. The same sensor element can be evaluated by either module depending on which energy source is active, eliminating the need for separate redundant sensor elements and reducing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If redundant rotational speed sensors with redundant energy sources and evaluation modules are provided, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality between a primary evaluation module and a separate redundancy module that share common components (sensor element, magnet wheel). This segmentation allows cost-effective redundancy by eliminating the need to manufacture and install complete duplicate sensor assemblies, reducing material and assembly costs while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the primary and redundant evaluation paths by having both evaluation modules access the same sensor element outputs. This combining approach reduces the total component count and manufacturing cost compared to having completely separate sensor systems, while still providing redundant functionality for reliability
3Reliability
If redundant rotational speed sensors are provided on each wheel, then reliability is improved, but space usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the redundant functionality into a shared evaluation architecture where multiple evaluation modules (primary and redundancy) access a common sensor element. This spatial segmentation allows redundant processing capability without requiring duplicate physical sensor assemblies, thus reducing the space occupied on each wheel while maintaining reliability
4Device complexity
If the evaluation module provides sensor voltage for measurement and evaluation, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability worsens due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary redundancy module that acts as a mediator between the sensor element and the primary evaluation module. The redundancy module receives sensor signals and can independently evaluate them, providing an intermediate redundant evaluation path that doesn't increase overall system complexity while improving reliability through independent verification
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the evaluation modules by enabling them to operate independently with separate energy sources. The redundancy module can be activated with a different energy source than the primary module, allowing continued operation under varying electrical conditions and improving reliability through parameter diversity
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 approach enables cost and space savings while ensuring continuous wheel rotation behavior monitoring for driving assistance controls, such as ABS and TCS, by automatically switching to redundant power supply when the primary evaluation module malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor element interacts with a magnet wheel on a wheel of the vehicle, wherein the sensor element generates an effective parameter in the form of a measurand as a result of the interaction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for operating a rotational speed sensor comprising a sensor element in a vehicle, wherein the sensor element interacts with a magnet wheel on a wheel of the vehicle and an effective parameter generated by the interaction of the magnet wheel with the sensor element is evaluated in the form of a measurand in an evaluation module and, depending on the measurand, an output variable characterizing the rotational speed of the wheel is output, wherein the sensor element is supplied via the evaluation module with a sensor voltage influencing the measurand. A sensor assembly is also disclosed.