Virtual Throttle Position Sensor Diagnostics via Signal Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developing and maintaining separate diagnostic codes and software for single and dual throttle position sensor systems is expensive due to the need for redundant diagnostic systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that replicate throttle position sensor signals, allowing a common configuration for diagnosing both one- and two-throttle position sensor systems by encoding and replicating signals for communication to a diagnostics module, using a transmitter and receiver module to format and encode signals in a standardized format like SENT, and generating replicated signals for diagnostic trouble codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate diagnostic codes and software are developed for single and dual throttle position sensor systems, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but development and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic module is designed to handle both single and dual throttle position sensor systems using a universal diagnostic code set. The module receives signals from one or two TPS sensors and applies the same diagnostic logic regardless of the number of sensors, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic software for different sensor configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
When only a single TPS signal is available, the system creates a replicated copy of this signal to simulate a dual-sensor configuration. This replication allows the diagnostic module to use the same diagnostic algorithms designed for dual-sensor systems, maintaining diagnostic accuracy while supporting single-sensor hardware configurations.
2Reliability
If dual throttle position sensors are used, then self-diagnostic capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replicates the single TPS signal to create a second signal copy, enabling dual-sensor diagnostic algorithms to function with single-sensor hardware. This replication approach maintains the self-diagnostic capabilities of dual-sensor systems without requiring actual dual-sensor hardware configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring dual sensors to enable diagnostics, the system inverts the approach by using signal replication to create virtual dual-sensor inputs from single-sensor hardware, thereby enabling diagnostics without increasing physical sensor complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If signal encoding and replication modules are added, then diagnostic versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control module incorporates encoding and replication functionality to create a universal interface that can handle both single and dual TPS sensor configurations. This multi-functional capability allows the same diagnostic code set to work across different sensor configurations, improving versatility while consolidating rather than adding complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for operating a throttle system includes a throttle body generating a throttle position sensor signal and encoding the throttle position sensor signal to form an encoded throttle position sensor signal. The system also includes an electronic control module receiving the encoded throttle position sensor signal from a throttle body, forming a first replicated throttle position sensor signal and a second replicated second throttle position sensor signal from the encoded signal and communicating the first replicated throttle position sensor signal and the second throttle position sensor signal to a diagnostics module.