Active Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit With Overcurrent Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control circuits for active speed sensors in vehicles lack the desired reliability and durability, often failing to prevent damage from overcurrent and overvoltage conditions, and are not cost-effective for long-term operation.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit with integrated monitoring and protection features, including overcurrent detection, automatic shutdown, and voltage regulation, utilizing standard components like transistors and capacitors to ensure reliable operation without requiring additional logic or control units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional integrated circuits are used for control, then the circuit can perform monitoring and protection functions, but the reliability decreases over extended periods (more than 15 years)
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is segmented into separate functional modules: overcurrent detector, voltage controller, and switches, rather than using a single integrated circuit. This modular approach isolates potential failure points and allows individual components to be replaced or maintained independently, thereby improving long-term reliability and operational lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit incorporates automatic emergency shutdown functionality where the overcurrent detector automatically opens switches without requiring external control units. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous protection and reliable operation over extended periods by eliminating dependency on complex control logic that may fail.
2Reliability
If complex integrated circuits are used for monitoring and protection, then the circuit can provide comprehensive safety functions, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the control circuit into separate functional modules (overcurrent detector, voltage controller, switches), each component can be manufactured using standard, cost-effective processes rather than requiring expensive complex integrated circuits. This segmentation maintains protection capabilities while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses standard, readily available electronic components that are inexpensive to manufacture and replace. Rather than investing in expensive integrated circuits, the system employs affordable discrete components that can be easily sourced and replaced if needed, achieving cost-effective manufacturing without compromising protection functionality.
3Reliability
If additional logic units or control units are added for monitoring, then the protection function is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overcurrent detector and voltage controller are designed to automatically detect faults and open switches without requiring external logic units or control units. This self-service approach enhances monitoring capability while minimizing circuit complexity by eliminating the need for additional control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit components perform multiple functions: the overcurrent detector monitors current and triggers shutdown, the voltage controller regulates supply voltage, and the switches provide both power control and protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring and protection capabilities.
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
The circuit provides high reliability and cost-effectiveness over extended periods, ensuring continuous monitoring and protection of active speed sensors, allowing for durable operation exceeding 10-20 years without complex integrated circuits.
Implementation Method 1
an overcurrent detector (131, 132) configured to detect an overcurrent through the supply terminal (104) or through the ground terminal (106)
Implementation Method 2
a voltage controller (140) configured to adjust an electrical voltage between the first terminal (101) and the ground terminal (106) to a setpoint
Implementation Method 3
a first switch (110) configured to switch the first terminal (101) with the supply terminal (104)
Implementation Method 4
a second switch (120) configured to switch the second terminal (102) with the ground terminal (106)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a control circuit for an active rotational speed sensor (10) of a vehicle. The active rotational speed sensor (10) is designed to detect the rotational speed of a wheel and to output a sensor signal on that basis. The control circuit comprises a monitoring circuit (100) which comprises the following: a first connection (101) and a second connection (102) for electrically connecting the rotational speed sensor (10) and for receiving the sensor signal, and a supply connection (104) for connecting to a supply voltage, and a ground connection (106) for connecting to a ground. In addition, the control circuit comprises a sensor signal output (108) for providing the sensor signal from the active rotational speed sensor (10). In addition, the control circuit comprises a first switch (110), which is designed to connect the first connection (101) to the supply connection (104), and a second switch (120), which is designed to connect the second connection (102) to the ground connection (106). In addition, the control circuit comprises an overcurrent detector (130), which is designed to detect an overcurrent through the supply connection (104) or through the ground connection (106) and, upon detection, to open the first switch (110) or the second switch (120). Lastly, the control circuit comprises a voltage controller (140), which is designed to bring about an adjustment of an electrical voltage between the first connection (101) and the ground connection (106) to a target value.