Method for detecting malfunctioning in a sensor

US6928854B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Robert Bosch GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Martin Hartz · Rankweil, AT
• Manfred Strohrmann · Karlsruhe, DE
• Detlev Straub · Stuttgart, DE
• Christof Hammel · Stuttgart, DE
• Juergen Biester · Eppelheim, DE
• Udo Schulz · Gießen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 20, 2000
• Grant date: Aug 16, 2005
• Expiry date: Nov 2, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/40
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for detecting a malfunction of a sensor measuring a measured quantity is provided, in which a signal-range check for the output signal of the sensor is performed, provided that the measured quantity is within a permissible range. If the measured quantity is outside the permissible range, no signal-range check is performed, but the output signal is used for detecting the measured quantity and for further calculations. The sensor may be, for example, a hot-film air-mass meter. If this is the case, the measured quantity is the drawn-in air mass, and the signal-range check is performed, provided that the engine operating state and thus the drawn-in air satisfies specifiable conditions. In addition to the signal-range check, onboard diagnoses with regard to specifiable plausibility criteria relating to the offset-drift and/or the sensitivity-drift of the sensor may also be performed.