Sensor ground inside the axle

Abstract

An axle assembly includes a sensor and provides an electrical ground connection from the sensor to a ground potential of a vehicle in order to provide data regarding the axle and / or a hub connected to the axle. In particular, an inner surface of an interior cavity of the axle is used as an electrical ground for the sensor, thereby protecting the ground connection and the sensor from harsh environments. In one embodiment, an axle assembly includes a support member adapted to be disposed within an interior cavity of an axle and a sensor operatively connected to the support member. The sensor includes an electrical ground input electrically connected to a surface of the axle within the cavity. Such an axle assembly can be provided as a component part in a vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to sensors within the axles of a vehicle, and more specifically to designs for providing a grounding electrical connection for sensors within the axles. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive sector, particularly in commercial vehicles, there is a desire to deploy one or more sensors (e.g., temperature and / or vibration sensors) near the wheel wells or hubs. This allows for the acquisition of data that can help predict or detect component failures within the wheel wells or hubs. When designing sensors near the wheel wells, component durability and manufacturability are critical considerations. The design of such sensors is challenging due to the difficulty of wiring for deployment near the wheel wells and the harsh conditions of the operating environment. Sensor reliability typically depends, at least in part, on the durability of the grounding connection in the sensor circuitry, which is one of the primary points of failure in harsh environments. Another point of failure when using sensors in harsh environments is the complex architecture of the required sensor wiring. While wireless sensor solutions have been proposed that offer the advantage of eliminating the need for wiring, these solutions incur the cost of additional wireless communication equipment and may require battery replacement within the wireless sensor.

[0003] Therefore, solutions that alleviate this difficulty would be a welcome supplement in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure relates throughout to sensors and to providing an electrical grounding connection from the sensor to the vehicle ground potential to provide data about the axle and / or the hub connected to the axle. Specifically, using the inner surface of the axle as the electrical grounding point for the sensor utilizes the protection provided by the internal cavity of the axle for grounding and the sensor in harsh environments.

[0005] Therefore, in one embodiment, an axle assembly includes: a support member adapted to be disposed within an internal cavity of the axle; and a sensor operatively connected to the support member. The sensor includes an electrically grounded input terminal electrically connected to a surface of the axle within the cavity. Such an axle assembly can be provided as a component in a vehicle.

[0006] In such embodiments, the support member can take many forms. For example, in one embodiment, the support member is an air line support member. In another embodiment, the support member includes a plug. In this case, the plug may also include any of a bolt, clamp, press-fit tube, or grommets mounted to the plug, wherein each such bolt, clamp, press-fit tube, or grommets is adapted to receive the sensor.

[0007] In another embodiment, the axle plug includes a central portion and an outer peripheral portion, wherein at least the outer peripheral portion is adapted to establish electrical contact with the axle, and wherein the sensor's electrical ground input is electrically connected to the outer peripheral portion. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion may be made of a conductive material. Further, the central portion of the axle plug may also be integral with the outer peripheral portion and made of the conductive material. In this case, the central portion may be adapted to receive the sensor, wherein the electrical ground input is electrically connected to both the central portion and the outer peripheral portion. In one embodiment, the sensor may be embedded in the central portion of the axle plug. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The foregoing and other features and advantages will be discussed in detail in the following non-limiting description of a particular embodiment, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an axle assembly according to the present disclosure is shown, specifically a schematic cross-sectional view of the interior of the axle having sensors connected to a support member.

[0010] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of an axle assembly according to the present disclosure is shown, specifically a schematic cross-sectional view of the interior of the axle having sensors connected to alternative support members.

[0011] Figure 3A A schematic cross-sectional view of the interior of an axle according to the present disclosure is shown, the axle having a sensor connected to a plug including a bolt.

[0012] Figure 3B The following is shown in accordance with this disclosure: Figure 3A Rear perspective view of the shaft plug and bolt.

[0013] Figure 3C The basis shown in this disclosure is as follows Figure 3A and Figure 3B A perspective view of the bolt.

[0014] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Top and bottom perspective views of the clamp disposed on the shaft plug according to the present disclosure are shown respectively.

[0015] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Top and bottom perspective views of a press-fit tube disposed on a shaft plug according to the present disclosure are shown respectively.

[0016] Figure 6A A perspective view of a cable ring used with a shaft plug according to this disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 6BThe basis shown in this disclosure is as follows Figure 6A A perspective view of the cable ring mounted on the axle plug.

[0018] Figure 7 A cross-sectional and perspective view of a sensor directly mounted on a piston according to this disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 8 A vehicle including an axle assembly according to this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] As used herein, phrases substantially similar to "at least one of A, B, or C" are intended to be interpreted as disjunctive terms, requiring A or B or C, or any combination thereof, unless the context otherwise indicates or implies. Furthermore, phrases substantially similar to "at least one of A, B, and C" are intended to be interpreted as conjunctions, requiring at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C, unless the context otherwise indicates or implies. In addition, the term "substantially" or similar terms requiring subjective comparison are intended to mean "within manufacturing tolerances," unless the context otherwise indicates or implies.

[0021] As used herein, the phrase “operationally connected” refers to at least a functional relationship between two elements and may cover configurations in which the two elements are directly connected to each other (i.e., without any intermediate elements) or indirectly connected to each other (i.e., with intermediate elements).

[0022] To facilitate an understanding of the principles of this disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings described below. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. This disclosure includes any changes and further modifications to the illustrated apparatus and described methods, as well as further applications of the principles of this disclosure, that would normally occur to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Furthermore, embodiments have been chosen for description to enable those skilled in the art to practice this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view of an axle assembly 5 is shown, specifically illustrating the internal portion of an axle 10 for a vehicle (not shown) such as a bus, light / medium / heavy-duty truck, service vehicle, etc. As is known in the art, such an axle 10 is typically hollow and includes an internal cavity 16 formed therein, defining an inner surface 14. In this embodiment, a sensor support member 12 is operatively connected to the inner surface 14 of the internal cavity 16 of the axle 10. A sensor 18 is then operatively connected to the sensor support member 12 as a means of securing the sensor 18 within the axle 10. Throughout this disclosure, any of the sensors illustrated may include any of a variety of sensor types, including but not limited to temperature, humidity, fluid, or vibration sensors or combinations thereof.

[0024] As those skilled in the art will understand, various techniques can be used to operatively attach the support member 12 to the inner surface 14. For example, the support member 12 may be welded to or bolted to the inner surface 14. Alternatively, various adhesives may be used for this purpose. Furthermore, such adhesives may be selected to enhance the operation of the sensor 18, for example, in cases where the sensor 18 includes a temperature sensor, the selected adhesive may either have good thermal conductivity (as is important where the temperature of the axle 10 itself is important) or strong thermal conductivity (as is desired where it is desirable to isolate the temperature sensor from the axle 10). Similarly, those skilled in the art will understand that various techniques can be used to operatively attach the sensor 18 to the support member 12. For example, the support member 12 may be configured to receive and mechanically hold the sensor 18 in a fixed position relative to the support member 12, for example, via press-fitting, mating attachment elements, screws, clamps, etc. Various examples of such embodiments are described in more detail below. Additionally or alternatively, a suitable adhesive may be used to operatively attach the sensor 18 to the support member 12.

[0025] Sensor 18 includes an electrical ground input 20, which is electrically connected to the inner surface 14 of axle 10 by a ground conductor 20 between the ground input 20 and the inner surface 14 to provide the ground required for sensor 18 to operate. Additionally, a power conductor 26 is electrically connected to the power input 22 of sensor 18 and a power supply (not shown) for the sensor. According to known art, the power conductor 26, typically including an insulated wire, is guided through the cavity 16 of axle 10. As described in conjunction with other embodiments described below, the electrical connection of the ground input 20 to axle 10 via the inner surface does not need to be limited to a separate electrical conductor 24 such as an insulated wire, but can be achieved through an integral conductive path 28 formed as part of support member 12. Regardless of the implementation, providing ground conductors 24, 28 between the ground input 20 of sensor 18 and axle 10 utilizes the fact that axle 10 is electrically connected to the chassis of the vehicle, which is typically used as the ground potential for all electrical systems in the vehicle. Accordingly, this has the advantage of eliminating the need to guide individual conductors back through the cavity 16 in the direction of the power supply, thereby simplifying the manufacture of the axle assembly 5 and reducing potential points of failure.

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of an axle assembly according to this disclosure is illustrated, specifically a schematic cross-sectional view of the interior of the axle having a sensor connected to an alternative support member 30. Specifically, the alternative support member 30 is an expandable structure of the type described in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 907,943 (assigned to ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC; hereinafter referred to as the "'943 application"). As described in the '943 application, the support member 30 includes a conduit 32 configured such that, when subjected to compression, a plurality of arms 34, 36, 38, 40 extend outward from the conduit 32 to contact the inner surface 14 of the axle 10. Thus, the arms 34, 36, 38, 40 substantially center the conduit 32 within the cavity 16. The wiring 42 schematically illustrates various elements that can be guided through the conduit 32, such as pipes for distributing air or other fluids, wires, combinations of both, etc. Therefore, any vibration or overheating effect of the axle 10 is absorbed or at least minimized by the support member 30, thereby also minimizing any possibility of damage to the wiring 42. Although all the arms 34, 36, 38, 40 depicted are shown in contact with the inner surface 14, this is not mandatory; not all arms need to contact the inner surface, as long as the wiring 42 does not come into contact with the inner surface 14. Preferably, the arms 34, 36, 38, 40 are configured to contact the inner surface 14 with sufficient force and the resulting friction to hold the support member 30 in its final position along the entire length of the cavity 16.

[0027] Figure 2A sensor 44, schematically depicted, is further illustrated and deployed on a support member 30, specifically on one of the arms 34. Although a single sensor 44 is illustrated in Figure 3, it should be understood that more than one sensor 44 may be deployed on a given support member 30. The sensor 44 may be attached to the support member 30 (permanently or removably) using suitable adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the support member 30 may be configured to include structures (e.g., holes, flanges, notches, etc.; not shown) that facilitate the attachment of one or more sensors 44 to the support member 30.

[0028] and Figure 1 Similarly, Figure 2 The depicted axle assembly includes a ground conductor 50 configured to electrically connect the ground input terminal 46 of the sensor 44 to the inner surface 14 of the axle 10. In an alternative embodiment, a one-piece ground conductor 54 may be configured to electrically connect the ground input terminal 46 to the inner surface 14, particularly when the sensor 44 itself is biased to contact the inner surface 14. Similarly, a power conductor 52 electrically connects the power input terminal 48 of the sensor 44 to a power source (not shown).

[0029] As shown, sensor 44 is positioned at or near the apex of arm 34 (relative to the centrally located conduit 32), allowing sensor 44 to contact the inner surface 14. In one embodiment, positioning sensor 44 at or near the apex of any of arms 34, 36, 38, 40 allows the force generated by the extension of that arm to bias sensor 44 into contact with the inner surface 14. This is particularly useful when sensor 44 is to measure one or more parameters of axle 10 or other components near axle 10 (e.g., wheel bearings). Although sensor 44 is depicted as being positioned near the apex of arm 34, this is not mandatory, and the position of sensor 44 on support member 30 may vary depending on the application. Whether something is "close enough" as used herein with respect to one or more sensors 44 can be determined by the capabilities of a given sensor; that is, if the sensor is positioned close enough to achieve the desired sensing operation, then the sensor is considered close to a given location. For example, it might be desirable to sense overheating or vibration that may occur in the early stages of a wheel bearing failure. In this case, positioning the sensor 44 in contact with the axle 10 at the end of the axle attached to the wheel allows for the detection of such conditions. Alternatively, if the temperature present within the cavity 16 along the line 42 is the desired parameter to be measured, the sensor 44 can be deployed on the support member 30 to be close to or even in contact with the line 42.

[0030] Figure 3A and Figure 3BA plug 60 configured to serve as part of a sensor support member is shown. As is known in the art, the plug is inserted into the open end of a cavity 16 of the axle 10, thereby providing a fluid-impermeable seal for the cavity 16. For example, such plugs are typically press-fitted into the open end of the cavity 16, but can also be attached by other means such as threaded connection or welding. In the illustrated example, the plug 60 is inserted into a countersunk portion of the cavity 16 such that the insertion of the plug 60 is restricted by a shoulder forming the end surface of the countersunk hole. The plug 60 is formed in a cup shape, having a central portion 62 and an outer peripheral portion 64 extending axially outward from the central portion 62. Preferably, the central portion 62 and the outer peripheral portion 64 are made as a single unit. Furthermore, both the central portion 62 and the outer peripheral portion 64 can be made of a conductive material such that the plug 60 is electrically grounded when it contacts the inner surface 14 of the axle 10. However, it should be understood that the plug 60 does not need to be conductive and may be made of other electrically insulating materials (e.g., steel with an electrically insulating coating).

[0031] In addition to the piston 60, the support member illustrated in Figure 3 includes a bolt 70 installed in an opening in the central portion 62 of the piston 60. Figure 3C As shown, bolt 70 includes bolt head 71 and bolt body 72. Bolt body 72 is configured to be installed in an opening (not shown) in the central portion 62 of piston 60, such that when piston 60 is inserted into cavity 16 (as shown in the image), Figure 3A As shown), the bolt head 71 will be located within the sealing portion of the cavity 16. For mounting on the central portion 62, the bolt body 72 may, for example, be threaded to engage with corresponding threads in the opening, or may be configured to press into the opening. Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, bolt 70 is eccentrically mounted on the central portion 62, but this is not mandatory. As shown, bolt head 71 may have a hexagonal configuration according to well-known standards. Preferably, bolt head 71 is configured to include a sensor mounting feature 74 that allows a sensor to be attached thereto. In the illustrated example, sensor mounting feature 74 includes an opening 73 and / or a recess 74 formed in bolt head 71 and configured to receive a sensor.

[0032] In one embodiment, both the bolt 70 and the plug 60 are made of a conductive material, such that when the support member including the plug 60 and the bolt 70 is... Figure 3AWhen mounted in cavity 16, the axle plug 60 and bolt 70 provide a conductive grounding path. In this case, the sensor can be mounted to bolt head 71 such that the grounding input of the sensor is in electrical contact with bolt head 71, thereby electrically connecting to the ground potential provided by axle 10. In another embodiment, bolt 70 may be made of electrically insulating material and also includes an integrally formed grounding conductor configured to establish an electrical connection with axle plug 60 (which itself is made of conductive material) when bolt 70 is mounted on axle plug 60, and to establish an electrical connection with the grounding input of the sensor when the sensor is mounted on bolt 70. In yet another embodiment and as... Figure 3C As most clearly shown, the bolt head 71 and bolt body 72 may include connecting channels 76, 78, providing a path for an independent electrical conductor 72 (FIG. 3a), such as an insulated wire, to pass from one side of the central portion 62 (where the sensor is deployed) through the bolt 70 to the opposite side of the central portion 62 (to which the outer peripheral portion 64 extends). In this case, if at least the outer peripheral portion 64 is conductive, the electrical conductor 72 operatively connected to the ground input terminal of the sensor may also be electrically connected to the outer peripheral portion 64, thereby providing an electrical ground for the sensor.

[0033] Figures 4 through 6 illustrate different embodiments of a component that can be attached to the central portion 62 of the shaft plug 60 for attaching a sensor. (Compared to the above) Figures 3A to 3C As with the described embodiments, each of the components illustrated in Figures 4 through 6 for mounting on the piston 60 may be made of an insulating or conductive material, and in the latter case, where the piston 60 is also made of a conductive material, an electrical grounding path is established for the sensor attached to the component. Alternatively, each of the components illustrated in Figures 4 through 6 may be configured to allow a separate grounding conductor for the sensor to pass through, or may include an integrally formed grounding conductor as described above.

[0034] Figure 4A and Figure 4BAn example is illustrated of a support member including a plug 60, which is combined with a press-fit tube 80 attached to a central portion 62. In this embodiment, the press-fit tube 80 includes a tubular body having an upper tube section 82 and a lower tube section 83, with two cantilevers 84, 86 located on either side of the upper tube section 82 and extending substantially parallel to the upper tube section. The diameter of the upper tube section 82 is larger than the diameter of the lower tube section 83. The end of each of the arms 84, 86 is a substantially vertically extending finger 90, 92. In this embodiment, the plug 60 includes a central opening 93 configured to receive and allow the lower tube section 83 to pass through but not the upper tube section 82, thereby providing a stopping position for the press-fit tube 80 to be inserted into the central portion 62. The plug 60 also includes two lateral openings 94, 96 formed opposite to each other on either side of the central opening 93. Lateral openings 94 and 96 are configured to receive corresponding fingers 90 and 92, causing the corresponding arms to bend inward until the fingers 90 and 92 completely pass through the lateral openings 94 and 96. The fingers 90 and 92 are configured to be spaced a certain distance along each arm 84 and 86, such that when the upper tube section is close to the central portion 62, the fingers completely pass through the corresponding lateral openings 94 and 96, at which point the gap between the fingers 90 and 92 allows the arms 84 and 86 to return to their relaxed position. In this way, the fingers 90 and 92 ensure continuous attachment of the press-fit tube 80 to the central portion 62.

[0035] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As further shown, the upper tube section 82 and the lower tube section 83 may have channels 88 formed therein, which may be configured to both receive the sensor and allow a grounding conductor (operably connected to the grounding input of the sensor) to pass through the press-fit tube 80, so that it can also be electrically connected to the inner surface of the axle as described above. Alternatively, although in Figure 4A and Figure 4B Not depicted, but if the piston 60 is made of a conductive material, the upper tubular body 82 or one of the arms 84, 86 may include an integrally formed grounding conductor configured to make electrical contact with the central portion 62 and with the grounding input of a sensor disposed within the channel 88.

[0036] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Another embodiment of a press-fit tube 100 for use with a shaft plug 60 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the press-fit tube 100 includes a tubular body 102, and in this embodiment, the ends of four axially extending arms 104 are finger-like portions, in a manner similar to... Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe implementation scheme is essentially similar. The tubular body 102 is again configured with a diameter larger than the opening 106 formed in the central portion 62, thereby restricting the insertion of the press-fit tube 100 into the opening 106. However, in this case, the arm 104 ( Figure 5B Four are depicted (as shown) configured to insert into the opening 106, allowing the fingers to re-maintain the attachment relationship between the press-fit tube 100 and the plug 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular body and arm 104 have a channel 108 formed therein, which allows for the mounting of a sensor and / or allows a grounding conductor to pass through the press-fit tube 100, as described above. Alternatively, although in Figure 5A and Figure 5B Not depicted, but if the plug 60 is made of a conductive material, one of the arms of the tubular body 102 or arm 104 may include an integrally formed grounding conductor configured to make electrical contact with the central portion 62 and with the grounding input of the sensor attached to the press-fit tube 100.

[0037] Figure 6A and Figure 6B An embodiment of a grommets 110 for use with a piston 60 is illustrated. According to known art, the grommets 110 may be made of a suitable elastomer (e.g., rubber) or a suitable flexible plastic. In this embodiment, the grommets 110 includes two circular ends 112, 114, and a tapered body 116 connecting the circular ends 112, 114. The diameter of each of the two circular ends 112, 114 is larger than an opening (not shown) formed in a central portion 62. Thus, when the grommets 110 are inserted into the opening in the central portion 62, one of the circular ends 112 can deform. Once inserted, the deformed circular end 112 returns to its initial shape and the tapered body is centered in the opening, ensuring that the grommets 110 are attached to the central portion 62. As in the embodiments described above, a channel 118 is provided through the grommets 110 to allow the mounting of sensors and / or to allow a grounding conductor to pass through the grommets 110, as described above. Alternatively, although in Figure 6A and Figure 6B Not depicted, but if the axle plug 60 is made of a conductive material, the cable ring 110 may include an integrally formed grounding conductor configured to make electrical contact with the central portion 62 and with the grounding input of a sensor attached to the cable ring 110.

[0038] Figure 7 An embodiment of an axle assembly including a piston 120 having a sensor 122 directly mounted thereon rather than mounted using intermediate elements such as bolts, press-fit tubes, or grommets as described above. For example, the sensor 122 may be configured to be press-fitted into an opening formed in the piston 120, such as... Figure 7As shown. In this case, and when the piston plug 120 is made of a conductive material, the ground input terminal of the sensor 122 can be configured such that when the sensor 122 is press-fitted into the piston plug 120, an electrical contact is established between the piston plug 122 and the ground input terminal. Thus, only one electrical conductor 126 needs to extend from the sensor 122. Alternatively, if a conductive piston plug 120 is used but the sensor 122 is not configured to establish an electrical ground contact, a separate ground conductor 124 can be used. Furthermore, if the piston plug 120 is not made of a conductive material, a separate ground conductor 124 can be used, or a similar approach can be adopted. Figure 1 The integral grounding conductor 28 depicted herein is formed integrally within the shaft plug 120.

[0039] See now Figure 8 The figure depicts a vehicle 206 including an axle assembly according to the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, vehicle 206 (which may include any type of vehicle having axles as described herein) includes a first axle 202 and a second axle 204. Although only two axles 202, 204 are shown, it should be understood that additional or fewer axles may be used to support vehicle 206.

[0040] Vehicle 206 includes a controller 212, which may be implemented as a suitable processing device (such as an engine control unit (ECU) or similar devices known in the art) and any additional components required for this example (e.g., the voltage divider circuit 250 described below). As described above, each of the first axle 202 and the second axle 204 defines a sealed internal cavity. The first axle 202 has a first set of wheels 220a, 220b mounted at one end of the axle 202 and a second set of wheels 222a, 222b mounted at the opposite end of the axle 202. Similarly, the second axle 204 has a first set of wheels 224a, 224b mounted at one end of the axle 204 and a second set of wheels 226a, 226b mounted at the opposite end of the axle 204. Although each of the first set of wheels 220, 224 and the second set of wheels 222, 226 is illustrated as comprising two tires per set, it should be understood that this is not mandatory.

[0041] As schematically illustrated, axle assemblies 230, 232, 234, and 236 according to this disclosure are disposed at the respective ends of each axle 202 and 204. Each of the axle assemblies 230, 232, 234, and 236 is electrically connected to the controller 212 via respective electrical conductors 240, 242, 244, and 246, which are guided through the axles 202 and 204 and suitable conduits 214 operatively connected to the axles 202 and 204 and the controller 212.

[0042] Figure 8 Further examples illustrate techniques for operating axle assemblies 230, 232, 234, and 236. Specifically, the illustrated examples are suitable for situations where sensors deployed in each of the axle assemblies 230, 232, 234, and 236 provide measurable different characteristics, which can be represented as voltages as indicators of detected parameters, such as the different resistances of thermistors used to detect temperature changes. In this case, the power conductors 240, 242, 244, and 246 for each of the axle assemblies 230, 232, 234, and 236 are electrically connected to a voltage divider circuit 250. Figure 8 Only one voltage divider circuit is depicted in this example. Each voltage divider circuit 250 includes a pull-up resistor 252 electrically connected in series with a thermistor and a power supply (V+) for the thermistor. A voltmeter 254 measures the voltage at the node between the thermistor and the pull-up resistor 252 relative to the chassis ground potential 256 (i.e., the same ground potential provided to the sensors by the axle assemblies 230, 232, 234, 236, as described above). As is known in the art and assuming that the nominal resistance values ​​of the thermistor and the pull-up resistor 252 (i.e., values ​​unaffected by temperature changes) are known, the voltage measured by the voltmeter 254 will depend on any change in the resistance in the thermistor and therefore also indicate any temperature changes experienced by the thermistor. By monitoring such voltage changes, in this example, the controller 212 can continuously monitor any temperature changes at the axle assemblies 230, 232, 234, 236.

[0043] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in conjunction with specific implementations thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many substitutions, modifications, and variations will be readily apparent. Therefore, the preferred embodiments of the invention described herein are merely illustrative and not restrictive, provided that variations fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An axle assembly, the axle assembly comprising: A support member, which is adapted to be disposed within the internal cavity of the axle; and A sensor operatively connected to the support member, wherein the sensor includes an electrically grounded input terminal electrically connected to the surface of the axle within the cavity.

2. The axle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support member is an air duct support member.

3. The axle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support member is an axle plug.

4. The axle assembly of claim 3, wherein the support member includes a bolt mounted to the axle plug, and the bolt is adapted to receive the sensor.

5. The axle assembly of claim 3, wherein the support member includes a press-fit tube mounted to the axle plug, and the press-fit tube is adapted to receive the sensor.

6. The axle assembly of claim 3, wherein the support member includes a cable loop mounted to the axle plug, and the cable loop is adapted to receive the sensor.

7. The axle assembly of claim 3, wherein the axle plug comprises a central portion and an outer peripheral portion, wherein at least the outer peripheral portion is adapted to establish electrical contact with the axle, and wherein the sensor electrical ground input terminal is electrically connected to the outer peripheral portion.

8. The axle assembly of claim 7, wherein the outer peripheral portion is made of a conductive material.

9. The axle assembly of claim 8, wherein the central portion is integral with the outer peripheral portion and is made of the conductive material.

10. The axle assembly of claim 9, wherein the central portion is adapted to receive the sensor, wherein the electrically grounded input terminal is electrically connected to the central portion and the outer peripheral portion.

11. The axle assembly of claim 7, wherein the sensor is directly mounted on the central portion.

12. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising: axle; and The axle assembly according to claim 1 is mounted on the axle.

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