Vehicular Actuator Height Sensing via Magnetic Field
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular suspension systems face challenges with accuracy in ride height measurement due to exposure to road contamination and debris, leading to increased part count, complex assembly, and reduced service convenience.
Innovation Solution
An inductive relative height differential sensing system is integrated into the actuator assembly, using a sensor and target that form a magnetic field to measure distance between internal components, protected by a dust tube, reducing the need for external brackets and fasteners, and allowing for easier servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical linkages and electro-mechanical sensors are used to measure height differential, then measurement function is achieved, but part count increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkages and electro-mechanical sensors with a magnetic field-based sensing system. A sensor and target cooperate to form a magnetic field that varies with distance, enabling height differential measurement without mechanical connections. This eliminates mounting arms, sensor links, brackets, and fasteners while maintaining measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly itself serves multiple functions: it provides suspension actuation while also housing the height differential sensing system. The sensor is coupled to the housing and the target to the body, utilizing the existing actuator structure for both actuation and measurement purposes, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are exposed in the undercarriage for height measurement, then real-time feedback is obtained, but vulnerability to contamination and road debris increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is nested within the actuator assembly structure. The sensor is coupled to the inside of the housing while the target is coupled to the outside of the body, with both components protected by the actuator's dust tube and housing structure. This nesting arrangement shields the sensing components from road contamination and debris while maintaining measurement capability through the magnetic field that penetrates the protective barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary that transmits measurement information through the protective housing and dust tube walls. The sensor and target cooperate to form a magnetic field that varies with distance, allowing the sensor to detect height differential changes without direct exposure to the harsh undercarriage environment.
3Reliability
If multiple mounting components and fasteners are used for sensor installation, then sensor mounting stability is achieved, but servicing convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate mounting arms, sensor links, brackets, and fasteners by integrating the sensing system directly into the actuator assembly. The sensor couples to the housing and the target couples to the body, utilizing the existing actuator structure for mounting, thereby simplifying servicing while maintaining stability.
4Device complexity
If part count is reduced by integrating sensing into actuator, then assembly simplicity improves, but measurement reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is merged with the actuator assembly, with the sensor coupled to the housing and the target coupled to the body. This integration reduces part count and simplifies assembly while maintaining measurement reliability through the robust magnetic field-based sensing mechanism that is protected by the actuator's housing and dust tube structure.
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 system provides accurate and protected ride height data for suspension control, simplifying assembly and servicing while maintaining chassis stability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor coupled to the inside of the housing, and a target coupled to the outside of the body, the sensor and the target cooperating to form a magnetic field that varies in a manner indicative of the distance therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator system for determining a relative height differential between a housing of an actuator assembly and a body of the actuator assembly for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a suspension wherein the housing is coupled to a first portion of the suspension, and the body is coupled to a second portion of the suspension. The system comprises a sensor coupled to the inside of the housing, and a target coupled to the outside of the body, the sensor and the target cooperating to form a magnetic field that varies in a manner indicative of the distance therebetween.