Air Spring Stroke Sensor Using Magnetic Bias and Piezoelectric Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air suspension devices for vehicles require a complex structure with a link mechanism and additional sensors, necessitating a large space for installation, which complicates the integration of a stroke sensor for detecting vehicle height changes.
Innovation Solution
A stroke sensor is integrated into the air spring using a magnetism generator, magnetic body, and piezoelectric element, allowing for the detection of distance changes between components within the air spring, eliminating the need for external sensors and simplifying the device structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a link mechanism such as a lever and an additional sensor are provided to detect vehicle height changes, then vehicle height detection is achieved, but the device structure becomes complicated and requires large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The stroke sensor integrates multiple components (magnetism generator, magnetic body, and pressure detector) into a single compact unit that is installed within the air spring chamber. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate link mechanisms and external sensors, thereby achieving vehicle height detection while reducing device complexity and installation space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The stroke sensor components are nested within the existing air spring chamber structure. The magnetism generator is disposed in the air spring chamber, and the magnetic body is positioned within the piston, utilizing the existing spatial arrangement to accommodate the detection mechanism without requiring additional external space
2Measurement precision
If a link mechanism and additional sensor are provided for stroke detection, then vehicle height can be detected, but large space is necessary for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The stroke detection function is merged with the existing air spring components. The pressure detector, which is part of the stroke sensor assembly, detects pressure changes from the magnetic body's movement, integrating the detection function within the existing structural volume rather than requiring separate external sensors and link mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic body is disposed within the piston chamber, and the magnetism generator is positioned in the air spring chamber above it. This nested arrangement allows the stroke detection mechanism to occupy minimal space within the existing air spring assembly, eliminating the need for large external installation space
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
This configuration enables space-saving integration of the stroke sensor within the air spring, maintaining the operational volume of the fluid chamber and allowing for accurate vehicle height detection through voltage output changes, thereby simplifying installation and reducing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic body provided in the second member, the magnetic body being configured to be biased toward the magnetism generator by a magnetic force generated from the magnetism generator
Implementation Method 2
a pressure detector provided in the second member, the pressure detector being held in contact with the magnetic body biased by the magnetic force from the magnetism generator, the pressure detector being configured to detect the distance between the first and second members on the basis of a change of a pressure acting from the magnetic body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A stroke sensor detects a distance between a first member and a second member provided movably toward and away from the first member. The stroke sensor includes a magnetism generator provided in the first member and configured to generate magnetism, a magnetic body provided in the second member and configured to be biased toward the magnetism generator by a magnetic force generated from the magnetism generator, and a pressure detector provided in the second member, held in contact with the magnetic body biased by the magnetic force from the magnetism generator and configured to detect the distance between the first and second members on the basis of a change of a pressure acting from the magnetic body.