Vehicle Axle Load Measurement via Intermediary Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring load on vehicle axles with mechanical suspensions face durability issues due to exposure to road irregularities, similar to those with pneumatic suspensions, leading to premature failure of load cells and pressure sensors.
Innovation Solution
A system with extension/retraction means positioned between the vehicle frame and axle, which measure load variations only during stationary or low-speed periods, using load cells or pressure sensors within an air tank, minimizing exposure to stress and allowing incremental load measurement, with pre-load adjustment to maintain accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If load cells are installed on axles with mechanical suspensions to measure load, then load measurement is achieved, but the load cells are subjected to stresses from road irregularities causing premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical system (lever arms, fulcrums, and linkage mechanisms) that decouples the load measurement function from the suspension components. The load cells are positioned on the vehicle frame rather than directly on the axle, using mechanical leverage to transmit axle load information to the measurement devices. This intermediary mechanism protects the load cells from direct exposure to road irregularities and suspension stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into distinct functional components: the suspension system (axle, springs, shock absorbers) is separated from the measurement system (load cells, levers, fulcrums). This segmentation allows each system to perform its specialized function without being subjected to the stresses and complexities of the other, improving both reliability and measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used in pneumatic suspensions to infer load, then load measurement is possible, but the sensors are subject to the same work cycles as suspensions reducing their lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mechanical linkages (levers and fulcrums) as intermediaries to transfer load information from the axle to the load cells positioned on the frame. This mechanical intermediary allows load measurement without requiring sensors to be directly integrated into the suspension components that undergo repeated stress cycles, thereby extending sensor lifespan.
3Measurement precision
If measurement devices are placed on the loading floor to detect items, then load detection is achieved, but the vehicle loading floor requires peculiar design and precise loading position monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the loading floor and relocates it to the vehicle frame through mechanical linkages. By taking out the load cells from the loading floor structure and positioning them on the frame, the system eliminates the need for specialized loading floor designs and precise position monitoring, simplifying the overall system while maintaining measurement capability.
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 solution extends the lifespan of measurement components by limiting their operation to specific sessions, enabling accurate load measurement on any axle type, including mechanical suspensions, without the durability issues of previous systems.
Implementation Method 1
Such extension/retraction means comprise means for measuring a load or a load variation FLM which weighs on the axle A. Such measurement means are sensitive to a reciprocal approaching between frame and axle.
Implementation Method 2
In the latter case, it is a tank at least partially filled with gas/air, internal or external to the extension/retraction means P, whose internal pressure is a function of the deflection/lightening of the extension/retraction means P, proportional to the deflection/lightening of the suspensions of the same axle.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
System for measuring the load acting on a vehicle axle, the vehicle comprising a frame (F) and said axle (A) being connected to the frame by means of a suspension system, the system comprising extension/retraction means (P) fixed indifferently either to the frame (F) in correspondence of the axle (A) or to the vehicle axle (A), in order to interpose between the frame (F) and the axle (A) only when they are in extended position, means for measuring a load or a load variation (FLM) on the axle (A) comprising a sensor (S) associated to the extension/retraction means (P) adapted to produce an electric signal proportional to a compression/lightening of the extension/retraction means (P) and first processing means (VCU) adapted to control the extension/retraction means (P) in order to move to an extended condition when the vehicle speed is lower than a predetermined threshold and to a retracted condition at least when the speed of the vehicle exceeds said threshold and second processing means (VCU) adapted to calculate a value of weight weighing on the axle (A) on the basis of the electric signal.