Axle Sensor Link Layout for Accurate Height Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicles face inaccuracies in measuring the distance between the vehicle axle and support structure due to undesired movements of the suspension link element, particularly in vehicles traveling on uneven ground, which can be exacerbated by the tilting of curved or straight link elements, affecting sensor accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle design with a longitudinal rocking arm and a sensor link attached to a virtual straight axis connecting the rocking arm and the link element, ensuring accurate measurement of axle position relative to the support structure, using a sensor that is unaffected by tilting movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a curved link element is used in the suspension system, then the sensor can detect axle movement, but the link element's tilting freedom due to ball joints affects measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the suspension link element by introducing a separate sensor link that is rigidly connected to the axle. This sensor link independently measures axle position without being affected by the tilting freedom of the suspension link element, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor link acts as an intermediary between the axle and the sensor. It is rigidly connected to the axle and transmits only the vertical movement information to the sensor, filtering out the unwanted tilting movements of the suspension system. This intermediary structure enables accurate measurement while allowing the suspension system to maintain its necessary flexibility
2Ease of manufacture
If a straight link element is used instead of curved, then manufacturing is simpler and costs are reduced, but tilting movements still affect measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is extracted from the load-bearing link element and assigned to a dedicated sensor link. This allows the main link element to be a simple straight structure optimized for manufacturing and mechanical performance, while the sensor link provides accurate measurement independent of the link element's tilting movements
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is attached to the link element, then axle movement can be detected, but undesired movements of the link element are erroneously taken into account
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is separated from the suspension link element by introducing an independent sensor link that is rigidly connected to the axle. This extraction eliminates the coupling between the sensor and the link element's tilting movements, allowing accurate detection of axle position without incorporating harmful undesired movements of the suspension system
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor link serves as an intermediary that selectively transmits only the relevant vertical movement of the axle to the sensor. It filters out the harmful tilting movements of the suspension link element, enabling accurate measurement while the suspension system maintains its necessary flexibility for uneven ground
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle comprising a vehicle support structure, a vehicle axle, a longitudinal rocking arm attached to the vehicle axle and comprising a first connection locus connected to the vehicle support structure, a sensor configured for detecting movement of the vehicle axle and a vehicle suspension system comprising a vehicle suspension link device comprising a link element comprising a second connection locus connected to the vehicle axle and a third connection locus connected to the vehicle support structure. The work vehicle comprises a sensor link comprising a first attachment point connected to the vehicle axle and a second attachment point connected to the sensor, the first attachment point being located on a virtual straight axis connecting the first connection locus of the longitudinal rocking arm and the second connection locus of the link element.