Coupling Pin Torque Sensing for Accurate Towing Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force sensing devices for vehicles deform or distort signals due to shear force measurement issues and axial force conversion, particularly when towing on inclined surfaces, leading to inaccurate force determination.
Innovation Solution
A force sensing device with a linking element and torque sensors on pins that transmit both vertical and horizontal forces to a connection flange, allowing for independent measurement and adjustment of force signals regardless of the surface angle, ensuring accurate force determination by calculating the difference between sensor values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If shear force measurement is used in known force sensing devices, then the force can be measured, but the pin deforms and/or bends causing measurement inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces shear force measurement with torque measurement. Instead of measuring shear force directly on the pin which causes deformation, the system measures torque on the pin which does not cause structural damage. This substitution of the measurement principle resolves the contradiction between measurement accuracy and structural integrity.
2Strength
If axial force acts on the pin instead of shear force, then the pin structure is preserved, but the signal value is distorted by friction between the pin and bearing bushes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the friction effect from the measurement system by using torque measurement on the pin. Since torque measurement does not involve sliding contact between the pin and bearing bushes, the harmful friction effect is completely removed from the measurement process, preserving both structural integrity and measurement accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the towing vehicle is positioned on an inclined surface, then the towing operation continues, but the signal value determined by the torque sensor becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic compensation by adjusting the torque sensor signal based on the detected slope angle. The system dynamically adapts the measurement reading according to the vehicle's position on inclined surfaces, maintaining measurement accuracy across varying operating conditions while preserving the ability to tow on any surface.
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 solution provides reliable and accurate determination of force magnitude and direction on a coupling, maintaining precision across various towing conditions and surface angles without deformation or signal distortion.
Implementation Method 1
Each pin comprises a torque sensor. The torque sensor of the respective pin determines the force that acts on the corresponding pin
Data Source
AI summary
A force sensing device generates an output signal containing information usable for determining a magnitude and a direction of a force acting on a coupling. The coupling has a hook and a linking element linking the hook to a connection flange. The linking element is linked to the hook and the connection flange by at least two pins. Each pin comprises a torque sensor. The linking element is arranged at an angle with respect to the hook such that independent of the angle of the slope between an imaginary horizontal plane and the longitudinal axis of the connection flange, the linking element does not reach a position, in which the two pins are arranged one above the other in a vertical direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the connection flange.