Vehicle Coupling Unit Magnetoelastic Load Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling units for vehicles lack an efficient method to simply and reliably record mechanical loads, which is essential for ensuring the stability and safety of trailer or rear load carrier connections.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a force detection area with a sensor that utilizes the magnetoelastic effect, where mechanical loads cause changes in magnetic permeability, allowing for accurate load detection without significant deformation, and a support structure design that reduces mass while maintaining stability, including a strut structure with longitudinal and connecting elements and strategically placed force detection areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used to detect mechanical loads, then the coupling unit can record loads, but the sensor installation is complex and the signal-to-noise ratio is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or electrical load sensors with a magnetoelastic sensor that detects mechanical loads through magnetic field changes. The sensor utilizes the magnetoelastic effect where stress applied to a ferromagnetic material changes its magnetic permeability, which is detected by a magnetic field sensor. This substitution simplifies sensor installation and improves measurement precision by detecting magnetic field changes rather than requiring direct mechanical contact or complex electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct mechanical measurement to magnetic property measurement. By monitoring changes in magnetic permeability of the ferromagnetic material under stress, the system achieves more precise load detection with simpler sensor installation. The magnetoelastic effect provides a direct correlation between mechanical stress and magnetic property changes, enabling accurate load measurement without complex sensor assemblies.
2Strength
If the loaded section is dimensioned to minimize deformation, then structural integrity is maintained, but conventional deformation-based sensors cannot detect loads effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from geometric deformation to magnetic property changes. The ferromagnetic material in the loaded section experiences changes in magnetic permeability when subjected to mechanical stress, even when the deformation is too small to be detected by conventional sensors. This allows the structurally optimized loaded section to maintain its integrity while still enabling accurate load detection through magnetic field changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces deformation-based mechanical sensing with magnetoelastic sensing. Instead of measuring physical displacement or strain, the system measures changes in magnetic permeability of the ferromagnetic material under stress. This substitution enables load detection in components that are designed with minimal deformation for optimal structural performance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support structure is made solid to ensure stability, then the coupling arm is stable, but the mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a porous or lattice structure within the support structure of the coupling arm. This internal porosity reduces the overall mass of the coupling arm while the external geometry and material distribution maintain the necessary stability and strength. The ferromagnetic material is strategically positioned to provide both structural support and load detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining ferromagnetic material with non-magnetic structural materials. The ferromagnetic components provide load detection capability through magnetoelastic effects, while the composite structure optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the support structure to achieve both stability and reduced mass through material optimization.
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
Enables reliable and efficient detection of mechanical loads, including tensile, compressive, and torsional forces, with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced mass, enhancing the stability and safety of the coupling unit.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor detects the acting on this force detection area mechanical load by means of the magnetoelastic effect
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to improve a coupling unit that can be mounted at the rear of a vehicle body, comprising a carrier unit which in turn can be mounted on the vehicle body concealed by a bumper unit, and which includes a coupling arm held by the carrier unit for coupling the trailer or the rear load carrier, in such a way that the mechanical loads on the coupling unit can be detected in a simple manner, it is proposed that at least one force detection area be provided on sections of the coupling unit that are mechanically loaded by the coupled trailer or the coupled rear load carrier, in which a sensor assigned to this force detection area detects the mechanical load acting on this force detection area by means of the magnetoelastic effect.