Encoded Electromagnetic Ride Height Sensing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ride height sensing systems are susceptible to impact damage, line of sight interference, and slow response times, and are not accurate in uncontrolled environments, particularly due to the use of mechanical linkages and constant magnetic fields which are affected by ambient magnetic disturbances.
Innovation Solution
An encoded electromagnetic ride height sensing system using a high-bandwidth electromagnet source with frequency-encoded magnetic fields and multiple Hall effect sensors for continuous calibration and signal processing, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages and providing immunity to line of sight interference and ambient magnetic noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical linkage systems are used for ride height sensing, then the system can detect ride height changes, but the system is susceptible to impact damage and requires moving parts that prevent accurate reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkage systems with a magnetic field-based sensing system. An electromagnetic source generates a magnetic field that is detected by magnetometers (such as Hall effect sensors), eliminating the need for physical linkages, moving parts, and levers that are susceptible to impact damage. This substitution of mechanical components with electromagnetic components resolves the contradiction by providing a non-contact sensing method that is immune to impact damage while maintaining sensing accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic laser systems are used for ride height sensing, then the system can provide non-contact measurement, but the system requires line of sight and constant transmission medium which are not maintained in uncontrolled environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement systems (ultrasonic lasers) with a magnetic field-based system. Magnetic fields can penetrate through various media (dirt, water, fog) that block optical paths, eliminating the line-of-sight requirement. The electromagnetic source generates a magnetic field that extends through the environment without requiring clear transmission paths, allowing the system to operate accurately in uncontrolled environments while maintaining measurement precision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing magnetic ride height sensing systems are used, then the system is immune to dirt and water interference, but the system is susceptible to ambient magnetic disturbances and provides slow response time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the electromagnetic source at a specific frequency. The source is activated in pulses or cycles, creating a time-varying magnetic field signature. This periodic action allows the system to distinguish between the modulated source signal and static or random ambient magnetic disturbances, thereby improving resistance to ambient magnetic interference while maintaining immunity to environmental factors like dirt and water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the magnetic field signal and adjusts its interpretation based on expected signal characteristics. By comparing the received signal against known source characteristics and filtering out frequencies that do not match the modulated source frequency, the system can reject ambient magnetic disturbances and maintain measurement precision.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If existing magnetic ride height sensing systems are used, then the system is immune to dirt and water interference, but the system provides very slow response time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-frequency periodic modulation of the electromagnetic source, which enables faster sampling and response rates. By modulating the source at higher frequencies and using synchronous detection, the system can rapidly detect changes in ride height while filtering out ambient interference. This approach maintains immunity to environmental factors while significantly improving response time compared to continuous or low-frequency magnetic sensing systems.
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 system offers fast and accurate ride height measurements, resistant to impact damage and environmental interference, enabling efficient power usage and multi-axis sensing capabilities, suitable for various vehicle suspension applications.
Implementation Method 1
the ride height sensing system of the present disclosure includes an encoded electromagnetic source and one or more magnetometers, such as Hall effect based sensors
Implementation Method 2
an encoded electromagnetic source as an input unit for a Hall effect sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a ride height sensing system that includes an encoded electromagnetic source as an input unit for a Hall Effect sensors and the signal from the electromagnet is encoded to enable the rejection of ambient magnetic field. In various embodiments, the ride height sensing system includes a self-calibration system including at least one Hall effect sensor mounted at a fixed distance and orientation with respect to the electromagnetic source to provide for continuous calibration of the system. In one embodiment, the enhanced ride height sensing system includes at least two inertial measurement units, such as accelerometers mounted to each of the body frame of the vehicle and the axle frame of the vehicle. This enables the system to optimize power usage by more accurately and efficiently measuring the ride height at high frequency rates with relatively lower power consumption.