Sensor Link Geometry for Accurate Height-Settable Axle 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 link element, particularly in vehicles with curved or straight link elements, which are affected by tilting and non-vertical movements, impacting sensor accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle design with a longitudinal rocking arm and a sensor link having a first attachment point on a virtual straight axis connecting the rocking arm's and link element's connection loci, ensuring accurate measurement of the axle's movement relative to the support structure, using conventional straight link elements optimized for traction/compression efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a curved link element is used to allow tilting freedom, then the suspension system gains adaptability, but the sensor measurement accuracy deteriorates due to tilting movements being erroneously detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tilting degree of freedom from the link element by constraining it to move only along a predetermined straight line. The link element is designed with a constraint mechanism that allows translation along the straight line connecting the first and second connection loci, while preventing rotation and movement perpendicular to this line. This separation isolates the vertical movement measurement from tilting interference, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor link as an intermediary component that connects the sensor to the link element at a specific attachment point on the predetermined straight line. This sensor link acts as a mediator that transmits only the vertical movement information to the sensor while filtering out tilting movements. The intermediary structure ensures that the sensor measures only the distance between the axle and support structure without being affected by link element tilting.
2Strength
If a straight link element is used for optimized traction/compression efforts, then structural efficiency improves, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to tilting movements affecting sensor readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining the straight link element structure for optimal traction and compression performance, while locally introducing a constraint mechanism at the connection loci that restricts movement to a predetermined straight line. This localized constraint ensures that the link element retains its structural efficiency while preventing tilting movements that would interfere with sensor measurements. The attachment point for the sensor link is also specifically positioned on this straight line to ensure accurate measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the link element is allowed to move in non-vertical directions, then the suspension system gains flexibility, but the sensor erroneously detects these movements as vertical displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the movement degrees of freedom by separating vertical translation from tilting and lateral movements. The link element is constrained to move only along a predetermined straight line that connects the first and second connection loci, effectively segmenting the allowed movement from other directions. This segmentation ensures that the sensor only detects vertical displacement information while other movements are mechanically restricted, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and measurement accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A work vehicle comprising a vehicle support structure (1), a vehicle axle (2), a longitudinal rocking arm (3) attached to the vehicle axle (2) and comprising a first connection locus (4) connected to the vehicle support structure (1), a sensor (5) configured for detecting movement of the vehicle axle and a vehicle suspension system comprising a vehicle suspension link device (6) comprising a link element (7) comprising a second connection locus (8a) connected to the vehicle axle and a third connection locus (8b) connected to the vehicle support structure. The work vehicle comprises a sensor link comprising a first attachment point (10a) connected to the vehicle axle and a second attachment point (10b) connected to the sensor, the first attachment point being located on a virtual straight axis (A) connecting the first connection locus of the longitudinal rocking arm and the second connection locus of the link element.