Wheel Hub Sensor Mesh for Harsh-Environment Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring the operating parameters of wheel hubs in vehicles is challenging due to the presence of many moving parts and harsh environmental conditions, making it difficult to ensure continuous and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
Embedding or mounting wireless communication sensors within or onto wheel hubs, which include a power source, sensing devices (such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and temperature sensors), and a communication module to transmit data wirelessly to a remote server or network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sensing equipment is used to monitor wheel hub parameters, then the monitoring capability is limited, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to the harsh environment and moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wired mechanical sensing equipment with wireless sensor nodes that communicate via radio frequency. This eliminates the need for physical connections through harsh environments and moving parts, thereby improving reliability while reducing installation complexity. The wireless communication module transmits sensor data without requiring cables to pass through the wheel hub assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is divided into multiple independent sensor nodes, each capable of autonomous operation and wireless communication. These modular nodes can be individually installed on different components of the wheel hub (bearings, brake rotor, hub assembly) without requiring a complex integrated system, thereby improving both reliability and ease of installation.
2Reliability
If sensors are installed to continuously monitor wheel hub parameters, then operating issues can be identified, but the power consumption and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor nodes perform measurements periodically rather than continuously, activating sensors and communication modules only at scheduled intervals. This approach maintains the ability to detect operating issues while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous monitoring. The microcontroller manages duty cycling to balance monitoring effectiveness with energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor nodes are equipped with energy harvesting capabilities and efficient power management circuits that automatically adjust monitoring frequency based on available energy reserves. The system self-regulates its power consumption to ensure continuous operation without external power intervention, maintaining reliable monitoring while minimizing energy usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor is mounted to or embedded in a wheel hub. The sensor node includes a power source and a sensing device that detects and monitors at least one parameter associated with the wheel hub. The sensor node also includes a communication module that communicates via wireless communication signals and a processing device in communication with the sensing device and the communication module. The processing device collects data from the sensing devices, processes the data, and based on that processing, communicates information relating to the wheel hub to a remote server or network. A mesh network of multiple sensor nodes can be applied to multiple different wheel hubs on a vehicle and communicate with a central processing device. The processing device can thus monitor performance and/or operation of each wheel hub.