Hubodometer Orbiting Detection and Cancellation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hubodometers face the challenge of orbiting, where the pendulous assembly rotates in synchrony with the housing, leading to inaccurate counting and unreliable results, despite existing solutions that primarily focus on preventing orbiting.

Innovation Solution

The method involves detecting orbiting conditions using sensors such as pendulums with switches or accelerometers, and applying a countervailing force using an electric actuator, such as a generator-motor component, to counteract the orbiting motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the pendulous assembly is designed with high moment of inertia to prevent rotation during housing rotation, then counting accuracy is maintained under nominal conditions, but the assembly becomes susceptible to orbiting under varying conditions such as vibrations and temperature extremes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounting accuracyVSAvoidresistance to orbiting

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs orbiting sensors to detect the angular position of the pendulous assembly and provides feedback signals to a controller. When orbiting is detected (angular position exceeds threshold), the controller activates an electric actuator to apply a countervailing torque, correcting the orbiting condition and restoring accurate counting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely passive mechanical inertia-based orbiting prevention with an active electromechanical system. Electric actuators (motors) mounted on the pendulous assembly provide active counter-torques to prevent orbiting, supplementing or replacing the reliance on high moment of inertia alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If orbiting sensors and electric actuators are added to detect and counteract orbiting conditions, then reliability under varying conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to orbitingVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into the hubodometer system: orbiting detection via sensors, signal processing via controller, and active correction via electric actuators. The electric actuators serve dual purposes by providing both orbiting correction torque and potentially aiding in counting operations, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the electric actuators based on detected parameters (angular position, orbiting threshold). The actuators operate in different modes: idle when no orbiting is detected, and active when orbiting is detected, with the controller modulating their operation to apply appropriate countervailing torque only when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the pendulous assembly is allowed to rotate freely to enable counting mechanism operation, then counting functionality is achieved, but orbiting occurs under certain conditions leading to inaccurate results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounting mechanism operationVSAvoidcounting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static, purely passive pendulous assembly relying on inertia to a dynamic system with active control. The electric actuators continuously adjust the rotational state of the pendulous assembly, enabling it to maintain proper orientation for accurate counting while adapting to varying operating conditions that would otherwise cause orbiting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach effectively detects and cancels orbiting conditions, ensuring accurate counting and reliable results by actively counteracting the orbiting motion with a countervailing force.

Implementation Method 1

detecting, by at least one orbiting sensor operatively connected to the pendulous assembly, an orbiting condition of the pendulous assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

applying, by an electric actuator operatively connected to the pendulous assembly, a countervailing force to the pendulous assembly in a direction opposite the orbiting direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical actuation:

Implementation Method 3

an electric actuator, such as a generator-motor component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12270681B2Hubodometer with orbiting detection and cancelation

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 DYNAPAR CORP

AI summary

Operation of a hubodometer includes orbiting detection and cancelation. In particular, in a hubodometer having a housing that rotates relative to a pendulous assembly, such operation includes detecting, by at least one orbiting sensor operatively connected to the pendulous assembly, an orbiting condition of the pendulous assembly, the orbiting condition being at least partly defined by an orbiting direction. Thereafter, and responsive to the detection of the orbiting condition, operation of the hubodometer further comprises applying, by an electric actuator operatively connected to the pendulous assembly, a countervailing force to the pendulous assembly in a direction opposite the orbiting direction. Through application of the countervailing force, the orbiting condition may be canceled.