Integrated Sensor Module for Vehicle Coupling Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor modules for monitoring vehicle couplings require multiple sensors to detect position and pressure, leading to mechanical wear and limited reliability, especially under unfavorable environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module integrating a permanent-magnetic linear contactless displacement sensor and a pressure sensor within a single housing, with a cable tension relief mechanism, allowing for contactless measurement of position and pressure without mechanical interaction, and optional dual sensors for monitoring two positions and pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensor modules are used to detect both position and pressure, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a displacement sensor and a pressure sensor into a single integrated sensor module with a common housing. This merging of previously separate sensor functions into one unified device reduces the total number of sensor modules required, decreases mechanical wear from multiple contact points, and simplifies the overall system while maintaining the ability to detect both position and pressure measurements
2Measurement precision
If mechanical contact sensors are used for displacement measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but mechanical wear increases reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a permanent-magnetic linear contactless displacement sensor that uses magnetic fields instead of mechanical contact for displacement measurement. This contactless approach eliminates mechanical wear between the sensor and measurement object, significantly extending service life while maintaining measurement precision through magnetic field-based detection
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are exposed to unfavorable environmental conditions, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a protective housing that shields the displacement sensor and pressure sensor from unfavorable environmental conditions such as moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures. This protective enclosure maintains sensor reliability by preventing environmental degradation while allowing the sensors to function in diverse and harsh operating environments
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 solution enables reliable, long-lasting monitoring of vehicle couplings with redundancy, suitable for harsh environments, by reducing the number of necessary sensor modules and preventing damage from cable tension, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The displacement sensor in this instance may be, for example, a permanent-magnetic linear contactless displacement sensor (PLCD sensor) or a Hall sensor
Implementation Method 2
a first pressure sensor which can be acted on with a pressure via a first pressure adapter
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor module comprises a housing in which a first displacement sensor and a first pressure sensor are arranged. The sensor module can have a second displacement sensor and a second pressure sensor. The module is being provided to monitor a coupling of a motor vehicle, for example a dual coupling of a lorry.