Kingpin Sensor for Real-Time Steering Angle Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering angle monitoring systems in vehicles suffer from latency errors due to detecting changes in upstream steering linkages, leading to inaccurate and delayed sensing of steering angle changes, which is particularly problematic for autonomous vehicles requiring precise control.
Innovation Solution
A kingpin sensor system is integrated into the steering assembly, where a sensor cap is coupled to the steering knuckle and a kingpin sensor detects relative rotation between the kingpin and the steering knuckle, providing real-time and accurate steering angle measurements directly at the wheel, thus eliminating latency issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional steering angle monitoring systems detect changes in upstream steering linkages, then the system can monitor steering angle, but latency errors occur leading to inaccurate and delayed sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from upstream steering linkages and relocates it directly to the wheel assembly at the kingpin. By taking out the sensor from its conventional location in the steering linkage and placing it at the kingpin, the system eliminates the transmission delay inherent in monitoring upstream components, achieving real-time steering angle detection at the point of actual wheel rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The kingpin serves as an intermediary element that directly connects the steering knuckle to the wheel assembly. By positioning the sensor at the kingpin, the system uses this intermediary component to transmit steering angle information directly to the sensor, bypassing the upstream linkage components that cause latency. The kingpin mediates between the steering input and wheel output, allowing direct measurement at the critical interface.
2Measurement precision
If a kingpin sensor is integrated directly at the wheel, then real-time and accurate steering angle measurements are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor mounting function with the existing kingpin structure. Rather than adding a completely separate mounting mechanism, the sensor is integrated directly onto the kingpin or steering knuckle assembly, combining the sensing function with the structural components already present in the wheel assembly. This reduces the overall complexity compared to adding entirely new components.
Solution Approach 2:
The kingpin structure serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection between steering and wheel, acts as a mounting point for the sensor, and serves as a reference point for angle measurement. By making the kingpin a multi-functional component that both mechanically connects and sensorially measures, the patent avoids adding dedicated separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring a steering angle of a wheel of a steering assembly of a vehicle may include a sensor cap configured to be coupled to a steering knuckle of the steering assembly at an open end of a bore defined by the steering knuckle such that the sensor cap is mounted for rotation with the steering knuckle about a kingpin. In addition, the system may include a kingpin sensor configured to be coupled between the sensor cap and the kingpin. The kingpin sensor may be configured to detect relative rotation between the steering knuckle and the kingpin.