Linear Displacement Sensor for Axle Ride Height Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating vehicle axle ride height using lever mechanisms and rotational angular displacement sensors are prone to mechanical degradation and increased complexity, with excessive wiring requirements, leading to higher costs and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method employing a linear displacement sensor coupled to a differential unit to estimate ride height changes by measuring axial movement between the constant velocity universal joint and the differential, eliminating the need for complex lever mechanisms and reducing wiring, thus enhancing sensor robustness and measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lever mechanism with a rotational angular displacement sensor is used to estimate ride height, then the ride height can be measured, but the system complexity and wiring requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from the complex lever mechanism and rotational sensor assembly, placing a simple linear displacement sensor directly on the differential housing. This separates the measurement function from the mechanical translation mechanism, eliminating the need for levers, linkages, and extensive wiring while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical lever mechanism with a direct electrical measurement approach. Instead of using mechanical linkages to translate wheel position into sensor readable format, the system uses a linear displacement sensor that directly measures the differential's axial position, which correlates to ride height, eliminating complex mechanical transmission.
2Measurement precision
If a lever mechanism is placed at the wheel end of the axle to measure ride height, then the measurement can be obtained, but the sensor is subjected to harsh conditions causing expedited mechanical degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor from the harsh wheel-end environment and relocates it to the differential housing, which is in a more protected location. The sensor measures ride height indirectly through the differential's axial position rather than directly at the wheel end, removing exposure to water, road debris, and extreme mechanical stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the differential housing as an intermediary between the wheel-end motion and the sensor. The linear displacement sensor mounted on the differential measures axial movement caused by ride height changes, translating harsh wheel-end motion into a protected measurement location without requiring the sensor to withstand those harsh conditions directly.
3Measurement precision
If a lever mechanism with mechanical translation is used to estimate ride height, then the measurement can be obtained, but the mechanical components are prone to degradation and require additional sealing and shock resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the entire mechanical translation system (levers, linkages, rotational sensors) with a direct linear displacement measurement system. The linear sensor mounted on the differential directly measures axial position changes without requiring mechanical intermediaries, eliminating the need for complex sealing, shock resistance, and maintenance of mechanical translation components.
4Measurement precision
If considerable wiring is used at the wheel end of the axle to support the lever mechanism, then the ride height can be measured, but the cost and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor from the wheel-end location where extensive wiring would be required, and relocates it to the differential housing. This single linear displacement sensor requires minimal wiring compared to the multiple sensors and complex signal routing needed for a lever mechanism, significantly reducing wiring quantity and associated costs.
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 accurately estimates ride height with fewer components, reducing mechanical degradation and complexity, while maintaining vehicle stability by adjusting the suspension system to maintain a desired center of gravity, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A linear displacement sensor may be coupled to a differential unit housed between two half-shaft of a vehicle axle. During movement of the vehicle, the distance between the wheel end and the chassis may change as the wheels may shift vertically at the wheel ends of the axle.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for estimation of a ride height of a vehicle axle via a linear displacement sensor. In one example, a method may include, during motion of vehicle wheels, estimating a change in ride height of an axle based on a distance of axial movement between a first axle constant velocity universal (CV) joint and a differential unit.