Magneto-Elastic Tow Coupling Load Sensing Without Structural Weakening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load measurement devices for tow couplings are complex and costly, and they often require structural weakening of the load-conducting elements, which compromises their stability.
Innovation Solution
A magneto-elastic based sensor assembly is used to measure stress and strain in systems subject to mechanical loads, including a tow hitch assembly with load sensor pins that transmit mechanic stress to magneto-elastically active regions, allowing for accurate force measurement without compromising structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges are used for sensing force load on a hitch, then load measurement is achieved, but structural stability of the measuring device is compromised due to required structural weakening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional strain gauge-based mechanical measurement systems with a magneto-elastic sensing system. The load sensor pins are made of magneto-elastic material that changes magnetic properties in response to applied stress, allowing force measurement through magnetic field detection rather than mechanical deformation sensing. This substitution eliminates the need for structural weakening while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in magnetic parameters (magnetic flux density, magnetic permeability) of the magneto-elastic material in response to mechanical stress. By measuring these magnetic parameter changes rather than physical deformation, the system can measure loads without compromising the structural integrity and strength of the sensor pins.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex measurement and control devices are used for smart tow couplings, then advanced functions are provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magneto-elastic sensor pins serve multiple functions: they structurally connect the hitch components, sense applied loads through magneto-elastic effects, and provide measurement data for various smart tow coupling functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex measurement and control devices while enabling advanced features.
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 magneto-elastic sensor assembly effectively measures forces applied to the tow hitch, providing accurate and reliable data without drifting over time, and it is less prone to errors compared to prior art solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A magneto-elastically active region (140a, 140b) is directly or indirectly attached to or forms a respective part of the load sensor pins (8, 9) in such a manner that the mechanic stress is transmitted to the magneto-elastically active regions
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic field sensor means (914a, 914b) is arranged approximate the at least one magneto elastically active region (140a, 140b) for outputting a signal corresponding to a stress induced magnetic flux emanating from the magnetically polarized region
Data Source
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.