Neutral Axis Weigh System for Vehicle Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional on-board vehicle weighing systems, particularly those using strain gauges on tandem axles or load cells, face accuracy issues due to wear, friction, and debris, making it difficult to accurately measure vehicle load while loading, and are often expensive and hard to retrofit.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system with equalizing beams and a weigh system that includes load sensors attached to the beams along their neutral axis, providing accurate weight measurement without affecting the strength or fatigue life of the beams, and a data processor to display the weight data to the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauge-based sensors are secured to axles to measure loading, then weight measurement is enabled, but accuracy problems occur due to wear, friction and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the traditional axle-mounted strain gauges and relocates it to the equalizing beam's neutral axis. This separation removes the sensor from the contaminated environment near the axles, eliminating exposure to wear, friction and debris while maintaining the ability to measure beam deflection and calculate weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the equalizing beam's neutral axis as an intermediary measurement point. Instead of measuring directly on the axles where contamination occurs, the system measures beam deflection at the neutral axis, which serves as an intermediate indicator of the load being carried by the axles, thereby indirectly measuring weight without direct exposure to harmful factors.
2Measurement precision
If load cells are placed on structural members between axles and load, then high accuracy weight measurement is achieved, but system cost increases and retrofitting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the equalizing beam serve multiple functions: it continues to perform its traditional suspension and load distribution function while simultaneously serving as the mounting structure for the weight measurement sensor. This eliminates the need for separate load cell installations and reduces system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The equalizing beam serves itself by providing its own structure for mounting the measurement sensor. The beam's existing neutral axis becomes the measurement location, eliminating the need for additional structural members or complex installation procedures, thereby reducing retrofitting difficulty and system complexity.
3Strength
If load sensors are positioned away from the neutral axis of the support, then structural strength may be compromised, but mounting is easier; however, positioning at the neutral axis maintains strength while enabling accurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement location parameter to specifically the neutral axis of the equalizing beam. This parameter change optimizes both structural integrity and measurement capability, as the neutral axis experiences minimal stress while providing a reliable indicator of beam deflection and applied load.
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 system accurately monitors and displays the weight carried by the vehicle's axles, allowing drivers to adjust the payload before exceeding legal limits, reducing the risk of fines and ensuring safe operation while maintaining the structural integrity of the suspension system.
Implementation Method 1
A weigh system is coupled to the support and configured to measure and/or determine weight carried by the weight bearing members. The weigh system has a load sensor attached to the support and positioned substantially adjacent to the neutral axis to detect a deflection in the support and to provide an output signal related to at least one of the deflection and the weight.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the invention is directed to a suspension and weigh system for use with a vehicle having weight bearing members. The system has a support connectable to the weight bearing members of the vehicle. The support has a length and a neutral axis along at least a portion of the length. A weigh system is coupled to the support and configured to measure and/or determine weight carried by the weight bearing members. The weigh system has a load sensor attached to the support and positioned substantially adjacent to the neutral axis. A data processor is coupled to the load sensor and configured to receive the output signal from the load sensor for determining the weight carried by the axles. In one embodiment, a display is coupled to the data processor and configured to display data related to the weight carried by the axles.