Non-Fluid Spring Load Sensing via Deflection Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with non-fluid spring suspension systems lack the capability to determine and communicate the load on the vehicle, leading to sub-optimal tire pressure settings, affecting performance and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes non-fluid springs with a spring rate and distance sensors to determine the deflection and calculate the load, with a controller processing the data to provide an approximate weight value, enabling optimal tire pressure adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If non-fluid spring suspension systems are used, then the vehicle structure is simpler and more cost-effective, but the capability to determine and communicate load on the vehicle is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical load sensing mechanisms with an optical measurement system. Distance sensors (optical/electronic devices) measure the deflection of non-fluid springs, and a controller processes these measurements to determine load. This substitution enables load determination capability in vehicles with simple non-fluid spring suspension systems without requiring complex mechanical sensing components.
2Loss of information
If air spring suspension systems are used, then load determination capability is inherent, but the vehicle structure becomes more complex and less common
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces distance sensors as intermediary devices between the non-fluid spring suspension system and the load determination function. These sensors measure spring deflection and transmit this information to a controller, which calculates the load. This intermediary approach enables load determination in simple suspension systems without requiring the complex integrated systems found in air spring vehicles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If load determination capability is added to non-fluid spring systems, then tire pressure optimization is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the controller serve multiple functions: it processes distance sensor signals to determine load, communicates load information to the operator, and enables tire pressure optimization. This multi-functionality approach adds adaptability for tire pressure adjustment without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the controller integrates multiple capabilities into a single component.
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
Enables accurate load determination and communication to the vehicle operator, allowing for appropriate tire pressure adjustments, thereby improving vehicle performance and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a non-fluid spring having an unloaded length and a spring rate. The non-fluid spring is supported between the sprung mass and the unsprung mass, and is being deflected to a loaded length under the weight of the load
Implementation Method 2
A distance sensor is operatively disposed between the sprung and unsprung masses and is operative to generate a distance signal having a relation to the deflection of the non-fluid spring
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of sensing a load on a vehicle that includes a plurality of wheel-engaging members is disclosed. The vehicle body is supported on the plurality of wheel-engaging members and receives a cargo having a cargo weight. The method includes providing a non-fluid spring having an unloaded length and a spring rate, the non-fluid springs are supported between the vehicle body and one of the wheel-engaging members and being deflected to a loaded length under the cargo weight of the cargo. The method continues with determining the loaded length of the non-fluid springs. The method also includes determining an approximate value of the cargo weight based at least partially upon the spring rate and the loaded length of the non-fluid spring.