Open-Profile Chassis Component for Protected Bearing Sensor Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Chassis components, particularly those made of sheet metal, often lack the capability to accommodate a blind hole-like recess for sensor device attachment, limiting the options for securely integrating sensor devices.

Innovation Solution

A chassis component design featuring a one-piece profile that is open on one side, allowing for the integration of a sensor device with a sensor housing that can be fastened using independent fastening means, providing protection and proximity to the bearing, and utilizing a multi-stepped contour for a flat and functional design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a blind hole-like recess is used for sensor device attachment, then the sensor device can be securely integrated, but this option is not available for chassis components made of sheet metal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure integration of sensor deviceVSAvoidapplicability to sheet metal chassis components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor housing is divided into multiple sections with different functions: a first section that receives the sensor element and is arranged inside the profile, and a second section that extends outside the profile for mounting purposes. This segmentation allows the sensor device to be securely integrated while adapting to sheet metal chassis components that cannot accommodate blind hole-like recesses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor housing transitions from a purely internal arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration that extends both inside and outside the profile. This dimensional change enables the sensor device to be securely integrated within the profile structure while providing external mounting surfaces for attachment to sheet metal chassis components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If the sensor element is positioned close to the bearing for precise measurement, then measurement precision improves, but the sensor element becomes more exposed to external influences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of relative rotationVSAvoidexposure to external influences
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first section of the sensor housing is arranged inside the interior of the profile, creating a nested configuration where the sensor element is protected within the profile structure. This nesting allows the sensor element to be positioned close to the bearing for precise measurement while the profile structure shields it from external influences such as dust, moisture, and mechanical damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor housing acts as a protective shell that encloses the sensor element. This shell structure provides physical protection while allowing the sensor element to maintain its optimal position near the bearing for accurate detection of relative rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the sensor housing is completely enclosed for protection, then protection from external influences improves, but accessibility for mounting and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from external influencesVSAvoidmounting and maintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor housing is segmented into a first section arranged inside the profile for protection and a second section extending outside the profile for mounting. This segmentation provides both protection from external influences and accessibility for mounting and maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second section of the sensor housing serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting interface for attaching the sensor device to the chassis component, extends the protective enclosure, and maintains accessibility for installation and maintenance. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between protection and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4157652B1Chassis component and method for producing a chassis component of this type
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP4157652B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4157652B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4157652B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a chassis component (1, 32) comprising a first end section (2) and a second end section (3), wherein a connection section (4) is arranged between the two end sections (2, 3), comprising at least one bearing (9, 10) in one of the two end sections (2, 3), and comprising a sensor device (13), wherein a sensor housing (14, 33) has a first sensor element (16) of the sensor device (13). In order to improve and/or allow for an arrangement of the sensor device (13) and/or the sensor housing (14) on the chassis component (1, 32), the chassis component (1, 32) is characterised in that the two end sections (2, 3) and the connection section (4) are designed as a single-part and as a profile (5) that is open on one side along the longitudinal extension, wherein the open profile (5) forms an at least partially free internal space (17), and in that the first sensor element (16) is arranged within the internal space (17).