Optical Fiber Vehicle Load Sensor Immune to Electronic Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle load detection systems are not robust, accurate, and reliable, particularly in modern vehicles with increasing electronic noise, and lack sensitivity and versatility in placement.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle load detection system utilizing a bendable optical fiber sensor with static and resilient portions, mounted on an elastically deformable surface, which changes light transmission properties in response to vehicle load, allowing for placement at various suspension locations and increased sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strain gauge is used to detect vehicle load, then the measurement can be obtained, but the system is susceptible to electronic noise and lacks reliability in modern vehicles with increasing electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic strain gauge measurement with an optical fiber-based sensing system. The optical fiber detects mechanical deformation through light transmission property changes rather than electrical signals, making it immune to electronic noise while maintaining measurement capability for vehicle load detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium for measurement. Instead of directly measuring electrical resistance changes in strain gauges, the system uses light transmission through the optical fiber as a mediator to detect mechanical deformation, thereby isolating the measurement process from electronic noise interference.
2Reliability
If an optical fiber sensor is introduced to improve noise immunity, then reliability increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible optical fiber as the sensing element, which naturally conforms to the curved surface of the suspension component. This flexible thin-film approach simplifies the overall structure compared to rigid sensor assemblies, allowing the sensor to be mounted on complex geometries without requiring additional adaptive mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the optical fiber to copy or replicate the mechanical deformation of the suspension surface. By bonding the optical fiber to the suspension component, the fiber's light transmission properties change in direct correspondence to the surface deformation, creating a simplified sensing mechanism that directly mirrors the physical quantity of interest.
3Measurement precision
If the optical fiber is made highly sensitive to surface deformation, then measurement precision improves, but the fiber becomes more fragile and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific zones along the optical fiber with different characteristics. The fiber is bonded to the suspension surface at specific locations where deformation occurs, allowing high sensitivity in these localized bonding zones while maintaining the overall integrity and durability of the fiber through proper routing and protection in non-critical areas.
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 provides a low-cost, accurate, and reliable means to detect vehicle load, immune to electronic noise, with enhanced sensitivity and versatility in placement, suitable for modern vehicles with complex electronic systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fibre (202) which is bendable, or at least deformable, upon varying the vehicle load in order to influence a light transmission property of the optical fibre (202)
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may be mounted on a surface that is elastically deformable in dependency of vehicle load
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle comprises a vehicle body and a suspension including a sensor for detecting vehicle load. The sensor is provided with an optical fibre which is deformable upon varying the vehicle load so as to influence light transmission property of the optical fibre.