Piezoelectric Leaf Spring Assembly for Real-Time Load Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active suspensions in motor vehicles lack the ability to dynamically adjust to load changes, requiring additional sensors that increase weight, installation space, and cost, and provide limited input for chassis control, affecting ride comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A leaf spring device integrated with a piezo element arrangement that generates an electric voltage in response to deformation, allowing direct and real-time load detection, enabling adjustment of spring and damper characteristics, and potentially recovering energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors are placed to detect load changes, then load detection capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezo element arrangement is integrated directly into the leaf spring unit, combining the structural component with the sensing function. This eliminates separate sensors and their associated wiring, thereby detecting load changes without adding weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring unit serves dual purposes: it provides mechanical suspension support and simultaneously functions as a load detection sensor through the integrated piezo elements. This multi-functionality removes the need for dedicated sensing components.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors and components are added, then load detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing elements are merged with the leaf spring structure, eliminating separate sensor assemblies, mounting hardware, and external power sources. This integration significantly reduces device complexity while maintaining load detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezo elements generate their own electrical signals in response to mechanical deformation, requiring no external power source or complex electronics. The leaf spring structure itself serves as both the mechanical component and the sensing element.
3Measurement precision
If additional components are added for load detection, then load detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezo elements are manufactured as an integral part of the leaf spring unit, eliminating the need for separate sensor procurement, mounting, and calibration processes. This integration reduces manufacturing steps and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of fiber composite plastic for the leaf spring unit allows for cost-effective integration of piezo elements during the molding process, reducing assembly costs and improving manufacturing efficiency compared to attaching separate metal or electronic sensors.
4Measurement precision
If additional components are added, then load detection capability is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is merged into the existing leaf spring structure, requiring no additional mounting space, wiring channels, or external sensor housings. The load detection capability is achieved within the footprint of the existing suspension 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
Enhances driving comfort by dynamically adjusting to load changes without additional components, reducing weight and cost, and enabling energy recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo element arrangement attached to the leaf spring unit, wherein the piezo element arrangement is configured to generate an electric voltage in response to a deformation of the leaf spring unit
Data Source
AI summary
A leaf spring device for a motor vehicle, comprising a leaf spring unit made of a fiber composite plastic, and a piezo element arrangement which is attached to the leaf spring unit, wherein the piezo element arrangement is configured to generate an electric voltage in response to a deformation of the leaf spring unit.