Rim-Mounted Capacitive Sensor for Wheel Load Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel load monitoring systems are difficult to install and maintain, and they often provide inaccurate load measurements due to factors like tire deformation variability and complex access during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A rim-mounted capacitive sensor system that detects rim deformation to calculate vertical load, using a processing unit to determine load values based on deformation signals, with optional pressure and temperature correction, allowing easy installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted inside the ball bearing or hub bracket to measure load, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to difficult access during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is extracted from the difficult-to-access locations inside the ball bearing or hub bracket and relocated to the rim where it is easily accessible. The rim sensor measures rim deformation which correlates to wheel load, achieving the measurement function without the accessibility problems of internal mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim serves as an intermediary structure that transmits the load information to the sensor. Instead of directly measuring load at the hub, the sensor measures rim deformation caused by the load, providing indirect but accurate measurement with easy accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If optical sensors are placed between the rim and tyre to determine load, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to tyre deformation variability
Solution Approach 1:
The optical measurement system that relied on tyre deformation is replaced with a mechanical sensor that measures rim deformation. The rim, being a rigid structure, provides more consistent and predictable deformation characteristics compared to the compliant tyre, improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement parameter is changed from tyre deformation to rim deformation. The rim's structural rigidity provides more consistent deformation characteristics under load, reducing the variability caused by different tyre mixes and structures while maintaining the ease of mounting on the wheel.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are arranged at different angular and radial positions to measure forces, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single rim-mounted sensor performs multiple measurement functions by detecting rim deformation at different positions and orientations. The sensor can measure both vertical and lateral forces, as well as moments, replacing the need for multiple independent sensors while maintaining measurement precision through strategic positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement approach transitions from multiple sensors at specific angular positions to a single sensor that leverages the three-dimensional deformation characteristics of the rim. By measuring deformation in multiple directions and using correlation parameters, the system achieves comprehensive force and moment measurement with reduced complexity.
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 precise and efficient measurement of wheel loads with reduced maintenance complexity and improved accuracy, suitable for various vehicle speeds and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A rim for wheel comprises a measuring system for detecting a vertical load applied to the wheel in mounted wheel conditions with a horizontal rotation axis. The measuring system comprises a sensor that detects a deformation of the rim and transmits a relevant deformation signal to a processing unit.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor detects a deformation of the rim and transmits a relevant deformation signal to a processing unit
Data Source
AI summary
A rim for wheel is described including a measuring system for detecting the vertical load applied to the wheel. The measuring system includes a sensor adapted to detect a deformation of the rim and to transmit a deformation signal to a processing unit. The processing unit receives an output signal of the sensor related to the deformation of the rim detected, and determines the vertical load applied to the wheel.