Rotary Encoder Coupling for Trailer Angle Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous driving technologies face challenges in measuring and managing the angle and orientation of rear drivable sections relative to front sections in vehicles with multiple drivable sections, such as semi-trailer trucks, which affects safe navigation and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A rotary encoder assembly is integrated into the vehicle, comprising a rotatable shaft with magnets and non-rigid compressible couplings, allowing for precise measurement and communication of the angle and orientation between the rear and front drivable sections, enabling autonomous driving systems to adjust steering and navigation accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotary encoder assembly is integrated into the vehicle to measure angles and orientations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary encoder assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a housing containing the encoder mechanism, a separate connector assembly with magnets, and a shaft coupling system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation and maintenance while maintaining high measurement precision for angle and orientation detection in multi-section vehicles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a non-magnetic intermediary shaft that couples the rotary encoder to the drivable section connector. This intermediary element transmits rotational motion without magnetic interference, enabling precise angle measurement while isolating the encoder's magnetic field from external magnetic sources, thus resolving the complexity of magnetic interference management
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-rigid compressible couplings with springs are used to connect the rotary encoder, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly uses springs with controlled elasticity to create a non-rigid connection between the rotary encoder and the connector. By changing the mechanical parameter from rigid to compliant coupling, the system adapts to variations in alignment and positioning while maintaining functional integrity. The spring constant and pre-load can be adjusted to balance adaptability with positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic compliant connection using springs. This allows the coupling to adapt its stiffness characteristics based on operational conditions, providing both adaptability to misalignment and sufficient precision for accurate angle measurement through controlled elastic deformation
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 measurement and control of the angle and orientation of rear drivable sections relative to front sections, enhancing the safety and efficiency of autonomous driving operations in vehicles with multiple drivable sections by allowing for real-time adjustments to maintain optimal alignment and prevent collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a top of the rotatable shaft located away from the rotary encoder is coupled to one or more magnets
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of non-rigid compressible couplings that include a plurality of shoulder screws, and at least some portion of each of the plurality of shoulder screws are located in one of a plurality of springs
Implementation Method 3
have the rotary encoder extend in a second position towards the housing cap in response to a presence of a magnetic material at the third hole in the first connector
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
Techniques are described for measuring angle and/or orientation of a rear drivable section (e.g., a trailer unit (308) of a semi-trailer truck) relative to a front drivable section (e.g., a tractor unit (202) of the semi-trailer truck) using an example rotary encoder assembly (304, 400). The example rotary encoder assembly (304, 400) comprises a base surface (404); a housing (402, 404) that includes a second end (402B) that is connected to the base surface (404) and a first end (402B) that is at least partially open and is coupled to a housing cap (414) and a rotary encoder (312, 408) that is located in the housing (402, 404) in between the base surface (404) and the housing cap (414), where the rotary encoder (312, 408) includes a rotatable shaft (424) that protrudes from a first hole (306, 422, 426) located in the housing cap (414), and where a top of the rotatable shaft (424) located away from the rotary encoder (312, 408) is coupled to magnet(s).