Sensorized Hub Carrier Structure for Accurate Wheel Load Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in accurately measuring forces and moments acting on a vehicle's hub, particularly during braking, and are hindered by the need for wireless sensors and difficulties in defining reference points due to wheel rotation.
Innovation Solution
A hub carrier with a central part, outer frame, and at least three spokes connected by sliding spherical hinges, equipped with sensors to detect force and moment components, utilizing an isostatic or quasi-isostatic structure for precise measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless sensors are used on rotating wheels to measure forces and moments, then measurement capability is provided, but signal transmission reliability deteriorates due to battery requirements and continuous angular position measurement needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical structure (the hub carrier with spoke elements) that physically transfers force and moment information from the wheel hub to the sensor locations. This mechanical intermediary eliminates the need for wireless signal transmission by embedding sensors directly in the load-bearing structure, where they measure forces and moments through direct physical coupling rather than electromagnetic signals from rotating components.
2Measurement precision
If deformation sensors are mounted on housing connections to measure forces and moments, then some measurement capability is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates and braking forces cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hub carrier into multiple load-bearing spoke elements (first, second, and third spoke elements) that are independently instrumented with sensors. This segmentation allows each spoke element to be optimized for specific measurement functions, with sensors positioned to detect both dynamic forces during rotation and static forces during braking, thereby achieving complete and accurate measurement of all force and moment components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting sensors on the housing connections as in prior art, the patent inverts the measurement approach by embedding sensors directly within the spoke elements that transmit loads from the hub. This inversion allows sensors to measure forces and moments at their source before they are distributed to the housing, enabling accurate measurement of braking forces and improving overall measurement accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a moving wheel structure is used to measure forces and moments, then dynamic measurement is enabled, but device complexity increases due to continuous angular position measurement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the force and moment measurement function with the existing structural components of the hub carrier. The spoke elements that naturally exist in the hub carrier structure are instrumented with sensors, combining the structural load-bearing function with the measurement function. This integration eliminates the need for separate angular position measurement systems, as the sensors directly measure forces and moments in the spoke elements regardless of wheel rotation angle.
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 of forces and moments, improving vehicle safety and stability, particularly in self-driving vehicles, by providing detailed load information for active safety systems and enhanced control.
Implementation Method 1
The hub carrier according to the present invention is able to derive, starting from the measure of deformations in certain points of the structure, the three force components and the moments acting on the hub of the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
A hub carrier is provided having: a central part for carrying a hub for a wheel of a vehicle; an outer frame adapted to connect the hub carrier to a suspension of the vehicle; at least three spokes interposed between the central part and the outer frame, the at least three spokes being rigidly connected to the central part. The at least three spokes have respective end elements connected to the outer frame and provide respective sliding spherical hinges for the at least three spokes. The hub carrier further includes at least three sensors configured for detecting force and/or moment components acting on the hub.