Shock Absorber Ionic EAP Sensing for Road Surface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack effective methods to determine road surface quality, especially in adverse conditions, leading to increased fuel consumption, maintenance, accidents, and damages, and existing solutions are expensive and ineffective in developing countries.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber arrangement using ionic electroactive polymer (EAP) sensors in vehicle suspension systems to measure mechanical constraints, converting them into electrical signals for road surface analysis and navigation assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If camera systems or radars are used to monitor road surface, then road condition information can be obtained, but the system becomes expensive and ineffective in adverse climatic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical and electromagnetic sensing systems (cameras, radars) with a mechanical sensing system based on shock absorber displacement. The shock absorber directly measures road surface irregularities through mechanical contact, providing reliable data in all weather conditions without the complexity and cost of electronic sensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vehicle's existing shock absorber system to perform dual functions: suspension damping and road condition sensing. By integrating a displacement sensor with the shock absorber, the system leverages the mechanical movement already necessary for suspension operation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If camera systems are used to detect road surface conditions, then road information can be obtained, but the system fails in adverse climatic conditions with poor visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection methods that fail in poor visibility with direct mechanical measurement. The shock absorber's piston displacement provides tactile feedback about road surface conditions, completely independent of visual conditions, rain, fog, or darkness.
3Loss of information
If existing road monitoring solutions are implemented, then road condition data can be obtained, but the cost becomes too high for developing countries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the shock absorber serve multiple functions: its primary suspension function plus a secondary sensing function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for expensive dedicated road monitoring equipment, making the solution economically viable for developing countries while providing the same information as costly alternative systems.
4Measurement precision
If shock absorbers with ionic EAP sensors are used, then road surface quality and mechanical load can be measured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ionic EAP sensor elements directly within the shock absorber assembly, merging the sensing function with the mechanical suspension component. This integration approach provides precise measurement of mechanical constraints while avoiding the complexity of separate sensor systems by consolidating functionality within the existing shock absorber structure.
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
Provides reliable road surface quality information, reducing fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and accident risks, while being cost-effective and applicable to various vehicles without major modifications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ionic EAP (electroactive polymer) sensor which comprises: a first electrode including an electrically conductive polymer, attached to both the base wall and the piston; a second electrode including an electrically conductive material, attached to both the base wall and the piston; and an ionic medium arranged at least between said electrodes; so that the movement of the piston causes stretching or compression of the first electrode, thereby inducing a voltage between the electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The shock absorber arrangement (10) is configured for connecting a frame to a wheel axle of a vehicle. It comprises: - a cylindrical sleeve (11) having an axis (A); - a base wall (12) fixedly and sealingly mounted at one end of the sleeve; - a rod (13) coaxially received in the sleeve and equipped with a piston (14) sealingly mounted on the sleeve, the piston being capable of moving axially with respect to the base wall; wherein the sleeve (11), the base wall (12) and the piston (14) form a chamber (16) having a variable axial length and containing a working fluid. The shock absorber arrangement (10) further comprises a ionic EAR sensor (20) which comprises: - a first electrode (21) including an electrically conductive polymer, attached to both the base wall and the piston; - a second electrode (22) including an electrically conductive material, attached to both the base wall and the piston; - an ionic medium (23) arranged at least between said electrodes (21, 22); so that the movement of the piston (14) causes stretching or compression of the first electrode (21), thereby inducing a voltage (V) between the electrodes (21, 22).