Shock Absorber Sensor Coupling for Axial Displacement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbers for vehicles apply a significant load to sensors due to their repeated expansion and contraction, which can lead to sensor fatigue and reduced accuracy in detecting vehicle height displacement.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber design that incorporates a coupling member between the receiving member and the sensor, allowing the sensor to move along both the circumferential and axial directions, thereby reducing the applied load on the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is directly connected to the receiving member in a shock absorber, then the displacement of the vehicle height can be detected, but a significant load is applied to the sensor due to repeated expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling member is introduced as an intermediary between the receiving member and the sensor. This coupling member includes a core portion that moves axially with the receiving member while allowing circumferential rotation. The coupling member transfers only the necessary axial displacement motion to the sensor, filtering out harmful rotational and lateral loads, thereby protecting the sensor while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the sensor is rigidly fixed to the receiving member, then the position detection is stable, but the sensor cannot accommodate the rotational movement of the receiving member
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the receiving member and sensor is segmented into two independent functional components: axial movement transmission and circumferential rotation isolation. The coupling member's core portion handles axial movement while the circumferential direction freedom allows rotation, separating these two motions that would otherwise be coupled in a rigid connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to different movement types. It provides axial guidance to maintain stable sensor positioning while simultaneously allowing circumferential rotation through its structural design, making the connection dynamically responsive rather than statically rigid.
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
The proposed design effectively reduces the load on the sensor, enhancing its durability and accuracy in detecting position changes, while also allowing for easier maintenance and improved ride comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor includes a coil portion formed by winding a conductive wire, a movement of the coil portion being restricted, and a core portion being movable along the axis together with the coupling member, at least a part of the core portion facing an inner side of the coil portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A shock absorber (20) includes a receiving member (33) receiving a spring (25) and provided to be movable in an axial direction of a cylinder (40), and a coupling member (100) coupling the receiving member (33) and a sensor (90), allowing rotation of the receiving member (33) around an axis (CL1), and allowing a movement of the sensor (90) along the axial direction. The coupling member (100) is formed integrally with a core portion (97). One of the receiving member (33) and the coupling member (100) is formed with a recessed portion (103), and the other one is formed with a protruding portion (33c) which faces the recessed portion (103), and the receiving member (33) and the coupling member (100) are coupled to each other via the recessed portion (103) and the protruding portion (33c).