Multi-function Speed Sensor Air Gap Analysis for Road Condition Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems require multiple sensors to determine road and tire conditions, leading to increased manufacturing and maintenance costs, and existing solutions either overlook high-frequency road inputs or are limited in combining multiple functionalities into a single smart sensor.
Innovation Solution
A smart sensor system that includes a sensing element installed on a vehicle's suspension coupled with a wheel, digital signal processing circuitry, and an automatic gain controller, capable of determining vehicle speed, acceleration, tire, suspension, brake, and road conditions by analyzing air gap data through amplitude and frequency analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to determine road and vehicle conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single speed sensor by integrating a magnet, sensing element, and digital signal processing circuitry. This single multi-functional sensor replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to detect road conditions, vehicle speed, acceleration, and component conditions through analysis of air gap variations and signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The speed sensor is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple detection tasks simultaneously. By processing signals from the sensing element through digital signal processing circuitry, the single sensor can determine road surface conditions, vehicle speed, acceleration, tire pressure, suspension condition, brake condition, and wheel balance, making it a multi-functional diagnostic tool
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are deployed for comprehensive vehicle monitoring, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple monitoring functions into one sensor assembly, reducing the total component count and associated manufacturing costs. The single sensor system with its magnet, sensing element, and processing circuitry provides comprehensive vehicle condition monitoring, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and reducing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-diagnosis and condition monitoring by analyzing its own output signals through digital signal processing. The processing circuitry extracts information about road conditions, vehicle dynamics, and component health from the air gap variations, enabling the sensor to serve multiple monitoring purposes without requiring additional external sensors or systems
3Measurement precision
If high-frequency road inputs are captured, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical multi-sensor systems with an electronic/digital signal processing approach. The digital signal processing circuitry processes the electrical signals from the sensing element to extract high-frequency road input information, using electronic filtering and analysis methods that are more compact and controllable than mechanical alternatives
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from mechanical measurement to electrical parameter analysis. By monitoring variations in air gap dimensions through electrical signals and processing these parameters digitally, the system can capture high-frequency road inputs with precision while keeping the physical sensor structure relatively simple
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
This solution reduces the number of sensors needed, enhances accuracy and reliability in judging tire and road conditions, and captures high-frequency road inputs, thereby minimizing system costs while improving vehicle stability and maintenance scheduling.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet... The strength of the magnetic field is inversely proportional to the air gap
Data Source
AI summary
A smart sensor system and method for a vehicle are described. The smart sensor includes at least one sensing element installed on a suspension of the vehicle and coupled with a wheel of the vehicle, and a digital signal processing circuitry configured to receive signal from the at least one sensing element in the form of a digital signal, correlate the digital signal to an air gap data, and determine a vehicle speed, a vehicle acceleration, a suspension condition, a tire condition, a brake condition, a wheel condition, and a road condition.