Direct Sensing System for Spherical Joint Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing systems for measuring rotation in steering systems, particularly in vehicles with Ackerman steering, face challenges due to labor-intensive maintenance and exposure to debris and freeze-thaw cycles, which affect sensor reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A direct sensing system is introduced, featuring an anchor secured within a ball stud of a spherical joint and a rotational tie with a sensor target that isolates the measurement of relative rotation about a specific axis from other rotational axes, using a rotation sensor and angle sensor to accurately sense changes in the sensor target's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If sensors are located external to the cylinder rod to reduce repair time and cost, then ease of repair is improved, but sensors are exposed to debris buildup and freeze-thaw cycles which worsens reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the spherical joint with ball stud and socket assembly) that physically separates the sensor from the harsh external environment. The sensor is mounted on the socket housing rather than externally exposed, using the joint structure itself as a protective intermediary that shields sensors from debris and temperature extremes while still allowing functional operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is nested within the protective structure of the spherical joint assembly, specifically mounted on the socket housing which encloses the sensor within the joint's structural framework. This nesting approach places the sensor inside a protective environment rather than externally exposed, reducing direct exposure to harmful external factors while maintaining accessibility for repair.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are part of the cylinder system, then measurement precision is maintained, but sensor maintenance becomes labor intensive and increases downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor system from the hydraulic cylinder proper by mounting the sensor on the spherical joint socket housing rather than integrating it directly into the cylinder rod or piston assembly. This segmentation allows the sensor to be accessed and replaced by working on the joint assembly separately, reducing the complexity and time required for sensor maintenance while preserving measurement functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring rotation of a spherical joint in a steering system, may include an anchor secured within a ball stud of the spherical joint and a rotational tie having a first end and a second end. The first end of the rotational tie may be secured to the anchor to hold the first end parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ball stud. The device may also include a rotation sensor including a sensor target rotationally coupled to the second end of the rotational tie and secured for free rotation to a framework of the spherical joint. The rotation sensor may also include an angle sensor configured and arranged to sense a changing angle of the sensor target.