Spring Shackle Deformation for Vehicle Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle weight measurement systems, particularly those using axle load measurements with strain gauges, face challenges in reproducible positioning and accuracy due to varying force application points, making them expensive and less reliable.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a spring strap that connects a leaf spring to a structural element, utilizing a sensor element to measure deformation of the spring shackle, which provides defined force application points for accurate weight measurement, allowing for simple and reliable onboard weight determination of vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a strain gauge is attached to an axle to measure vehicle weight, then weight measurement is achieved, but the positioning of the measuring element is not reproducible and accuracy decreases due to varying force application points
Solution Approach 1:
A spring shackle is introduced as an intermediary component between the leaf spring and the vehicle body. This spring shackle has defined force application points and undergoes measurable deformation under load, serving as a mediator that provides consistent and reproducible measurement conditions while maintaining the structural connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring system transitions from measuring axle deformation directly to measuring spring shackle deformation. The spring shackle's deformation characteristics (elastic deformation under load) provide a more consistent parameter for weight measurement, as the force application points are clearly defined and reproducible.
2Reliability
If a measuring element is attached to a rigid axle, then weight measurement is possible, but the measurement reliability is limited due to the rigid structure not providing defined force application points
Solution Approach 1:
The spring shackle acts as a mediator component that introduces defined force application points into the measurement system. Its elastic nature ensures that forces are applied at specific, reproducible locations, significantly improving measurement reliability compared to direct axle measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring shackle can be designed as a composite structure combining elastic properties for reliable force transmission with measurement capabilities. This allows the component to serve dual functions: structural connection and precise weight measurement.
3Measurement precision
If existing weight measurement systems are implemented, then vehicle weight can be determined, but the systems are expensive and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The spring shackle serves as a cost-effective intermediary that enables precise measurement without requiring expensive complex systems. By utilizing the natural elastic deformation of the spring shackle under load, the system achieves reliable weight measurement at lower cost compared to traditional strain gauge systems on rigid axles.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring shackle's own deformation under load is utilized as the measurement signal. The component serves itself by providing both the structural connection and the measurement function through its elastic deformation, eliminating the need for additional complex measurement apparatus.
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 precise and cost-effective weight measurement of vehicles by correlating deformation of the spring shackle with axle load, facilitating the determination of total vehicle weight through direct measurement on the spring shackle, suitable for both new and retrofitted vehicles with minimal installation impact.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor element (34) which measures a deformation of the spring shackle (14)
Implementation Method 2
a spring tab (14) which connects a leaf spring (8) to a structural element (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring device 4 for vehicle-integrated weight measurement of a vehicle, comprising a spring tab 14 having a first tab end 16 for connection with a body element 6 of the vehicle and a second tab end 18 for connection with a leaf spring element of a leaf spring 8 of the vehicle. For reliable weight measurement and a simple design of the measuring device 4, it is proposed that the spring tab 14 have a sensor element 34 arranged between the first tab end 16 and the second tab end 18 for measuring a deformation of the spring tab 14. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with a body element 6 and with a leaf spring 8 arranged on a vehicle axle 2 of the vehicle, wherein the body element 6 and the leaf spring 2 are connected by means of the aforementioned measuring device 4.