Steering Linkage Sensor for Axle Misalignment Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to accurately detect changes in axle settings of motor vehicles in real-time during driving, leading to potential increased fuel consumption and tire wear due to unnoticed axle misalignments, which are typically recognized only during regular wheel alignment checks.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device integrated into the steering trapezium of a motor vehicle, comprising angle measuring and force sensors, which continuously monitor steering knuckle angles and tie rod forces to detect deviations from target states, enabling real-time detection of axle misalignment and overload conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If external wheel alignment devices are attached to vehicle wheels for optical-electronic checks, then axle misalignment detection capability is improved, but device complexity and operational convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxle misalignment detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing functions (angle measurement, force measurement, acceleration detection) into a single integrated sensor device mounted on the steering linkage. This merging approach provides comprehensive axle alignment detection without requiring multiple separate external devices, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor device utilizes the vehicle's own steering linkage and existing structural components as part of the measurement system. The steering linkage itself serves as the mounting structure and reference frame, eliminating the need for external attachment devices and simplifying the overall system while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If navigation system data is used to determine vehicle heading angle, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of heading angle deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidheading angle determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces navigation system software-based heading calculation with a direct mechanical sensing approach. The sensor device mechanically measures the actual steering linkage angles and vehicle motion parameters, providing more accurate heading information without relying on navigation system algorithms and data fusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor device acts as an intermediary between the steering system and the evaluation system. It directly measures physical parameters (angles, forces, accelerations) at the steering linkage, providing accurate intermediate data that leads to precise heading angle determination without requiring complex navigation system processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If steering angle and heading angle difference is measured to detect axle misalignment, then detection capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to error propagation from combining different sensor types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiderror propagation from sensor combination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device performs multiple measurement functions (angle, force, acceleration) using a single integrated system with a common reference frame. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to combine data from separate sensor types, preventing error propagation while maintaining comprehensive detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters from comparing derived values (steering angle difference from separate sensors) to directly measuring physical state variables (steering linkage angles, forces, and accelerations) at the source. This direct measurement approach improves reliability by avoiding cumulative errors from multiple sensor combinations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2868500B1System for detecting a change in the axle alignment of a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.03.13 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE

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AI summary

The invention relates to a system for detecting a change in the axle alignment of a motor vehicle, in particular for detecting an overload condition in the steering linkage and/or a change in the axle geometry. The system comprises a sensor device that can be arranged in a steering linkage of the vehicle's chassis and is configured to detect at least one state variable of the steering linkage during vehicle operation. The system further comprises an evaluation device (11) configured to compare the detected at least one state variable with at least one target state variable of the steering linkage (7) in order to detect an overload condition in the steering linkage (7) and/or a change in the axle geometry.