Steering-Mounted Vibration Sensing for Chassis Condition Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the condition of roads and vehicle chassis components are limited in functionality and require more equipment and computing power.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vibration sensor attached to the steering mechanism of a vehicle, which senses perturbations and provides information on road conditions and chassis component conditions, enabling predictive maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and complex processing systems are used to determine road and chassis conditions, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and computing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration sensor attached to the steering mechanism serves multiple functions: it detects road surface conditions, monitors chassis component states, and identifies steering system anomalies. This single sensor replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, achieving comprehensive monitoring while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential vibration sensing function from complex multi-sensor systems. By selecting a single vibration sensor positioned at the steering mechanism, it isolates the critical measurement point where chassis perturbations are most representative, eliminating unnecessary sensors and processing complexity while maintaining determination accuracy
2Measurement precision
If vibration sensors are placed on multiple chassis components to monitor all perturbations, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single vibration sensor on the steering mechanism performs multiple monitoring tasks simultaneously: detecting road perturbations, monitoring wheel bearing conditions, tracking suspension state, and identifying steering joint anomalies. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensors on each chassis component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple monitoring functions into a single sensor location. By positioning the vibration sensor at the steering mechanism, it combines detection of perturbations from road surfaces, wheel bearings, suspension elements, and steering joints into one unified measurement point, reducing sensor quantity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability
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 system provides comprehensive information on road conditions and chassis components with minimal equipment and computing effort, enabling effective predictive maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vibration sensor for sensing perturbations of the chassis system of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the (at least one) vibration sensor is provided as a piezoceramic sensor
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
System (100) for determining a condition of a road (2) and/or at least one component (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) of a chassis system (20) of a vehicle (1), especially comprising a wheel (21), a wheel bearing (22), a tire (23), a suspension mechanism (24) and/or a steering joint (25), comprising: a steering mechanism (10) for a steering axle of the vehicle (1) and at least one vibration sensor (11) for sensing perturbations (I, II, III, IV, V) of the chassis system (20) of the vehicle (1), wherein the (at least one) vibration sensor (11) is attached to at least one component (12, 14) of the steering mechanism (10).