Suspension Angle Sensor Alignment for Vehicle Load Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load monitoring systems for vehicles are complex, requiring expensive and time-consuming setup and calibration, which hinders their widespread adoption for reliable load sensing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a simplified load monitoring system that utilizes angle sensors with integrated alignment features, allowing for easy setup and calibration, and providing accurate load determination by measuring angular deflection of load-bearing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex physical sensor configurations and computing systems are used for load monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load sensing function from complex multi-sensor systems and implements it using a single angle sensor that measures the angular position of the suspension component. This extraction principle simplifies the device by removing unnecessary sensors and computing hardware while maintaining load measurement capability through the relationship between suspension angle and load weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor configurations with an angle sensor that electronically measures suspension deflection. The angle sensor substitutes for traditional load cells or strain gauge configurations, providing load information through angular measurement rather than direct force measurement, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional sensor systems are implemented, then load sensing capability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex setup routines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the angle sensor to measure suspension angle at rest and during loading conditions. The system performs preliminary calibration by measuring the angular position in known states (empty and loaded), establishing a reference framework that enables reliable load detection without complex setup routines during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle sensor system performs self-calibration by automatically establishing the relationship between angular position and load weight through measurements taken during normal vehicle operation. The system self-adjusts and self-calibrates without requiring external calibration equipment or complex setup procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If precise load sensing is implemented using existing methods, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to time-consuming calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the angle sensor continuously measure suspension angular position during vehicle operation. The system performs repeated measurements at different load states and uses these periodic data points to establish and verify the load-angle relationship, achieving precise calibration through multiple quick measurements rather than a single time-consuming calibration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct force measurement to angular position measurement. By measuring the angle of the suspension component, which changes with load weight, the system achieves precise load sensing through parameter transformation. This parameter change enables faster measurement and calibration since angular position can be measured more quickly and with simpler sensors than traditional force measurement methods.
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 enables cost-effective and efficient load monitoring with improved accuracy and reliability, reducing setup and calibration complexities, and maintaining system accuracy during vehicle use.
Implementation Method 1
determine a load on the suspension system based on the sensor data
Data Source
AI summary
A load monitoring system and techniques estimate a load on a vehicle, such as a trailer, bus, RV, or other vehicle. The system includes a sensor having a main body housing and an alignment feature. The main body housing contacts a first surface of a suspension component and the alignment feature contacts a second surface of the suspension component.