Suspension Sensor Calibration Using Underbody Force Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension sensor calibration methods are inadequate for vehicles without beds, as they require external load application, which can damage vehicles with rear exterior surfaces and are not suitable for all types of vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A calibration system that includes a force transducer, actuator, and processor to apply a force to the vehicle's bottom surface, measure displacement, and calibrate sensors based on force and displacement data, using an anti-roll mechanism to prevent vehicle movement and generating a force-displacement curve for accurate load determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external load is applied to the vehicle's exterior surface for calibration, then sensor calibration can be performed, but the vehicle's exterior surface may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying load from above (exterior surface), the calibration system applies force from beneath the vehicle through the bottom surface. This inverts the traditional calibration approach, allowing load application without damaging the exterior surface while achieving the same sensor calibration objective.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system introduces an intermediary platform that applies force through the bottom surface of the vehicle. This intermediary approach transfers the calibration load through the vehicle structure without direct contact with the exterior surface, preventing damage while enabling accurate sensor calibration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional calibration methods are used, then calibration can be performed on vehicles with beds, but the method is not suitable for vehicles without beds
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is designed with universal applicability to work on all vehicle types regardless of whether they have beds or not. By applying force through the bottom surface rather than requiring a bed structure, the system achieves multi-functionality across different vehicle configurations while maintaining reliable calibration results.
3Measurement precision
If force is applied to the vehicle bottom surface, then accurate calibration can be achieved on all vehicle types, but additional calibration equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is segmented into distinct functional components: a platform for force application, a force transducer for measurement, an actuator for controlled loading, and an anti-roll mechanism for stability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving accurate load measurement while organizing the complexity into manageable modules.
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 accurate calibration of suspension sensors on all vehicle types, including those without beds, by applying forces from beneath the vehicle, ensuring precise load measurement and preventing damage during the calibration process.
Implementation Method 1
applying a first force to the bottom surface via the actuator
Implementation Method 2
A calibration system that includes a force transducer, actuator, and processor to apply a force to the vehicle's bottom surface
Implementation Method 3
determining a first displacement of a first suspension component of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to determine the load of a vehicle via calibrate a suspension sensor are disclosed herein. An example vehicle described herein includes a force transducer, an actuator coupled to the force transducer, memory including instructions and a processor to execute the instructions to engage the actuator to a bottom surface of a vehicle, apply a first force to the bottom surface via the actuator, determine a first displacement of a first suspension component of the vehicle, and calibrate a first sensor of the vehicle based on the first force and the first displacement.