Magnetoelastic Transfer Case Torque Sensing for Real-Time Wheel Slip Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accurately determining vehicle operating characteristics, such as weight and wheel slip, often rely on indirect measurements and lack real-time feedback, particularly before inertial actions occur, which can lead to inefficiencies and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-contacting magnetic field sensors positioned proximate to power transmission shafts and axles to measure torque, allowing for direct and indirect assessment of vehicle operating characteristics, including weight and wheel slip, through the detection of torsional stress-induced magnetization changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If indirect measurement methods are used to determine vehicle operating characteristics, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with magnetic field sensing. Magnetoelastic sensors detect torque through magnetic field changes caused by stress-induced magnetization changes in ferromagnetic materials, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic fields as an intermediary to measure mechanical parameters. The magnetoelastic effect creates a bridge between mechanical stress and magnetic field changes, allowing indirect yet precise measurement of torque and other operating characteristics without direct mechanical sensor contact.
2Reliability
If non-contacting magnetic field sensors are used to measure torque, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical torque sensors with non-contacting magnetic field sensors. This eliminates wear and friction issues associated with mechanical contacts while using the magnetoelastic effect to reliably detect torque through magnetic field changes in ferromagnetic shafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits changes in magnetic properties (magnetization state) of ferromagnetic materials under mechanical stress. The magnetoelastic effect causes stress-induced magnetization changes that are detected by magnetic field sensors, converting mechanical parameter changes into measurable magnetic field variations.
3Productivity
If real-time torque measurement is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time torque measurement by replacing slow mechanical measurement systems with rapid magnetic field sensing. The magnetoelastic sensors provide instantaneous feedback on torque conditions, enabling real-time vehicle performance optimization without the inertia and delay of mechanical measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes real-time feedback loops for torque measurement. Magnetic field sensors continuously monitor torque conditions and provide immediate feedback for controlling inertial actions, enabling proactive vehicle control and performance optimization based on actual operating conditions.
4Measurement precision
If magnetic field sensors are positioned proximate to power transmission shafts, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the ferromagnetic power transmission shaft itself as an intermediary. The shaft's magnetization state serves as the sensing element, with magnetic field changes occurring within the shaft material rather than in the surrounding space, thereby reducing susceptibility to external magnetic interference while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 approach provides accurate, real-time feedback on vehicle operating conditions, enhancing vehicle performance, maintenance scheduling, and compliance with regulatory standards by directly measuring torque and related parameters, thereby improving drivability and predictive maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetoelastically active region that is polarized in a circumferential direction and that produces a magnetic field that varies with a torque applied to the shaft member
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic torque sensing device having a torque transferring member with a magnetoelastically active region. The magnetoelastically active region has oppositely polarized magnetically conditioned regions with initial directions of magnetization that are perpendicular to the sensitive directions of magnetic field sensor pairs placed proximate to the magnetically active region. Magnetic field sensors are specially positioned in relation to the torque-transferring member to accurately measure torque while providing improved RSU performance and reducing the detrimental effects of compassing. The torque sensing devices are incorporated on vehicle drive train components, including differential components, transfer case components, transmission components, and others, including on power transmission shafts, half-shafts, and wheels, and output signals representing characteristics of the vehicle are processed in algorithms to provide useful output information for controlling actions of the vehicle.