Wheel Bearing Sensing Arrangement with Axial Encoders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel bearing assemblies with sensing arrangements for rotary speed or position lack efficient and versatile designs for signal generation and comparison, particularly in terms of encoder and sensor placement and orientation.
Innovation Solution
A wheel bearing assembly with two annular encoders having alternate north and south magnetic poles and associated sensors, where one encoder is mounted on a rotatable bearing ring and the other on a cage, allowing for axial or radial orientations, and sensors are positioned between rolling elements or outside the bearing for ease of installation and signal comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors and encoders are mounted inside the bearing between rolling elements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder is mounted on the cage which itself is nested within the bearing assembly, and sensors are positioned within the bearing structure between rolling elements. This nested arrangement allows precise measurement components to be integrated into the existing bearing geometry without requiring separate mounting structures, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder is oriented with its magnetic poles in an axial orientation rather than radial, and sensors are positioned axially between rolling elements. This dimensional reorientation allows the sensing arrangement to utilize the axial space within the bearing, avoiding interference with radial rolling elements while achieving precise measurement of rotary position and speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If encoders are oriented in axial orientation, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder is designed with universal adaptability to function in axial orientation, allowing the same encoder component to be used across different bearing configurations. The axial orientation provides versatility in sensing arrangements while the encoder's design accommodates various mounting scenarios without requiring custom components for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder's magnetic pole orientation parameter is changed from traditional radial to axial configuration. This parameter change enables the encoder to function effectively in the axial dimension, providing adaptability to the bearing's internal geometry while the manufacturing precision requirements are managed through standardized axial positioning features.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are positioned outboard of the bearing, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing arrangement is segmented into two configurations: inboard positioning between rolling elements for high-precision applications, and outboard positioning on the bearing housing for ease of installation. This segmentation allows users to select the appropriate sensor location based on whether priority is given to measurement precision or operational ease, with each configuration optimized for its specific use case.
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 configuration enhances the generation and comparison of pulsed electrical signals, providing improved accuracy and flexibility in monitoring rotary speed and position, while allowing for protected and accessible sensor placement.
Implementation Method 1
at least two annular encoders with alternate north and south magnetic poles and at least two sensors operably associated with the encoders and each serving to provide electrical signals generated by the passage of the poles of the associated encoder
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel bearing assembly including inner and outer bearing rings, one of which is intended to rotate and the other of which is intended to remain stationary. The assembly also includes two sets of rolling elements between the rings and in angular contact with tracks defined by the rings. Each set of rolling elements is spaced in the direction of the axis of rotation with each set of rolling elements retained by one of two cages. The assembly further includes a sensing arrangement having at least two annular encoders with alternate north and south magnetic poles and at least two sensors operably associated with the encoders and each serving to provide electrical signals generated by the passage of the poles of the arranged encoder. One of the encoders is mounted on the rotatable one of the bearing rings. The other encoder is mounted on one of the cages and each of the sensors and encoders is disposed axially, between the sets of rolling elements.