Wheel Dimensioning via Accelerometer-Based Pivot Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the geometrical dimensions of vehicle wheels require complex structural features and are not efficient in reducing operational errors during measurement.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a pivotable sensing device with dual-axis accelerometers to measure accelerations in orthogonal directions, allowing for the determination of geometrical dimensions by scanning the wheel surface with ultrasonic or optical sensors, and computing the pivot angle to derive rim profiles and wheel properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are mounted on a pivot member with a rotary potentiometer for angle detection, then the wheel surface can be scanned to determine geometrical dimensions, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotary potentiometer system with an accelerometer-based angular position sensor. The accelerometer measures acceleration in two orthogonal directions, and the angular position is calculated through integration of acceleration data, eliminating the need for complex mechanical angle detection components while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerometer serves multiple functions: it detects angular position through acceleration measurement in radial direction, determines angular velocity through differentiation, and provides data for both positioning and motion control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors for each measurement task.
2Measurement precision
If a rotary potentiometer with transmission means is used for angle detection, then the pivot angle can be measured, but the device complexity and potential for operational errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical transmission means by using an accelerometer-based system. The angular position is determined through mathematical integration of acceleration data rather than mechanical coupling, reducing the number of moving parts and potential failure points in the angle detection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerometer system is self-contained and does not require external calibration or adjustment mechanisms. The angular position is directly derived from the acceleration measurements through integration, making the system self-sufficient and reducing operational errors associated with mechanical alignment and calibration.
3Device complexity
If accelerometers are used to determine angular position from measured accelerations, then the structural features are reduced, but the measurement system requires complex computation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical angle detection with a computational approach using accelerometers. The angular position is obtained by integrating acceleration data in the radial direction, and angular velocity is obtained by differentiating the position data, shifting the complexity from mechanical components to mathematical processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement parameter from direct angular position (requiring mechanical encoders) to acceleration data (measured by simple accelerometers). This parameter transformation allows the use of simpler sensors while achieving the same measurement goal through mathematical processing of the dynamic acceleration signals.
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 reduces structural complexity and enhances measurement accuracy by using accelerometers to determine angular positions and velocities, improving operational efficiency and error prevention in wheel dimensioning.
Implementation Method 1
The angle measuring device includes accelerometer means adapted to measure accelerations of the at least one sensing device in two predetermined directions
Implementation Method 2
The sensing device can be designed to measure the each distance between the scanned spot on the wheel surface and the sensing device, wherein the wheel surface can be scanned by ultrasonic or optical waves
Implementation Method 3
The sensing device can be designed to measure the each distance between the scanned spot on the wheel surface and the sensing device, wherein the wheel surface can be scanned by ultrasonic or optical waves, for example by a laser radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and apparatus for determining geometrical dimensions of a wheel, especially a vehicle wheel, or of at least a part of the wheel, comprising the steps of pivoting at least one sensing device for scanning the wheel surface or a part of the wheel surface about a pivot axis in plane perpendicular to the wheel axis and determining the geometrical dimensions of the scanned wheel surface in dependence from the angular position of the at least one sensing device, wherein the angular position is determined from measured accelerations of the sensing device in two predetermined directions during the pivotal movement of the sensing device.