Wheel Hub Sensor Layout for Isolated Rolling Load Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensorized wheel hub assemblies face challenges in accurately determining strain generated by rolling elements due to interference or 'cross-talk' between sets of rolling elements, leading to combined strain measurements that can be greater or lesser than actual strain from individual sets.
Innovation Solution
The wheel hub assembly positions sensors on a central surface section between the rolling element sets to minimize interference, using specific boundary lines and radial spacing to isolate strain measurements from each set, and incorporates strain gauges for precise detection, with a signal conditioner and processor for data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned to measure strain from rolling elements, then measurement precision is improved, but interference or cross-talk between sets of rolling elements causes measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is divided into two distinct sets of rolling elements (first set and second set) positioned at different locations. Sensors are selectively positioned to measure strain from one set while minimizing exposure to the other set, effectively segmenting the measurement zones to eliminate cross-talk interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning sensors at specific locations where they can detect strain from rolling elements of one set while being shielded or distant from rolling elements of the other set. This creates localized measurement zones with different characteristics - one optimized for detecting strain from the first set, another for the second set.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are placed to detect strain from both sets of rolling elements, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to combined strain interference
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into separate measurement zones, each dedicated to monitoring a specific set of rolling elements. This allows comprehensive monitoring of both sets while maintaining precision within each zone by preventing mixed strain signals from interfering with each other.
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 allows for accurate measurement of strain from individual sets of rolling elements, reducing interference and enabling precise determination of loading conditions, thus enhancing the reliability of wheel hub assembly performance and potential failure detection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor disposed on the central surface section of the outer hub and configured to sense strain within the outer hub generated by the rolling elements
Data Source
AI summary
A hub assembly includes an inner rotatable hub having inboard and outboard axial ends, a radial flange extending outwardly from the outboard axial end and connectable with the wheel, an inner circumferential surface, and an opposing outer circumferential surface providing inboard and outboard inner races. An outer hub is disposed about the inner hub, connectable with the chassis and has inboard and outboard axial ends, an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface. The inner surface provides inboard and outboard outer races and a central surface section extending between the two outer races. First and second sets of rolling elements are disposed between the inner and outer races. One or more sensors are each disposed on the central surface section of the outer hub and are each configured to sense strain within the outer hub generated by the rolling elements.