Wheel Hub Sensor Node Mesh Network for Remote Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring the operating parameters of wheel hubs in vehicles is challenging due to their harsh environmental conditions and complex mechanical structure, making continuous monitoring difficult with traditional sensing equipment.
Innovation Solution
Embedding wireless communication sensors into wheel hubs that form a mesh network, equipped with power sources, sensing devices, and processing units, allowing for remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance by wirelessly transmitting data to a remote server or network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensing equipment is used to monitor wheel hub parameters, then the monitoring capability is limited, but the installation complexity and cost are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor node is embedded within the wheel hub structure itself, with the sensing device, processing device, and communication module integrated into the hub's internal cavity. This nesting approach enables continuous monitoring of wheel hub parameters while avoiding external mounting complexity, as the sensor becomes part of the wheel hub's internal architecture rather than an external add-on.
2Reliability
If wireless communication sensors are embedded into wheel hubs, then data transmission reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel hub is designed with a separate internal cavity that houses the sensor node components (sensing device, processing device, communication module, and power source). This segmentation allows the sensor node to be manufactured and tested independently before integration into the wheel hub, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while ensuring reliable wireless data transmission from the embedded sensor.
3Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of wheel hub parameters is implemented, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing device is configured to control the sensing device to operate in periodic measurement cycles rather than continuous operation. The sensor node continuously monitors wheel hub parameters by periodically collecting data, processing it locally, and transmitting results wirelessly when necessary. This periodic action maintains high diagnostic accuracy through continuous monitoring capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to uninterrupted data collection and transmission.
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 efficient monitoring and analysis of wheel hub parameters, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing manufacturing costs through simplified installation and reliable data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The power source can include one or more of a battery, a capacitor, and does include a a thermoelectric generator
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor is mounted to or embedded in a wheel hub. The sensor node includes a power source and a sensing device that detects and monitors at least one parameter associated with the wheel hub. The sensor node also includes a communication module that communicates via wireless communication signals and a processing device in communication with the sensing device and the communication module. The processing device collects data from the sensing devices, processes the data, and based on that processing, communicates information relating to the wheel hub to a remote server or network. A mesh network of multiple sensor nodes can be applied to multiple different wheel hubs on a vehicle and communicate with a central processing device. The processing device can thus monitor performance and/ or operation of each wheel hub.