Hollow Profile Wim Sensor With Merged Signal Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WIM sensors face challenges in measurement accuracy due to complex assembly processes and high costs, with multi-part structures and adhesive properties affecting linearity and signal measurement, and require numerous charge amplifiers and separate signal cables for each piezoelectric element, complicating installation and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A WIM sensor design featuring a hollow profile with multiple piezoelectric sensing elements and electronic components arranged in a space-saving manner, using a carrier element to fix both piezoelectric and electronic elements, and converting charge signals to digital format for efficient data transmission, reducing the need for multiple charge amplifiers and signal conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual piezoelectric measuring elements are arranged in the WIM sensor to differentiate wheel types, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring a charge amplifier for each measuring element
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple piezoelectric measuring elements are arranged in series within a single hollow profile, merging their electrical outputs into one common signal line. This eliminates the need for separate charge amplifiers and cables for each element, reducing device complexity while preserving the ability to differentiate wheel types through signal pattern analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The single hollow profile serves multiple functions: it houses multiple piezoelectric measuring elements, provides mechanical support, and acts as a common signal transmission pathway. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components needed while maintaining measurement capabilities for different wheel types
2Measurement precision
If multiple piezoelectric measuring elements are arranged close together to detect wheel types, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to multi-part assembly with adhesives
Solution Approach 1:
The WIM sensor is divided into modular hollow profile sections, each containing a specific arrangement of piezoelectric measuring elements. These standardized modules can be manufactured independently and then assembled, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining the close spacing of measuring elements needed for accurate wheel type detection
Solution Approach 2:
Piezoelectric measuring elements are pre-arranged and secured within the hollow profile sections before final assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures correct spacing and orientation without requiring complex real-time adjustment during assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity while preserving measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If separate signal cables are routed for each piezoelectric element, then individual signal measurement is improved, but installation difficulty increases due to cable routing through hollow profile
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual signal cables are merged into a single common signal line that runs through the hollow profile. This consolidation eliminates the need to route multiple separate cables through the profile, dramatically simplifying installation while still allowing individual element signals to be measured through the series connection configuration
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 design enhances measurement accuracy by calibrating individual elements and reduces systematic errors, simplifies assembly, and decreases costs by optimizing space utilization and reducing interference, while maintaining high measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric sensing elements which generate electrical charges proportional to a force acting on them
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~10
AI summary
The invention relates to a WIM sensor (10) for determining wheel loads of a vehicle (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) on a roadway section (1) when a wheel of the vehicle (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) passes over it; which WIM sensor (10) is designed as a hollow profile (11) with an elongated extension along a longitudinal axis (X-X'); which hollow profile (11) encloses at least a first chamber (12); in which several piezoelectric measuring elements (36, 36a, 36b) are arranged along the longitudinal axis (X-X') in the first chamber (12); wherein at least one support element (30, 30a, 30b, 30c) is arranged in the first chamber (12); wherein the support element (30, 30a, 30b, 30c) fixes at least one piezoelectric measuring element (36, 36a, 36b); wherein at least one electronic element (45) is arranged in the first space (12); wherein the support element (30, 30a, 30b, 30c) fixes at least one electronic element (45);wherein at least one electrical charge conductor (61a, 61b) is arranged in the first space (12); wherein the electrical charge conductor (61a, 61b) electrically connects at least one force-bearing surface (15, 15a, 15b) and the electronic element (45); and wherein the electrical charge conductor (61a, 61b) transmits a charge signal (201a, 201b) from at least one force-bearing surface (15, 15a, 15b, 16, 16a, 16b) to the electronic element (45);