초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for a multi-axis wheel transducer are disclosed. The apparatus of the invention comprises a wheel transducer for measuring the loads and moments acting on a vehicle wheel. Tubular load cells positioned in a radial fashion around the perimeter of the transducer hub join the ri

An apparatus and method for a multi-axis wheel transducer are disclosed. The apparatus of the invention comprises a wheel transducer for measuring the loads and moments acting on a vehicle wheel. Tubular load cells positioned in a radial fashion around the perimeter of the transducer hub join the rim and hub. Loads and moments acting on the rim of the wheel are transferred through the spoke-like load cells to the hub of the wheel. Sensors strategically positioned around the circumference of the tubular load cell monitor the intensity of the loads and moments. To detect angular position of the wheel, a light source generates a cone of polarized light to flood the wheel of the vehicle and detector-polarizing filter pairs detect an angle of the polarization relative to the wheel to determine its angular position. The transducer hub computer processes the sensor data and transfers the information via infrared signal to a computer located in the fender of the vehicle.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A detecting device for a wheel of a vehicle, the device comprising:at least one transducer mounted to rotate with the vehicle wheel for sensing a mechanical state of the wheel;an optical transmitter mounted to rotate with the vehicle wheel for optically transmitting information con

[ We claim:] [1.] A detecting device for a wheel of a vehicle, the device comprising:at least one transducer mounted to rotate with the vehicle wheel for sensing a mechanical state of the wheel;an optical transmitter mounted to rotate with the vehicle wheel for optically transmitting information concerning the mechanical state of the vehicle wheel sensed by the at least one transducer; anda receiver attached to and extending from the vehicle as a cantilever to be positioned in front of and separated from the wheel for receiving the information transmitted by the optical transmitter.