WO1992007738A1 - Detecteur de l'addition d'une masse - Google Patents

Detecteur de l'addition d'une masse Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1992007738A1
WO1992007738A1 PCT/GB1991/001908 GB9101908W WO9207738A1 WO 1992007738 A1 WO1992007738 A1 WO 1992007738A1 GB 9101908 W GB9101908 W GB 9101908W WO 9207738 A1 WO9207738 A1 WO 9207738A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mass
load sensor
vehicle
sensor
mass change
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1991/001908
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David Geoffrey Edwards
Original Assignee
G.D. Engineering Associates Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by G.D. Engineering Associates Limited filed Critical G.D. Engineering Associates Limited
Publication of WO1992007738A1 publication Critical patent/WO1992007738A1/fr
Priority to GB9308057A priority Critical patent/GB2263803B/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/10—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device
    • B60R25/1004—Alarm systems characterised by the type of sensor, e.g. current sensing means
    • B60R25/1006—Mechanical sensors, e.g. pendulums
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
    • G01G19/08—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups for incorporation in vehicles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
    • G01G19/08—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups for incorporation in vehicles
    • G01G19/12—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups for incorporation in vehicles having electrical weight-sensitive devices

Definitions

  • This invention relates to mass addition detectors partic- -ularly suitable for use with vehicles.
  • the present invention provides a method of detecting small permanent mass changes in a stationary vehicle, rejecting transient mass changes and providing indication directly or remotely to any permanent mass change.
  • a mass change detector for a vehicle characterised by a combinat ⁇ ion of one or more load sensors adapted to detect small changes in the mass of a stationary vehicle, discrimination means adapted to discriminate between long term and short term changes and alarm means adapted to provide an indication of any long term mass changes.
  • the load sensors are associated with the vehicle suspension system.
  • the mass change detector preferably comprises a load sensor attached within the body of the vehicle. Signals corresponding to changes of the vehicle mass detected by the sensor are fed to discrimination means.
  • the discrimination means is preferably a microprocessor programmed to analyse the signals. When a mass change exceeds a predetermined magnitude and lasts for a predetermined time period an alarm signal is produced.
  • the alarm signal may be used directly to operate a warning device within the vehicle or remote from it. Alternat ⁇ ively the alarm signal may be stored for subsequent retrieval by interrogation means.
  • the load sensor is associated with the vehicle suspension system.
  • the load sensor In a typical coil suspension the load sensor is mechanically positioned when the vehicle is stationary so that it senses force changes between the top of the spring and the vehicle chassis. Such changes will represent changes in the vehicle mass.
  • Sensor control means may provided to engage and disengage the sensor from the suspension system. During normal vehicle motion the sensor may be disengaged but when the vehicle is parked or otherwise stationary for long periods it is engaged with the suspension and senses mass changes occurring in the vehicle.
  • the upper spring housing is connected to the vehicle body by a reslient bush, usually fabricated from rubber.
  • a load sensor preferably in the form of a strain gauge, may be attached to the surface of the bush.
  • Figure 1 is an enlarged view of a load sensor which may be used in a mass change detector according to the invention
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the sensor element
  • Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle suspension system including the load sensor shown in Figure 1
  • Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle suspension system showing sensor control means
  • Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle suspension system showing an alternative arrangement of the mass change detector according to the invention.
  • a load sensor 1 comprises a balanced strain gauge bridge of known type.
  • One end of the sensor 1 is contained in a locking device 2 which ensures that it is mechanically coupled to a push rod 3.
  • Pressure between the top of the sensor 1 and the push rod 3 will cause a bridge unbalance providing signals related to the ampli ⁇ tude and direction of any pressure change.
  • the sensor element see Figure 2, comprises a rod 4 carrying a set of strain gauges 5 adhesively fixed to its surface. The changes in the resistance of the gauges 5 are measured through leads 6.
  • the load sensor is fitted across a suspens ⁇ ion/bush spring 8 on a vehicle.
  • One end 9 of the suspens ⁇ ion/bush spring 8 is be coupled to the main vehicle body while the other end 11 will be coupled to the spring/damper 12 and hence the ground on which the vehicle stands. Any changes in the mass of the vehicle or its load will alter the pressure on the bush/spring 8 and the sensor 1 which will provide a resistance change according to the amplitude and direction of the load change.
  • Computer means receive the signals from the sensor 1 and store them.
  • the stored signals are processed. Mass changes exceeding a preset value for amplitude and duration result in an alarm signal which is also stored.
  • the alarm signal may be used to trigger warning devices, such as sirens or flashing lights, in the vehicle.
  • the alarm signal may be transmitted, e.g. by electromagnetic radiation, to a remote position where appropriate action can be initiated.
  • the alarm signal is revealed by external interrogation.
  • a driver, guard or other operator may direct a radio or infra-red source at a suitable receiver installed in the vehicle.
  • the computer means may reveal the presence of any mass change exceeding the preset limits. It is also possible, using suitable display means, for the computer means to show either the amplitude of the mass change or the time of occurence of the mass change or both and also to indicate its location.
  • a load sensor 13 is shown attached to the upper portion of a suspension spring 8.
  • a pushrod 14 is moveable in a vertical direction by means of an electric motor 15.
  • the motor 15 and hence the rod 14 is rigidly attached by means of a bracket 16 to a spring shield 17 forming part of the vehicle body.
  • the upper portion of the spring is connect- ed to the vehicle body through a resilient bush 18.
  • the pushrod 14 is disengaged from the load sensor 13.
  • the motor 15 is activated and the pushrod 14 is driven into locking engagement with a locking device 18 attached to the load sensor 13.
  • any change in mass of the associated vehicle will cause a change in the pressure on the spring 8 which will be revealed by the sensor 13.
  • the motor 15 may be activated manually by the vehicle operator or automatically by control means whenever the vehicle motor is switched off or the parking brake operated.
  • the vehicle may be fitted with a plurality of load sensors feeding a single microprocessor which analyses the signals form them. Such an arrangement can provide indication of the location of any mass change.
  • a load sensor 21 is attached to the surface of a rubber bush 22, shown in cross section, which mechanically . connects a suspension spring system 23 to a vehicle body structure 24.
  • the lower portion of the spring system 23 is attached to a damper 25 in conventional manner.
  • a housing 26 covers the top of the spring 23.
  • the base of the bush 22 rests on the upper surface of the housing 26.
  • the weight of the vehicle, transmitted from the body structure 24, is carried by the bush 22 so that the rubber deforms to an extent dependent on the vehicle weight.
  • the load sensor 21 is a strain gauge, for instance of the type described with reference to Figure 2, and is adhesiv ⁇ ely attached to the surface of the bush 22 so that deform ⁇ ation of the surface is detected.
  • the output of the sensor 21 is supplied to computer means for storage and processing as hereinbefore described.
  • a strain gauge type load sensor can be attached to the exposed lower surface of the bush 18. Such a sensor would replace or supplement the system based on the load sensor 13.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)

Abstract

Détecteur de l'addition d'une masse adapté notamment aux véhicules. Le détecteur détecte une variation de masse en utilisant trois types de dispositifs combinés, à savoir: ou plusieurs détecteurs de charge (21) aptes à détecter des petites variations de la masse d'un véhicule immobilisé; un discriminateur apte à distinguer une variation à long terme d'une variation à court terme; ainsi qu'un dispositif d'alarme apte à donner une indication des éventuelles variations à long terme de la masse. De préférence, le ou chaque détecteur de charge (21) est monté à bord du véhicule, par exemple en association avec le système de suspension (23). Selon un mode de réalisation, au moins un détecteur de charge (21) est associé à un système de suspension à ressort (23) et détecte le mouvement de la carrosserie (24) du véhicule par rapport au ressort (23). Selon un autre mode de réalisation, ledit détecteur de charge est situé sur une surface d'un manchon élastique (22) reliant par voie mécanique le ressort à la carrosserie. Le détecteur de charge peut être doté d'un dispositif de commande servant à le mettre en contact avec le système de suspension et à le retirer. De préférence, le détecteur de charge est une jauge de contrainte. Le discriminateur est un microprocesseur programmé pour analyser les signaux, de sorte qu'un signal d'alarme soit produit lorsqu'une variation de masse dépasse une valeur prédéterminée et persiste pendant une période prédéterminée.
PCT/GB1991/001908 1990-10-30 1991-10-30 Detecteur de l'addition d'une masse WO1992007738A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9308057A GB2263803B (en) 1990-10-30 1993-04-19 Mass addition detector

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9023606.8 1990-10-30
GB9023606A GB9023606D0 (en) 1990-10-30 1990-10-30 Mass addition detector

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1992007738A1 true WO1992007738A1 (fr) 1992-05-14

Family

ID=10684593

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1991/001908 WO1992007738A1 (fr) 1990-10-30 1991-10-30 Detecteur de l'addition d'une masse

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0554320A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU8752191A (fr)
CA (1) CA2095137A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB9023606D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1992007738A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1001274C2 (nl) * 1995-09-22 1997-03-25 Jan D Bij De Leij Transport En Voertuig omvattende een krachtopneeminrichting en een bufferelement, alsmede krachtopneeminrichting voorzien van een bufferelement.
FR2780779A1 (fr) * 1998-07-06 2000-01-07 Toyota Motor Co Ltd Dispositif d'estimation de masse suspendue
GB2422940A (en) * 2005-02-08 2006-08-09 Staley Cyril Tamper proof anti-theft detection for a vehicle's roadwheels
WO2011097667A1 (fr) * 2010-02-15 2011-08-18 Transport Certification Australia Limited Système et procédé de surveillance d'évènements d'altération de la masse d'un véhicule
CN113147588A (zh) * 2020-01-22 2021-07-23 奥迪股份公司 用于车辆的提醒系统、包括其的车辆及相应方法和介质

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9233697B2 (en) * 2013-05-24 2016-01-12 General Electric Company Method and system for controlling a vehicle system factoring mass attributable to weather

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2229987A1 (de) * 1972-06-20 1974-01-10 Eltro Gmbh Einrichtung zur ermittlung der achsbelastung an fahrzeugen
DE2655660A1 (de) * 1976-12-08 1978-06-15 Dieter Reichert Vorrichtung zur sicherung eines kraftfahrzeuges gegen diebstahl von fahrzeugraedern sowie unbefugtes abschleppen
US4684928A (en) * 1984-12-03 1987-08-04 Alpine Electronics Inc. Motion sensor unit
US4757304A (en) * 1985-09-25 1988-07-12 San Sung Electronics Co. Ltd. Vehicle security system
WO1988009976A1 (fr) * 1987-06-02 1988-12-15 Christoph Breit Dispositif de protection des systemes et de la charge d'un vehicule a moteur
US4800751A (en) * 1986-06-03 1989-01-31 Nissan Motor Company, Limited System for detecting load applied to suspension

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2229987A1 (de) * 1972-06-20 1974-01-10 Eltro Gmbh Einrichtung zur ermittlung der achsbelastung an fahrzeugen
DE2655660A1 (de) * 1976-12-08 1978-06-15 Dieter Reichert Vorrichtung zur sicherung eines kraftfahrzeuges gegen diebstahl von fahrzeugraedern sowie unbefugtes abschleppen
US4684928A (en) * 1984-12-03 1987-08-04 Alpine Electronics Inc. Motion sensor unit
US4757304A (en) * 1985-09-25 1988-07-12 San Sung Electronics Co. Ltd. Vehicle security system
US4800751A (en) * 1986-06-03 1989-01-31 Nissan Motor Company, Limited System for detecting load applied to suspension
WO1988009976A1 (fr) * 1987-06-02 1988-12-15 Christoph Breit Dispositif de protection des systemes et de la charge d'un vehicule a moteur

Non-Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN ;vol. 9, no. 34 (M-357)(1757) 14 February 1985;& JP,A,59 176 133 ( KUBOTA TEKKO K.K. ) 5 October 1984 see abstract *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 9, no. 34 (M-357)(1757) 14 February 1985 & JP,A,59 176 133 ( KUBOTA TEKKO K.K. ) 5 October 1984 see abstract *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN,vol. 7, no. 142 (P-205)(1287) 22 June 1983;& JP,A,58 055 719 ( MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO K.K. ) 2 April 1983 *
see abstract *

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1001274C2 (nl) * 1995-09-22 1997-03-25 Jan D Bij De Leij Transport En Voertuig omvattende een krachtopneeminrichting en een bufferelement, alsmede krachtopneeminrichting voorzien van een bufferelement.
FR2780779A1 (fr) * 1998-07-06 2000-01-07 Toyota Motor Co Ltd Dispositif d'estimation de masse suspendue
GB2422940A (en) * 2005-02-08 2006-08-09 Staley Cyril Tamper proof anti-theft detection for a vehicle's roadwheels
GB2422940B (en) * 2005-02-08 2009-06-17 Staley Cyril Tamper proof anti-theft protection for a vehicle's roadwheel/s
WO2011097667A1 (fr) * 2010-02-15 2011-08-18 Transport Certification Australia Limited Système et procédé de surveillance d'évènements d'altération de la masse d'un véhicule
US9020658B2 (en) 2010-02-15 2015-04-28 Transport Certification Australia Limited System and method for monitoring vehicle mass tamper events
CN113147588A (zh) * 2020-01-22 2021-07-23 奥迪股份公司 用于车辆的提醒系统、包括其的车辆及相应方法和介质

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9023606D0 (en) 1990-12-12
AU8752191A (en) 1992-05-26
CA2095137A1 (fr) 1992-05-01
EP0554320A1 (fr) 1993-08-11

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