Abstract
The invention relates to a load sensor arrangement (100) for installation on a vehicle axle (106) of a vehicle (108). The load sensor arrangement (100) comprises: a non-invasive load sensor (102) for measuring a load subjected to the vehicle axle (106) and a sensor holder (110). The sensor holder (110) comprises a sensor holding portion (112) and a mounting portion (114). The mounting portion (114) is adapted for attachment to the vehicle axle (106), and the sensor holding portion (112) is adapted for holding the load sensor (102) in a position for direct measuring on the vehicle axle (106). The load sensor arrangement (100) comprises an attachment element (118) for releasable connection of said load sensor (102) to said sensor holding portion (112). The invention further relates to a vehicle axle arrangement, a vehicle, a method of installing a non-invasive load sensor on a vehicle axle, and the use of a load sensor arrangement.
Claims
1. A load sensor arrangement for installation on a vehicle axle of a vehicle, the load sensor arrangement comprising: a non-invasive load sensor for measuring a load subjected to said vehicle axle, a sensor holder comprising a sensor holding portion and a mounting portion, said mounting portion being adapted for arrangement to said vehicle axle, wherein said load sensor comprises a magnetic sensor, adapted to measure a change in an inductive response from said vehicle axle by applying a magnetic field to said vehicle axle, or an optical sensor, said sensor holding portion is adapted for holding said load sensor in a position for direct measuring on said vehicle axle, and said load sensor arrangement comprising an attachment element for releasable connection of said load sensor to said sensor holding portion.
2. A load sensor according to claim 1, wherein said sensor holding portion comprises at least one part of the attachment element.
3. A load sensor arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said attachment element comprises a snap-fit element and/or a press-fit element and/or a spring element.
4. A load sensor arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said attachment element is adapted for automatic connection of said load sensor to said sensor holding portion.
5. A load sensor according to claim 1 4, wherein said mounting portion is adapted for non-invasive arrangement to said vehicle axle.
6. A load sensor arrangement according to claim 5, wherein said mounting portion is adapted for non-invasive arrangement to said vehicle axle by clamping or strapping.
7. A load sensor arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said mounting portion is adapted for arrangement to said vehicle axle by arrangement between said vehicle axle and a spring of a spring suspension system for said vehicle.
8. A load sensor arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said mounting portion is adapted for arrangement between springs connected to the vehicle axle, preferably to the centre of the vehicle axle, more preferred to the centre of a front vehicle axle.
9. (canceled)
10. A load sensor arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said holding portion comprises a protective bracket arranged to at least partly cover said load sensor on a side of said load sensor facing away from said vehicle axle.
11. A load sensor arrangement according to claim 10, wherein said attachment element is a spring element extending from said protective bracket towards said load sensor for applying a force on said load sensor for maintaining said load sensor in said position.
12. A load sensor arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said attachment element comprises protruding portions on said sensor holder portion.
13. A load sensor arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said attachment element comprises a slide connection, wherein said load sensor is configured to slide in place on said sensor holding portion.
14-18. (canceled)
19. A method for installing a non-invasive load sensor, said load sensor comprising a magnetic sensor, adapted to measure a change in an inductive response from said vehicle axle by applying a magnetic field to said vehicle axle, or an optical sensor, on a vehicle axle comprising the steps of: arranging a sensor holder to said vehicle axle, such that said sensor holder is arranged to hold said load sensor in a position for direct measuring on said vehicle axle, and attaching said sensor to said sensor holder by releasable connection to said sensor holder.
20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the step of arranging a sensor holder to said vehicle axle comprises non-invasively arranging the sensor holder to the vehicle axle, preferably by clamping or strapping.
21. (canceled)
22. A vehicle comprising an axle and a load sensor arrangement comprising: a non-invasive load sensor for measuring a load subjected to said vehicle axle, a sensor holder comprising a sensor holding portion and a mounting portion, said mounting portion being adapted for arrangement to said vehicle axle, wherein said load sensor comprises a magnetic sensor, adapted to measure a change in an inductive response from said vehicle axle by applying a magnetic field to said vehicle axle, or an optical sensor, said sensor holding portion is adapted for holding said load sensor in a position for direct measuring on said vehicle axle, and said load sensor arrangement comprising an attachment element for releasable connection of said load sensor to said sensor holding portion.
23. The vehicle of claim 22 further comprising springs connected to the vehicle axle, wherein said load sensor arrangement is arranged between the springs.
24. The vehicle according to claim 23, wherein said load sensor arrangement is the only load sensor arrangement associated with said vehicle axle.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0082] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.
[0083] In the drawings:
[0084] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle comprising a load sensing arrangement on a front axle according to embodiments of the invention;
[0085] FIG. 2 conceptually illustrates a load sensing arrangement according to embodiments of the invention, when arranged on a vehicle axle;
[0086] FIG. 3A conceptually illustrates a load sensing arrangement according to embodiments of the invention;
[0087] FIG. 3B conceptually illustrates a load sensor;
[0088] FIG. 4 conceptually illustrates a sensor holder arranged on a spring according to embodiments of the invention;
[0089] FIG. 5 conceptually illustrates a load sensing arrangement according to embodiments of the invention;
[0090] FIG. 6A is a vehicle comprising a load sensing arrangement on a front axle according to embodiments of the invention;
[0091] FIG. 6B is a vehicle comprising a load sensing arrangement on a rear axle according to embodiments of the invention;
[0092] FIG. 7A conceptually illustrates a load sensing arrangement according to embodiments of the invention;
[0093] FIG. 7B conceptually illustrates a load sensor;
[0094] FIG. 8 conceptually illustrates a load sensor arrangement in place on a vehicle axle;
[0095] FIG. 9 conceptually illustrates a load sensor arrangement in place on a vehicle axle with the load sensor detached from the sensor holder;
[0096] FIG. 10 is a close up view of the load sensor and the sensor holding portion according to embodiments of the invention;
[0097] FIG. 11 is a close up view of the sensor holder mounted between a spring and a vehicle axle according to embodiments of the invention;
[0098] FIG. 12 conceptually illustrates a sensor holder arranged on a spring according to embodiments of the invention;
[0099] FIG. 13 conceptually illustrates a load sensing arrangement according to embodiments of the invention;
[0100] FIG. 14 conceptually illustrates a load sensing arrangement according to embodiments of the invention; and
[0101] FIG. 15 is a flow-chart of method steps according to embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0102] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness. The skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout the description.
[0103] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle in the form of a truck 108 comprising spring suspensions system in the form of leaf spring suspensions 104. Each of the leaf spring suspensions 104 comprises a leaf spring 116 arranged on a vehicle axle 106. Wheels for the vehicle are mounted via e.g. kingpin arrangements (not shown) on each side of the vehicle axle 106. The leaf springs 116 are fixed to a vehicle frame (not shown) with fixing members such as e.g. bolts at distal end portions of the leaf springs 116. Accordingly, the leaf springs 116 provide suspension for the vehicle axle 106. Furthermore, a load sensor arrangement 100 provides for a load sensor 102 to be arranged to the vehicle axle 102 as will be described in more detail with reference to the subsequent drawings. In FIG. 1 the load sensing arrangement is arranged on the front axle 106 of the truck 108. In FIG. 1, the load sensor arrangement 100 is arranged between the springs 116 connected to the vehicle axle 106, in particular, the load sensor arrangement 100 is arranged to the centre of the vehicle axle 106.
[0104] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a load sensor arrangement 100 when arranged on a vehicle axle 106. The vehicle axle 106 is shown in cross section. The load sensor arrangement 100 comprises a non-invasive load sensor 102 and a sensor holder 110. The sensor holder 110 comprises a sensor holding portion 112 and a mounting portion 114.
[0105] The mounting portion 114 is adapted for non-invasive arrangement to the vehicle axle 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion 114 is attached to the vehicle axle 106 by clamping. To this end, the mounting portion 114 comprises a first clamping member 111 and a second clamping member 113 adapted to grasp opposing side portions of the vehicle axle 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle axle 106 has a roughly I-shaped cross-section, and the first and second clamping members 111, 113 may grasp around one of the opposing cross-bars of the I-shaped axle.
[0106] A tightening means 150 is arranged to provide a clamping force for securing the mounting portion 114 to the vehicle axle 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the tightening means 150 comprises a screw 152 arranged to the second clamping member 113 and a threading 154 in the first clamping member 111 for adjusting a distance between the first clamping member 111 and the second clamping member 113 by screwing.
[0107] The sensor holding portion 112 is adapted for holding the load sensor 102 in a position for direct measuring on the vehicle axle 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor holding portion 112 is adapted for holding the load sensor 102 in a central position as seen in a cross-sectional direction of the vehicle axle 106. (As already mentioned in the above, in this embodiment the load sensor 102 is also held in a central position as seen between the springs 116.)
[0108] The load sensor arrangement 100 comprises an attachment element 118 for releasable connection of the load sensor 102 to the sensor holding portion 112. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, the attachment element 118 comprises a first snap-part 140 arranged on the sensor holding portion 112, and a corresponding loop part 142 on the load sensor 102 for forming a snap connection between the sensor holding portion 112 and the sensor 102.
[0109] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the load sensing arrangement 100 of FIG. 2 which comprises a load sensor 102 and a sensor holder 110.
[0110] In FIG. 3A it is shown how in this case two tightening arrangements 150 are arranged side by side between the first clamping member 111 and the second clamping member 113. However, it is understood that only one tightening element 150 comprising a screw 152 and a threading 154 as illustrated in FIG. 2, or alternatively one or more different tightening element 150 may be used to mount the mounting portion 114 to the vehicle axle.
[0111] Also, in FIG. 3a it is illustrated how the attachment element 118 comprises two flexible snap parts 140, for forming a snap lock with corresponding loops 140 of the load sensor 102. Naturally, numerous snap-fit or other releasable attachment elements 118 may be envisaged.
[0112] FIG. 3B conceptually illustrates a load sensor 102. The load sensor comprises a load sensing element 124 and a housing 125 for the accommodating the load sensing element 124. The housing 125 may for example be a plastic or a metallic (or a combination thereof) housing which provides protection for the load sensing element 124. The housing 125 in this particular example comprises a main part 126a and a lid 126b for closing the main part 126a such that the lid seals the opening in the main part through which the load sensing element may be mounted in the main part 126a. The lid 126b may be held in place by screws 127. Also the load sensing element 124 may be fastened in the housing using e.g. screws. The housing 125 may further accommodate electronics for driving the load sensor 102. The electronics may be mounted on a PCB. The housing 125 may be filled with a potting material which means that the entire housing 125 with the load sensing element 124 and the electronics will have to be replaced in case the load sensor 102 needs to be replaced.
[0113] A cable 128 for collecting load sensing data from the load sensing element 124 is arranged through a through-hole 129 in the housing 125. The though-hole 129 may be made water tight by an appropriate sealant such as rubber. The cable 128 may be connected to a vehicle electric control unit (ECU, not shown) for analysing the load sensing data and presenting it to a user or take another action.
[0114] The load sensing element 124 may be of various types. In one embodiment the load sensing element 124 comprises a plurality of coils (not shown) wound from a conductive wire such as copper. An electrical current is passed through at least one of the coils such that a first magnetic field is produced. The magnetic field is directed into the vehicle axle 106, 106 in which an inductive response is generated by the magnetic field. This inductive response causes a second magnetic field which emanates from the vehicle axle 106, 106 and may be measured by at least a second coil of the plurality of coils. By appropriate analysis of the first and the second magnetic field a load on the vehicle axle 106, 106 may be estimated. It should be noted that this type of sensor is known per se to the skilled person.
[0115] The load sensing element 124 measures the axle load in a non-invasive way. As will be apparent in the following description, the load sensor 102 only has to come close to the vehicle axle 106, and there is no need for exerting any physical action on the axle 106, 106 that may compromise the axle strength or design, for mounting of the load sensor 102. Accordingly, the load sensor 102 may be mounted on a present vehicle axle 106, 106 with having to modify the vehicle axle 106, 106 or the suspension system 104.
[0116] As described in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3a, in the embodiment of FIG. 3b, the load sensor 102 comprises loop parts 142 for forming part of an attachment means 118 for releasably attaching the load sensor 102 to the sensor holding portion 112 as illustrated in FIG. 3a. Here, the loop parts 142 are formed by structures protruding from the main part 126a of the load sensor 102.
[0117] The snap-fit connections illustrated in FIGS. 2-3b may naturally be varied. For example, the main part 126a may instead comprise indentations into which snap-parts 140 of the sensor holding portion 112 may engage. Or in another example, snap-parts 140 of the sensor holding portion 112 may engage e.g. the lid 126b of the load sensor 102.
[0118] As understood from the above, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-3a, the load sensor 102 is connected to the sensor holder 110 by introduction of the load sensor 102 to the sensor holder 110 from a generally vertical direction (presuming the vehicle axle will extend in a generally horizontal direction). The attachment element 118 provides an automatic connection meaning that by positioning the load sensor 102 in the sensor holding portion 112, the snap parts 140, 142 will automatically engage so as to secure the load sensor 102 to the sensor holding portion 112.
[0119] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 conceptually illustrate further embodiments of the load sensing arrangement.
[0120] In FIG. 4, there is conceptually shown a load sensor arrangement 100 comprising a sensor holder 110 and a load sensor 102. The sensor holder 110 comprises a mounting portion 114 which may for example be a mounting portion as illustrated in FIGS. 2-3a. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the sensor holding portion 112 further comprises a protective bracket 103. The protective bracket 103 may be made from a plastic material or a metal, or a combination thereof. The protective bracket 103 is arranged to cover the load sensor 102 and to provide protection for the load sensor 102 from physical damage. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the protective bracket 103 may be formed as an extension of the material forming the mounting portion 114.
[0121] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the attachment element 118 is adapted to provide a spring connection. The attachment element 118 comprises an abutment element 146 attached to the end of a spring 144 arranged in connection with the protective bracket 103. The spring 144 will bias the abutment element 146 towards the load sensor 102. When the load sensor 102 is in place in the sensor holding portion 112, the spring element 118 applies a pressure on the load sensor 102 through a through-hole of the protective bracket 103. Hence, the load sensor 102 is maintained in the sensor holding portion 112.
[0122] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment wherein the sensor holding portion 112 comprises a protective bracket 103 as described in relation to FIG. 4. Instead of the spring 144 and the abutment element 146, the attachment means 118 comprises a spring element such as a resilient member 148. The resilient member 148 is attached to the protective bracket 103 which covers the load sensor 102. Further, the spring 148 is adapted to apply a spring force to the load sensor 102 such that the load sensor 102 is pushed and held in place against the vehicle axle 106. With the resilient element, such as the spring 148, the load sensor 102 is conveniently mounted in the sensor holding portion 712 by pushing the load sensor 102 in under the protective bracket 103 such that the spring 148 is compressed to allow the load sensor 102 to enter the space between the protective bracket 103 and the vehicle axle 106.
[0123] Accordingly, also in the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5, the attachment element 118 provides for automatic connection since the load sensor 102 will automatically be secured once positioned in the sensor holding portion.
[0124] As understood from the above, in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-5, the load sensor 102 is connected to the sensor holder 110 by introduction of the load sensor 102 to the sensor holder 110 from a generally horisontal direction (presuming the vehicle axle will extend in a generally horizontal direction).
[0125] Although in FIGS. 4-5 the protective brackets 103 are arranged so as to extend over the vehicle axle 106, i.e. forming a space for the load sensor 102 between the protective bracket 103 and the vehicle axle 106, other embodiments may be envisaged, for example where the protective bracket 103 instead extends over the mounting portion 114.
[0126] FIG. 6A schematically illustrates another embodiment of a vehicle in the form of a truck 108 comprising spring suspensions system in the form of leaf spring suspensions 104. Each of the leaf spring suspensions 104 comprises a leaf spring 116 arranged on a vehicle axle 106. Wheels for the vehicle are mounted via e.g. kingpin arrangements (not shown) on each side of the vehicle axle 106. The leaf springs 116 are fixed to a vehicle frame (not shown) with fixing members such as e.g. bolts at distal end portions of the leaf springs 116. Accordingly, the leaf springs 116 provide suspension for the vehicle axle 106. Furthermore, a load sensor arrangement 100 provides for a load sensor 102 to be arranged adjacent to the leaf spring 116 as will be described in more detail with reference to the subsequent drawings. In FIG. 6B the load sensing arrangement is arranged on the front axle 106 of the truck 108.
[0127] FIG. 6B shows an alternative arrangement location for a load sensing arrangement 100 according to embodiments or the invention. In FIG. 6B, the load sensing arrangement is arranged on a rear axle 106 of a truck 108. Accordingly, the load sensor arrangement 100 provides for a load sensor 102 to be arranged adjacent to a spring 116 (e.g. a leaf spring) similar to the arrangement on the front axle as shown in FIG. 1B. In case of the rear axle, a sensor holder portion is arranged between the spring 116 and the rear axle 106 similarly as for the front axle 106 as will be described with reference to subsequent drawings. However, in case of the rear axle 106, there may be a rubber tower 103 interposed between the rear axle 106 and the spring 116. The sensor holder portion may be arranged between the rubber tower 103 and the rear axle 106. The rubber tower is arranged as a shock absorber between the spring 116 and the rear axle 106.
[0128] The subsequent drawings will describe the load sensing arrangement with reference to an exemplary arrangement on a front axle of a truck.
[0129] FIG. 7A shows a closer view of the load sensing arrangement 100 which comprises a load sensor 102 and a sensor holder 110. The sensor holder 110 comprises a sensor holder portion 112 and a mounting portion 114. The mounting portion 114 is adapted to be installed interposed between a vehicle axle and a spring of a spring suspension in such a way that the sensor holder 110 is held in place. The sensor holder portion 112 is adapted to hold the load sensor 102 in place by means of an attachment element as will be described with reference to subsequent drawings.
[0130] FIG. 7B conceptually illustrates a load sensor 102. The load sensor comprises a load sensing element 124 and a housing 125 for the accommodating the load sensing element 124, generally as described in relation to FIG. 3B. However, the attachment means 118 (shown in FIGS. 7A and 10) are adapted for a slide-in connection to the sensor holding portion 112 as will be described in the below.
[0131] FIG. 8 illustrates a load sensor arrangement in place on a vehicle axle 106. The spring is here illustrated as a leaf spring 116 attached to the vehicle axle 106 by means of U-bolts 111 bolted to the vehicle axle 106 for holding the leaf spring 116 in place.
[0132] The mounting portion 114 of the sensor holder 110 is interposed between the leaf spring 116 and the vehicle axle 106 and is held in place at least partly by the pressure applied by the leaf spring 116 on the vehicle axle 106 caused by the U-bolts 113. The load sensor 102 is attached to the sensor holding portion 112 of the sensor holder 110.
[0133] In FIG. 8 there is further shown protruding portions 202 of the sensor holder 110. The protruding portions are substantially perpendicular with the base 113 of the mounting portion 114 such that the protruding portions 202 extend away from the vehicle axle 106. The protruding portions 202 are arranged to prevent the sensor holder 110 from sliding out of place in a direction parallel with the main axis 117 of the vehicle axle 106. The protruding portions 202 thus provide a stop for such a sliding motion when the protruding portions 202 are in contact with the spring 116 when mounted on the vehicle axle 106. The protruding portions 202 are preferably made from a stiff material such as a hard plastic or a metal.
[0134] FIG. 9 illustrates the load sensor 102 detached from the sensor holder 110. As mentioned, the sensor holder 110 is held in place by the pressure applied on the mounting portion 114 by the leaf spring as it is attached on the vehicle axle 106. It should be noted that it is the force required for holding the leaf spring 116 in place that is utilized for holding the sensor holder 110 in place, and not the spring force generated in the leaf spring 116. The mounting portion 114 is interposed in the space between the leaf spring 116 and the vehicle axle 106. The sensor holding portion 112 is on the other hand located outside the space between the leaf spring 116 and the vehicle axle 106 such that the load sensor 102 can be attached to the sensor holding portion 112 with attachment elements 118.
[0135] The mounting portion 114 has a relatively planar base 113 (see also FIG. 8 or FIG. 12) which is arranged between the leaf spring 116 and the vehicle axle 106. The sensor holding portion 112 is also relatively planar, i.e. it extends in a main plane, and this main plane coincides with the plane of the planar base 113 of the mounting portion 114. Accordingly, when the sensor holder is mounted in place, i.e. with the mounting portion 114 between the leaf spring 116 and the vehicle axle 106, then the sensor holder portion lies flat on the vehicle axle 106. In this way, the load sensing element 124 (see FIG. 7B) of the load sensor 102 is conveniently placed close to the vehicle axle 106 surface when the load sensor 102 in mounted in the sensor holder portion 112.
[0136] One type of attachment element 118 is shown in more detail in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. In this exemplary embodiment the attachment element is a slide connection 118 comprising a protruding portion 119 which protrudes out from a flexible inner flange 120 formed in a through-hole of the sensor holding portion 112. The inner flange 120 may be resiliently flexed in a direction through the though-hole such that the protruding portion 119 may be moved in and out of the plane of the sensor holding portion 112. For mounting of the load sensor 102 on the sensor holding portion 112, at least part of the sensor holding portion 112 is slid into a groove 122 in the load sensor. The groove 122 is pre-made in the housing 125 of the load sensor 102. As the sensor holding portion 112 is slid into the groove 122 of the load sensor 102, the flexible inner flange 120 comprising the protruding portions 119 will flex in a downwards direction as viewed in FIG. 10, by the load sensor 102 pushing on the protruding portions 119. As the load sensor 102 is moved further in, the protruding portions 119 will eventually coincide with matching holes (not shown) in the groove 122. The protruding portions 119 then snaps in place when the flexible inner flange 120 flexes back. Consequently, the load sensor 102 has been attached to the sensor holding portion 112 of the sensor holder 110.
[0137] With further reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the sensor holding portion 112 comprises guiding elements 129 for ensuring that the load sensor 102 is slid onto the sensor holding portion 112 in the correct transversal location. Thus, the guiding elements 129 are adapted to restrict the motion of the load sensor 102 in a transversal direction when the load sensor is slid onto the sensor holding portion 112. The transversal direction is perpendicular to the slide direction (indicated by arrow 131 in FIG. 10) of the load sensor 102 when it is being mounted in the sensor holding portion 112. The guiding element 129 protrudes out from the otherwise generally planar sensor holding portion 112. In this particular example embodiment, there are four guiding elements, two on each side of the load sensor 102 when the load sensor is mounted on the sensor holding portion 112.
[0138] FIG. 12 conceptually illustrates the under side of the sensor holder 110. There is also shown the leaf spring 116 but the vehicle axle is not shown in FIG. 12 to be able to clearly illustrate the sensor holder 110. The sensor holder 110 comprises a sensor holding portion 112 and a mounting portion 114 as described with reference to previous drawings. The mounting portion 114 in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 12 comprises a through-hole 601 in a generally planar base 113 that is to be mounted between the leaf spring 116 and the vehicle axle (not shown). The through-hole 601 is configured to receive a pin element 602 through the hole 601. When the pin element 602 is arranged through the through-hole 601, the sensor holder 110 is restricted in moving in the plane of the through-hole 601. The only possible motion for the sensor holder that is allowed by the pin 602 and through-hole 601 configurations would be a rotational motion about the pin element 602. However such rotational motion is prevented by the protruding portions 202 which lies against the side of the leaf spring 116 which acts as a stop for such rotational motions.
[0139] Although the embodiment described in relation to FIGS. 7A to 12 is described in relation to the variant where the mounting portion 114 of the load sensor arrangement 100 is adapted for arrangement between the vehicle axle 106, 106 and a spring of a spring suspension system for the vehicle, it will be understood that the attachment element 118 described may also be used for embodiments where the mounting portion 114 is adapted for other types of non-invasive arrangement to the vehicle axle 106, such as by clamping or strapping.
[0140] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 conceptually illustrate further embodiment of the load sensing arrangement relating to various possible attachment elements.
[0141] In FIG. 13, there is conceptually shown a spring 116, a sensor holder 610, and a load sensor 102. The sensor holder 610 here comprises a mounting portion 614 with functionality as described with reference to the preceding drawings. The sensor holder 610 further comprises a sensor holding portion 612. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the attachment element is provided in the form of a screw 606. The screw 606 is screwed and tightened through a threaded portion 607 (e.g. a nut) of the sensor holding portion 612. The sensor holding portion 612 further comprises a protective bracket 603. When the load sensor 102 is in place in the sensor holding portion 612 and the screw 606 is screwed into the threaded portion 607, the screw 606 applies a pressure on the load sensor 102 through a through-hole of the protective bracket 603. Thus, the screw 606 pushes the load sensor 102 onto the vehicle axle 106. The protective bracket 603 may be made from a plastic material or a metal, or a combination thereof. The protective bracket 603 is arranged to cover the load sensor 102 and to provide protection for the load sensor 102 from physical damage.
[0142] In FIG. 14, there is conceptually shown a spring 116, a sensor holder 710, and a load sensor 102. The sensor holder 710 here comprises a mounting portion 714 with functionality as described with reference to the preceding drawings. The sensor holder 710 further comprises a sensor holding portion 712. In the embodiment in FIG. 9, the attachment element is provided in the form of a resilient element such as a spring 704. The spring 704 is attached to a protective bracket 703 which covers the load sensor 102. Further, the spring 704 is adapted to apply a spring force to the load sensor 102 such that the load sensor 102 is pushed and held in place against the vehicle axle 106. With the resilient element, such as the spring 704, the load sensor 102 is conveniently mounted in the sensor holding portion 712 by pushing the load sensor 102 in under the protective bracket 704 such that the spring 704 is compressed to allow the load sensor 102 to enter the space between the protective bracket 703 and the vehicle axle 106.
[0143] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of method steps according to embodiments of the invention. The method steps are for installing a non-invasive load sensor 102 on a vehicle axle 106. In a first step S802, a sensor holder 110 is arranged to the vehicle axle 106, such that the sensor holder 110 is arranged to hold the load sensor 102 in a position for direct measuring on the vehicle axle 106. In a second step S804, a sensor 102 is attached to the sensor holder 110 by releasable connection to the sensor holder 110.
[0144] In a variant of the method, the steps are for installing a load sensor on a vehicle axle adjacent to a spring suspension of a vehicle. In a first step, S802 a sensor holder is arranged between the vehicle axle and a spring of the spring suspension. As discussed with reference to the preceding drawings, the sensor holder comprises a sensor holding portion and a mounting portion. The mounting portion is held in place between the vehicle axle and the spring by a pressure applied from the spring (by for example U-bolts holding the spring in place against the vehicle axle) when mounted on the vehicle axle. The sensor holder portion is located outside the space between the vehicle axle and the leaf spring where the mounting portion is arranged. Subsequently, a load sensor is attached S804 on the sensor holder portion.
[0145] Alternatively or in addition to the above, a method may be provided wherein in a first step S802, a sensor holder 110 is arranged to the vehicle axle 106, such that the sensor holder 110 is arranged to hold the load sensor 102 in a position for direct measuring on the vehicle axle 106. In a second step S804, a sensor 102 is attached to the sensor holder 110 by automatic connection to the sensor holder 110.
[0146] Even though the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplifying embodiments thereof, many different alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.
