Load sensor arrangement for a vehicle axle
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.
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 the vehicle axle;
a sensor holder comprising a sensor holding portion and a mounting portion; the
mounting portion configured for arrangement to the vehicle axle; and
an attachment element for releasable connection of the non-invasive load sensor to the sensor holding portion;
wherein:
the non-invasive load sensor comprises a magnetic sensor configured to measure a change in an inductive response from the vehicle axle by applying a magnetic field to the vehicle axle, or an optical sensor;
the sensor holding portion is configured to hold the non-invasive load sensor in a position for direct measuring on the vehicle axle;
the sensor holding portion comprises a protective bracket arranged to at least partly cover the non-invasive load sensor on a side of the non-invasive load sensor facing away from the vehicle axle; and
the attachment element comprises a spring element extending from the protective bracket towards the non-invasive load sensor for applying a force on the non-invasive load sensor for maintaining the non-invasive load sensor in the position.
2. The load sensor arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the sensor holding portion comprises at least one part of the attachment element.
3. The load sensor arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the attachment element is adapted for automatic connection of the non-invasive load sensor to the sensor holding portion.
4. The load sensor arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the mounting portion is adapted for non-invasive arrangement to the vehicle axle.
5. The load sensor arrangement of claim 4 , wherein the mounting portion is adapted for the non-invasive arrangement to the vehicle axle by clamping or strapping.
6. The load sensor arrangement of claim 1 wherein the mounting portion is adapted for the arrangement to the vehicle axle by arrangement between the vehicle axle and a spring of a spring suspension system for the vehicle.
7. The load sensor arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the mounting portion is adapted for the arrangement between springs connected to the vehicle axle.
8. A vehicle comprising an axle and a load sensor arrangement, the load sensor arrangement comprising:
a non-invasive load sensor for measuring a load subjected to the vehicle axle;
a sensor holder comprising a sensor holding portion and a mounting portion; the
mounting portion configured for arrangement to the vehicle axle; and
an attachment element for releasable connection of the load sensor to the sensor holding portion;
wherein:
the non-invasive load sensor comprises a magnetic sensor configured to measure a change in an inductive response from the vehicle axle by applying a magnetic field to the vehicle axle, or an optical sensor;
the sensor holding portion is configured to hold the non-invasive load sensor in a position for direct measuring on the vehicle axle;
the sensor holding portion comprises a protective bracket arranged to at least partly cover the non-invasive load sensor on a side of the non-invasive load sensor facing away from the vehicle axle; and
the attachment element comprises a spring element extending from the protective bracket towards the non-invasive load sensor for applying a force on the non-invasive load sensor for maintaining the non-invasive load sensor in the position.
9. The vehicle of claim 8 , further comprising springs connected to the vehicle axle, wherein the load sensor arrangement is arranged between the springs.
10. The vehicle of claim 9 , wherein the load sensor arrangement is the only load sensor arrangement associated with the vehicle axle.