Wheel end condition detection system

• US 20050011694A1
• Filed: 07/17/2003
• Published: 01/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/17/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology LLC (Meritor, Inc. (Nevada))
• Original Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology LLC (Meritor, Inc. (Nevada))
• Inventors: Smith, Charles, Oakwood, Paula, Rosenthal, Robert, Sanko, Thomas
• Granted Patent: US 7,228,932 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/282
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 28/10 responsive to conditions relating to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 17/22 Devices for monitoring or checking brake systems; Signal devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/885 using electrical circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2050/143 Alarm means

Abstract

This invention provides a vehicle axle assembly including a wheel end supported on an axle by bearings. A system uses ABS to detect lateral movement of the wheel end relative to the axle using a sensor and tone ring. A fault code is generated dung excessive lateral movement of the wheel end relative to the axle. A wheel end condition detection system activates a warning device in the vehicle cab communicating the severity of the condition to the vehicle operator. Additionally, the system may also communicate with a vehicle control system to limit speed of the vehicle by regulating the vehicle'"'"'s engine to ensure that the vehicle is not operated at an unsafe speed until the wheel end condition is corrected.

Claims

1. A method of detecting a wheel end condition comprising the steps of:

a) providing a wheel end;

b) detecting lateral movement of the wheel end; and

c) limiting vehicle speed in response to the lateral movement reaching a predetermined value.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined value triggers an ABS fault code.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein a wheel end condition warning device is activated in response to the lateral movement reaching the predetermined value.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle speed is approximately five miles per hour or less.

5. A wheel end condition detection system comprising:

a wheel end assembly;

a controller detecting lateral movement of said wheel end assembly and generating a fault code in response to said lateral movement reaching a predetermined value;

a warning device activated in response to said fault code; and

a vehicle component other than said warning device controlled in response to said fault code for maintaining safe operation of the vehicle.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein an ABS sensor is connected to said controller for sensing said lateral movement.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein said warning device includes an ABS warning light.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein said vehicle component is a wheel end condition warning device.

9. The system according to claim 5, wherein said vehicle component comprises an engine.

10. The system according to claim 5, wherein said wheel end assembly includes a unitized bearing.