Apparatus for Isolating a Sensor from Vibration

• US 20090206218A1
• Filed: 02/18/2009
• Published: 08/20/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/18/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Stemco LP (Enpro Industries Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Stemco LP (Enpro Industries Incorporated)
• Inventors: Massey, Michael J.
• Application Number:
  US12/388,403
• Publication Number:
  US 20090206218A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 248/220.210
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 7/02 made essentially in one part B60B7/0006, B60B7/01 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 7/068 to the wheel bolts or wheel nuts
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 7/14 comprising screw-threaded means
• CPC Class Codes: F16F 1/324 characterised by having tongues or arms directed in a generally radial direction, i.e. diaphragm-type springs
• CPC Class Codes: F16F 2230/24 Detecting or preventing malfunction, e.g. fail safe

Abstract

A sensor bracket that isolates a sensor from mechanical vibrations of an associated component extends the operational lifetime, for example, of a wheel-mounted sensor on a vehicle. The bracket includes a multi-legged bracket to decrease the dynamic instability induced by using highly compliant isolating elements on a rotating wheel. Multiple isolating elements provide a reduction in the vibration impinging on a sensor while still maintaining rotational stability of the assembly on the wheel. In some aspects, an intrinsic, fail-safe feature is included in the sensor mounting bracket and isolating element design.

Claims

1. A bracket for isolating a sensor from vibration, comprising:

a sensor mount adapted to receive a sensor;

a plurality of legs extending from said sensor mount; and

an isolating element that engages with a distal end of each leg and adapted to receive an attachment element that secures the respective leg, through said isolating element, to a wheel hub.

2. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said sensor mount comprises a plate having a mounting hole therein that is adapted to receive a mounting element of a sensor.

3. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said sensor mount comprises a plate and a plurality of tabs extending from said plate to at least substantially cover a portion of a sensor when mounted to said plate.

4. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said plurality of legs include holes that receive said isolating elements.

5. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said isolating elements comprise silicone rubber elements.

6. The bracket of claim 5, wherein said isolating elements are substantially cylindrical and comprise a reduced diameter slot that is captured by a matching hole a respective leg.

7. The bracket of claim 5, wherein said isolating elements further comprise a spacer that is inserted into the center thereof.

8. The bracket of claim 5, wherein said isolating elements are adapted to receive an attachment bolt thereby securing said leg to a wheel hub.

9. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said isolating elements comprise an elastomeric material and are molded directly onto said legs.

10. The bracket of claim 9 wherein said isolating elements further comprise a spacer molded into said elastomeric material.

11. A bracket for isolating a sensor from vibration, comprising:

a sensor mount adapted to receive a sensor;

a plurality of legs extending from said sensor mount; and

a dual stud isolator that engages with a distal end of each leg and adapted secure each leg to a vehicle wheel hub.

12. The bracket of claim 11, wherein said dual stud isolator comprises a first threaded stud having an elastomeric element bonded thereto and a second threaded stud bonded to said elastomeric element opposite said first threaded stud.

13. The bracket of claim 12, wherein said studs comprise hex bolts and said elastomeric element is bonded to the hex head of said hex bolts.

14. The bracket of claim 12, further comprising a lanyard assembly coupling said first and second threaded studs.

15. An apparatus for mounting a sensor to a vehicle, comprising:

a mounting plate that receives a sensor;

a securement assembly that secures said mounting plate to a vehicle; and

an isolation element coupled to said securement assembly between said securement assembly and vehicle.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said securement assembly comprises a plurality of legs that extend from said mounting plate.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said mounting plate comprises a plate and a plurality of tabs extending from said plate to at least substantially cover a portion of a sensor when mounted to said plate.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said isolation element comprises a silicone rubber element.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said isolation element is substantially cylindrical and includes a reduced diameter slot that is captured by a matching hole in said securement assembly.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said isolation element comprises an elastomeric material that is molded directly onto said securement assembly.