Vehicle overload sensor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A weight overload alarm comprising, in combination:
- a vehicle for supporting a load thereon, the vehicle having a plurality of tab members coupled to an underside thereof and depending therefrom;
an axle for allowing the coupling of wheels thereto;
a plurality of shock absorbers having a first linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to one of the tab members and a second linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the axle wherein a second end of the second linear portion is slidably situated within a second end of the first linear portion for precluding movement of the axle from being transferred to the vehicle;
a linear potentiometer having a first linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to one of the tab members and a second linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the axle wherein a second end of the first linear portion is slidably situated within a second end of the second linear portion for changing a resistance thereof as a function of a weight situated on the vehicle, whereby each linear potentiometer is positioned adjacent to and in parallel with an adjacent shock absorber;
a limit switch situated within the second linear portion of the linear potentiometer for closing upon the first linear portion extending within the second linear portion a predetermined distance, the limit switch adapted to transmit a voltage greater than a predetermined amount upon the closing thereof;
a second potentiometer;
an operational amplifier having a positive terminal input connected to the linear potentiometer and a negative terminal input connected to the second potentiometer, the operational amplifier adapted to transmit at an output thereof a voltage that increases upon the increasing of weight on the vehicle;
a light situated within a cab of the vehicle adjacent the driver and in communication with the output of the operational amplifier and the limit switch for emitting light upon the receipt of a voltage that surpasses the predetermined amount;
a one-shot multivibrator in communication with the output of the operational amplifier and the limit switch for emitting an activation signal for a predetermined amount of time upon the receipt of a voltage that surpasses the predetermined amount;
an audio alarm situated within a cab of the vehicle adjacent the driver and connected to the multivibrator for emitting an audible alarm only during the receipt of the activation signal; and
a double pole single throw switch having a first terminal connected to the light and the multivibrator, a second terminal connected to the limit switch and a third terminal connected to the output of the operational amplifier, the double pole single throw switch adapted for selecting the source of the activation signal.
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Abstract
A weight overload alarm is provided including a plurality of shock absorbers with at least one having a limit switch. The limit switch is adapted to transmit an actuation signal upon the detection of an excessive weight on the vehicle. A light and an audible alarm are included for actuating upon the receipt of the actuation signal.
43 Citations
4 Claims
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1. A weight overload alarm comprising, in combination:
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a vehicle for supporting a load thereon, the vehicle having a plurality of tab members coupled to an underside thereof and depending therefrom; an axle for allowing the coupling of wheels thereto; a plurality of shock absorbers having a first linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to one of the tab members and a second linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the axle wherein a second end of the second linear portion is slidably situated within a second end of the first linear portion for precluding movement of the axle from being transferred to the vehicle; a linear potentiometer having a first linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to one of the tab members and a second linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the axle wherein a second end of the first linear portion is slidably situated within a second end of the second linear portion for changing a resistance thereof as a function of a weight situated on the vehicle, whereby each linear potentiometer is positioned adjacent to and in parallel with an adjacent shock absorber; a limit switch situated within the second linear portion of the linear potentiometer for closing upon the first linear portion extending within the second linear portion a predetermined distance, the limit switch adapted to transmit a voltage greater than a predetermined amount upon the closing thereof; a second potentiometer; an operational amplifier having a positive terminal input connected to the linear potentiometer and a negative terminal input connected to the second potentiometer, the operational amplifier adapted to transmit at an output thereof a voltage that increases upon the increasing of weight on the vehicle; a light situated within a cab of the vehicle adjacent the driver and in communication with the output of the operational amplifier and the limit switch for emitting light upon the receipt of a voltage that surpasses the predetermined amount; a one-shot multivibrator in communication with the output of the operational amplifier and the limit switch for emitting an activation signal for a predetermined amount of time upon the receipt of a voltage that surpasses the predetermined amount; an audio alarm situated within a cab of the vehicle adjacent the driver and connected to the multivibrator for emitting an audible alarm only during the receipt of the activation signal; and a double pole single throw switch having a first terminal connected to the light and the multivibrator, a second terminal connected to the limit switch and a third terminal connected to the output of the operational amplifier, the double pole single throw switch adapted for selecting the source of the activation signal.
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2. A weight overload alarm comprising:
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a vehicle for supporting a load thereon, the vehicle having a plurality of tab members coupled to an underside thereof and depending therefrom; an axle for allowing the coupling of wheels thereto; a plurality of shock absorbers having a first linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to one of the tab members and a second linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the axle wherein a second end of the second linear portion is slidably situated within a second end of the first linear portion for precluding movement of the axle from being transferred to the vehicle; a linear housing having a first linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to one of the tab members and a second linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the axle wherein a second end of the first linear portion is slidably situated within a second end of the second linear portion, whereby each linear housing is positioned adjacent to and in parallel with an adjacent shock absorber; a limit switch situated within the second linear portion of the linear housing for closing upon the first linear portion extending within the second linear portion a predetermined distance, the limit switch adapted to transmit an actuation signal upon the closing thereof; a light situated within a cab of the vehicle adjacent the driver and in communication with the limit switch for emitting light upon the receipt of the actuation signal. - View Dependent Claims (3)
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4. A weight overload alarm comprising:
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an axle with a recess formed therein for supporting a spring that absorbs shock experienced by a vehicle; a load gauge situated below the spring for transmitting a signal which is representative of a weight supported by the spring which is in turn indicative of the load; a meter included for visually displaying a weight associated with the signal; and alarm means for alerting a user upon the weight surpassing a predetermined amount.
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Specification