Automotive Design
cylinders, valves and actuators, for example, are becoming ever smaller and therefore require more compact, ultra slimline position sensors for measuring displacement and piston position. More robust, pressure-resistant position sensors are now required. Compared with traditional methods of measuring displacement and piston position in hydraulic cylinders and valves (ie, LVDTs and Magnetostrictive sensors), Micro-Epsilon’s EDS series of sensors is much more compact in both its length and diameter. It uses a non- ferrous aluminium outer sleeve as its target, which can be easily integrated into the piston rod. This enables the sensor body to be a solid rod rather than a traditional LVDT style with a hollow sensor body and plunger, making it easier for OEMs to assemble and much more robust and reliable in harsh (on-vehicle) environments. The sensors are manufactured from a pressure-
resistant stainless steel (up to 450bar), can operate to 165°C and withstand extreme vibration and shock levels. The sensor electronics and signal conditioning are integrated in the sensor flange using compact
For such compact sensor geometries, it is necessary
to use external electronics. However, the electronics are also very compact, typically 20 x 30 x 45mm (long) and it is not necessary to match sensor to electronics like many other sensor solutions, that is the sensor and electronics are interchangeable.
Ride height
Measuring ride height is also important in many motorsport applications. Non-contact laser displacement sensors can now be mounted to the wheel of a vehicle, with the laser window pointing down towards the ground or racing track. From here, these high speed sensors are able to accurately measure and monitor the ride height of the vehicle or motorcycle as it travels around the track. Suspension characteristics and engine power mapping can also be adjusted in order to optimise vehicle performance, whilst reducing energy consumption. For measuring the temperature profile of vehicle components, Micro-Epsilon has developed a range of extremely compact thermal imaging cameras. These operate at high speed data capture of up to 120Hz full frame rate, re-transmit either full temperature data or provide alarm limits for pre-set events such as overheating or maximum hot spot. This high speed data capture and re-transmission of full temperature image information allows play back at a later date. The thermoIMAGER TIM160, for example, can be
fixed into position in an automotive production line or R&D test cell lab in order to monitor the temperature profile of target materials or objects. The cameras are even being used for on-vehicle testing and to monitor hotspots on vehicle cooling systems, radiators and electrical terminals. As well as thermal imagers, compact, infrared
Fig. 2. Compared to traditional methods of measuring displacement and piston position in hydraulic cylinders and valves (i.e. LVDT’s and Magnetostrictive sensors), Micro- Epsilon’s EDS series of sensors is much more compact in both its length and diameter.
electronics. Compared with a LVDT with similar measurement range, EDS sensors are typically 50 per cent shorter and narrower in body diameter.
temperature sensors can be mounted to the chassis, tyres, brake discs, engine and power train - almost anywhere on a vehicle where temperature needs to be measured. Sensors even come with integral software that
allows the user to change the emissivity of the infrared temperature sensor to suit different target materials such as steel, carbon or rubber. For vibration and displacement measurements
Fig. 3. Micro-Epsilon’s thermoIMAGER TIM160 can be fixed into position in an automotive production line or R&D test cell lab in order to monitor the temperature profile of target materials or objects. The cameras are even being used for on-vehicle testing and to monitor hotspots on vehicle cooling systems, radiators and electrical terminals.
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