Wheel speed sensing system and method

US8327697B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Caterpillar Inc. · US

Inventors

• Gerry O. McCann · Dunlap, US
• Jesse C. Anderson · Monticello, US
• Aaron F. Clay · Chillicothe, US
• Keith F. Harvey · Peoria, US
• Keith A. Kabrick · Springfield, US
• Alice L. Kim · Dunlap, US
• Daniel T. Wilhelm · Chillicothe, US
• Daniel Peter Sergison · East Peoria, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 11, 2010
• Grant date: Dec 11, 2012
• Expiry date: Mar 5, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16C2326/02
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An improved speed sensing system is disclosed for a machine, such as a truck, that has an axle with an end and an axis. The machine further includes a sensor non-rotatably coupled to the end of the axle and coaxial with the axis. A wheel hub is rotatably coupled to the axle and a wheel cover is coupled to the wheel hub. The machine further includes a magnet coaxially disposed with the axis and coupled to the wheel cover for rotation about the axis as the wheel rotates. The sensor generates signals based on the rotational speed of the magnet and the wheel. For non-rotating axles that are solid or include solid spindles, a passageway for a communication line between the sensor and electronic control module (ECM) may be easily drilled thereby making the disclosed system easy to add to an existing machine or vehicle.