TE CONNECTIVITY SENSORS /// SENSORS FOR VEHICLE HYDRAULIC STEERING 07/2017
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SENSORS FOR VEHICLE
HYDRAULIC STEERING
LVDT SENSORS KEEP OFF-ROAD VEHICLES ON TRACK
Massive mining truck tires may stand as tall as a two-and-
a-half story house, and must support more than 1 million
pounds. Moving at top speeds in the 40 mp h range, mining
trucks win few races, but vastly outperform the handling
capabilities of many vehicles on the road today. This
precise handling is due to ergonomics that enable b etter
control of the truck's force and movement range required
by the driver, flexibility of where controls are located, and
use of hydraulics for steering reliability and accuracy.
Hydraulic Steering in Harsh Environments
Hydraulic technology provides precision con trol and
smooth steering of mining trucks, allowing them to be
operated in space-restricted environments where just
inches mean the difference between a successful haul, or
one resulting in catastrophic results for both the operator
and truck. This is where TE Connectivity's (TE) Linear
Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) sensors play a
significant role in sensing.
“There are many components to hydraulic steering
systems including the steering pump, accumulators, oil
cooler, relief valve and hand metering unit,” states Dirk
Enderlein, TE product manager for position sensors. “TE’s
LVDT sensor plays an important role in thes e systems as
it monitors the position of a directional control valve,
allowing fluid to flow into different paths to turn the wheels.
Incorrect operation of this valve can significantly affect
steering accuracy.”
As the driver steers the truck, the LVDT sensor and the
valve to which it is attached experience a sudden rush of
hydraulic fluid toward the wheel that is being turned. The
sensor consists of an electronic case with a hollow tube
inside which the core moves. A solid metal rod is attached
to the core with the other end attached to the valve
mechanism. As the valve changes position, the metal rod
moves in or out resulting in an electrical sign al that is
linear to the displacement, which in turn corresponds to
the movements that the truck operator is making to steer
the vehicle.
LVDT technology will accurat ely monitor the position of the
valve to the thickness of one’s fingernail reg ardless of road
vibration, shocks from potholes, electromagnetic
interference (EMI), temperature extremes, high flui d
pressures, or voltage fluctuations in the electrical system.
Most importantly, the LVDT offers long-term r eliability in
hostile applications as its lo w friction o peration translates
into higher repeatability and resolution.
LVDT’s are just one of many sensor t ypes that T E offers
for commercial and off-road vehicles. More common
applications include hydraulic pressures, fuel and oil
levels, humidity control, seat occupancy, temperature, fluid
property, DEF quality, cabin controls a nd braking. LVDTs
are custom made and can have hous ings of different
shapes to fit the application. Scroll down to browse
through our LVDT sensors or to learn about TE's sensor
solutions for industrial and co mmercial transportation
applications.
SENSORS FOR VEHICLE HYDRAULIC STEERING
LVDT SENSORS
SENSOR SOLUTIONS /// SENSORS FOR VEHICLE HYDRAULIC STEERING 07/2017
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TE Connectivity (TE)
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The information given he rein, including drawings, illustra tions and schemat ics which are intended for illustratio n purposes only, is be lieved to be reliable. However, T E Connectivity makes no
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and Conditions of Sale for this product and in no case will TE Connectivity be liable for any incidental, indirect or consequential damages arising out of the sale, resale, use or misuse of the
product. Users of TE Connectivity products should make their own evaluation to determine the suitability of each such product for the specific applica tion.
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Mining trucks and other heavy duty vehicles use several different types of sensors to monitor and measure
various aspects of vehicle functionality. TE offers a broad range of sensors for these different functions.