Apparatus for Isolating a Sensor from Vibration

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.

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.