Ultra-sonic sensor system for monitoring rolling and/or pitching motion of vehicle

TLDR: In this article, an ultra-sonic senor system suitable for monitoring movement of a vehicle relative to the horizontal employs two or more coordinated USS sensors, mounted at opposite ends or on opposite sides of the vehicle, depending on whether pitch or roll respectively is to be monitored.

Abstract: An ultra-sonic senor system suitable for monitoring movement of a vehicle, relative to the horizontal employs two or more coordinated ultra-sonic sensors. The sensors may be mounted at opposite ends or on opposite sides of the vehicle, depending on whether pitch or roll respectively is to be monitored. Each sensor broadcasts ultra-sonic waves and receives ultra-sonic waves reflected by the road surface. The transmission time is known; the reception time is measured upon detection of the peak of the reflected waves. The difference between the two above times yields the distance between the vehicle and the road. The difference between the distances measured by two sensor yields the inclination of the vehicle relative to the horizontal plane.