Powertrain suspension load measurement device and method

Abstract

The application provides a power assembly suspension load measuring device and method, which comprises a hoisting mechanism, a weighter, an auxiliary hoisting device, a plumb line and hoisting equipment. The hoisting mechanism comprises a base, a vertical rod, a crossbeam and a lifting hook. One end of the vertical rod is connected to the base, and the other end is connected to one end of the crossbeam. The other end of the crossbeam is connected to the lifting hook, and the lifting hook is used for hoisting the power assembly to be measured. The weighter is arranged between the lifting hook and the crossbeam and is used for measuring the power assembly suspension load. The auxiliary hoisting device is arranged below the crossbeam and is connected to the power assembly to be measured without stress, and is used for providing a pulling force when the power assembly to be measured falls. The plumb line is wound on the front cabin cover or the crossbeam at one end and is used for marking the position of the power assembly to be measured. The hoisting equipment is used for lifting the power assembly to be measured. The application can simply and efficiently measure the power assembly suspension load, has high safety and accurate test results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive powertrain mounting system testing technology, and in particular to a powertrain mounting load measuring device and method. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of a vehicle, the powertrain not only provides power but also introduces vibration and noise issues. The suspension system, connecting the powertrain and the body, not only bears the load but also plays a role in noise reduction and vibration isolation. Due to the various differences between powertrains, such as weight, structure, and resonant frequency, engineers need to design different suspension systems to accommodate varying weights of different powertrains. However, this leads to substantial development costs and variant management issues. Therefore, it is desirable for identical suspension components to be compatible and usable across different powertrains. The key issue is whether the load-bearing capacity of the suspension can meet the weight requirements of different powertrains. Accurate suspension load data is crucial for the entire development process from the initial design and development stages of the powertrain suspension system.

[0003] Current powertrain mount load data primarily employs a simplified 6-DOF modular model of the powertrain mount system. Given the powertrain's center of mass and inertial parameters, this model allows for a preliminary calculation of the forces acting on each mount point. However, due to the powertrain's massive mass and numerous complex components, the center of mass and inertial parameters are difficult to measure accurately. A more accurate method involves measurement using a third-party powertrain center of mass and inertial parameter testing rig. However, this is expensive, requires transporting the powertrain to the third party (posing transportation difficulties), and carries the risk of technology leakage. While a 3D model can also provide less accurate data for the center of mass and inertial parameters, this method requires assigning material properties and detailed shape data to all components of the powertrain. These data are often difficult to accurately assign, and the numerous components in a powertrain frequently lead to the omission of many, resulting in inaccurate calculations. Furthermore, the simplified 6-DOF model itself is a simplified description of the powertrain mount system; many parameters in the model are only approximate values. Therefore, the mount load data calculated by the model can only be used for very preliminary estimations. The original data required extensive real-vehicle verification in the later stages, resulting in a significant consumption of manpower and resources.

[0004] Chinese invention CN109141719B discloses a device and method for measuring the preload of an automotive powertrain mounting system. The device includes a support crossbar and support vertical bars respectively disposed at both ends of the support crossbar, a lateral movement mechanism, a longitudinal movement mechanism disposed on the support vertical bars, a preload measuring mechanism, and a body clamping mechanism. The preload measuring mechanism is slidably mounted on the support crossbar via the lateral movement mechanism, allowing its position to be adjusted in all directions, making it flexible for preload measurement. However, during the installation and removal of the powertrain mounting system, it is prone to falling, and the device cannot provide fall protection for the powertrain during measurement. Furthermore, it requires numerous auxiliary tools and involves cumbersome testing procedures. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a powertrain mounting load measuring device and method to solve the above-mentioned problems. It can measure the powertrain mounting load simply and efficiently, with high safety and accurate test results.

[0006] This invention proposes a powertrain mounting load measuring device, comprising:

[0007] The hoisting mechanism includes a base, a vertical pole, a horizontal beam, and a hook. One end of the vertical pole is connected to the base, and the other end is connected to one end of the horizontal beam. The other end of the horizontal beam is connected to the hook. The hook is used to hoist the powertrain to be tested.

[0008] A weighing device is installed between the hook and the crossbeam to measure the powertrain suspension load;

[0009] An auxiliary hoisting device is installed under the crossbeam and is connected to the powertrain under test for stress-free hoisting, and is used to provide tension when the powertrain under test falls.

[0010] A plumb bob, with one end wrapped around the front hood or the crossbeam, is used to mark the position of the powertrain to be tested.

[0011] Lifting equipment used to lift the powertrain under test.

[0012] In one embodiment,

[0013] The weighing device is a hanging scale with a maximum capacity of 5kN;

[0014] The lifting equipment is a jack.

[0015] In one embodiment, the side of the upright is fixedly connected to the base by a triangular reinforcing angle.

[0016] In one embodiment, the auxiliary hoisting device includes a bracket, a collar, a connecting rod, a hook, and a nut;

[0017] The support includes a horizontal bar and two vertical bars that are respectively connected to the two ends of the horizontal bar, and the horizontal bar and the vertical bars form an inverted U-shaped support.

[0018] The collar is fitted onto the crossbar;

[0019] The connecting rod passes through the collar and the crossbar and is placed vertically, and the outer wall of the connecting rod is provided with external threads;

[0020] The hook is located at the bottom end of the connecting rod;

[0021] The nut is fitted onto the connecting rod and is located at the upper end of the crossbar.

[0022] In one embodiment, there are two of each of the collar, the connecting rod, the hook, and the nut, and the nut is a wing nut.

[0023] In one embodiment, two diagonal rods are symmetrically arranged at the lower end of the vertical rod. One end of each diagonal rod is connected to the vertical rod, and the other end is fixedly provided with a fixing plate perpendicular to the vertical rod. The fixing plate includes several through holes, and bolts are connected to the through holes respectively.

[0024] In one embodiment, the powertrain suspension load measuring device further includes a feeler gauge for measuring the size of gaps between vehicle components.

[0025] The present invention also proposes a method for measuring powertrain mount load, which is applied to the powertrain mount load measuring device described above, and includes the following steps:

[0026] Step S1: Fix the vehicle body and load the powertrain to be tested without stress.

[0027] Step S2: Use the tip of a plumb bob to locate the initial position of the powertrain to be tested, and then mark it with a pen;

[0028] Step S3: Remove the swing support;

[0029] Step S4: Use lifting equipment to lift the power assembly to be tested;

[0030] Step S5: Remove the suspension device to be tested;

[0031] Step S6: Select a cantilever of the same model as the suspension to be tested, connect it to the powertrain to be tested, and then connect it to the hoisting mechanism. The cantilever is located at the original elastic center of the suspension to be tested.

[0032] Step S7: Use lifting equipment to slowly lower and unload the powertrain under test until the powertrain under test reaches the marked initial position;

[0033] Step S8: Read the weighing instrument value when the powertrain under test reaches the marked initial position.

[0034] In one embodiment, step S8 specifically includes:

[0035] For the same vehicle with the same configuration, use lifting equipment to repeatedly lift and lower the powertrain under test, and take the average value of the weighing instrument readings when the powertrain under test reaches the marked initial position three times. This average value is the suspension load value of the powertrain under test.

[0036] For different vehicles with the same configuration, repeat steps S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, and S7 in sequence. Read the weighing instrument values ​​when the powertrain under test reaches the marked initial position three times for different vehicles, and take the average value, which is the suspension load value of the powertrain under test.

[0037] In one embodiment, the powertrain suspension load measurement method further includes step S9, checking the size of the gap between vehicle components.

[0038] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the powertrain suspension load measuring device and method of the present invention are as follows:

[0039] 1) The device of this invention is simple, the equipment is easy to purchase and manufacture, the operation is convenient and quick, and the safety is high. The testing method is efficient and convenient, the measurement results are accurate, and the obtained suspension load data has very small error. It can be directly used as the design load and verification load of the suspension point. Accurate suspension load data also helps engineers better understand the performance of the suspension system, thereby optimizing the design and improving the handling and comfort of the whole vehicle.

[0040] 2) This invention has low testing costs, eliminating the need for expensive third-party test benches to measure the center of mass and inertial parameters, complex 3D digital models and 6-DOF modeling, and operators with strong theoretical knowledge. It avoids the huge expenditure costs associated with measuring the center of mass and inertial parameters of the powertrain, prevents technology leakage, avoids the huge 3D digital modeling work of the powertrain, avoids the programming work of modeling and calculating the 6-DOF system model, avoids errors caused by simplification in model calculation, eliminates the dependence on the accuracy of the center of mass and inertial parameters of the powertrain in traditional methods, saves a lot of manpower and material resources, and reduces the technical difficulty and cost of testing.

[0041] 3) This invention has strong applicability and can be used by vehicle manufacturers to measure powertrain mounting loads on their own, and can be applied to different types of powertrains. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the powertrain suspension load measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure Labels

[0044] 1. Lifting mechanism, 2. Support frame, 3. Collar, 4. Nut, 5. Weighing device, 6. Cantilever, 7. Lifting equipment, 8. Plumb bob, 9. Feeler gauge. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the specific embodiments described herein are for the purpose of aiding understanding the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0046] This invention proposes a powertrain suspension load measuring device, including a hoisting mechanism 1, a weighing device 5, an auxiliary hoisting device, a plumb bob 8, and a lifting device 7. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 The lifting mechanism 1 is a small hydraulic lifting device, including a base, upright, crossbeam, and hook. One end of the upright is connected to the base, and the other end is connected to one end of the crossbeam. The other end of the crossbeam is connected to the hook, which is used to lift the powertrain under test. The position and height of the lifting mechanism 1 are adjustable. Since the powertrain under test cannot be directly suspended on the hook, it also needs to be connected through the suspended cantilever 6. The weighing device 5 is set between the hook and the crossbeam to measure the suspension load of the powertrain. The auxiliary lifting device is set under the crossbeam and is connected to the powertrain under test for stress-free lifting, providing tension when the powertrain under test falls. One end of the plumb bob 8 is wrapped around the front hood or crossbeam to mark the position of the powertrain under test. Of course, the plumb bob 8 can be replaced with other calibration devices, such as a ruler, but the plumb bob is easier to operate and has better accuracy. The lifting equipment 7 is used to lift the powertrain under test.

[0047] The following is a detailed description of each component in the powertrain suspension load measuring device described above.

[0048] One embodiment of the weighing device of the present invention is a hanging scale with a maximum capacity of 5kN;

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lifting device 7 is a jack.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the side of the upright and the base are fixedly connected by a triangular reinforcing angle to increase the stability and load-bearing capacity of the upright and ensure the normal operation and safety of the hoisting mechanism.

[0051] An auxiliary hoisting device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a bracket 2, a collar 3, a connecting rod, a hook, and a nut 4. The bracket 2 includes a horizontal bar and two vertical bars respectively connecting the two ends of the horizontal bar, forming an inverted U-shaped bracket. The collar 3 is fitted onto the horizontal bar. The connecting rod passes through the collar and the horizontal bar and is placed vertically; the outer wall of the connecting rod is provided with external threads. The hook is located at the bottom end of the connecting rod. The nut 4 is fitted onto the connecting rod and located at the upper end of the horizontal bar.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, there are two of each of the collar 3, connecting rod, hook and nut 4, and these two sets of components are respectively set at different positions on the crossbar.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nut 4 is a wing nut.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, two diagonal bars are symmetrically arranged at the lower end of the vertical bar. One end of the diagonal bar is connected to the vertical bar, and the other end is fixedly provided with a fixing plate perpendicular to the vertical bar. The fixing plate includes several through holes, and bolts are connected to the through holes respectively.

[0055] The powertrain suspension load measuring device of one embodiment of the present invention further includes a feeler gauge 9, which is used to measure the size of the gap between vehicle components.

[0056] The present invention also proposes a method for measuring powertrain mount load, which is applied to the powertrain mount load measuring device described above, and includes the following steps:

[0057] Step S1: Secure the vehicle body and hoist the powertrain under test without stress to prevent it from falling.

[0058] Specifically, the vehicle personnel park the vehicle on a level surface, turn off the engine, engage the handbrake or activate the electronic brake, and then exit the vehicle. Open the front engine compartment where the powertrain is located and use the front engine compartment support rod to support the hood. Place the auxiliary lifting device bracket 2 across the longitudinal beams of the vehicle body at both ends where the engine support and gear cable support are installed, ensuring stable placement, and secure it in the appropriate location using bolts on the bracket 2 fixing plate. The crossbar of bracket 2 has a short span, low deflection under stress, and minimal deformation, ensuring timely and safe lifting of the powertrain. In this invention, the crossbar is only a fall protection device, not a daily load-bearing component; it is merely an auxiliary component used for powertrain fall protection. Furthermore, the short span, low deflection, and minimal deformation of the crossbar of bracket 2 reduce the requirements on the crossbar itself, resulting in low cost. Then, hang the hook of the auxiliary lifting device on the lifting lug of the powertrain housing to be tested, and then use nuts 4 to fix the connecting rod in position. It is important to note that the hook on the connecting rod and the powertrain lifting lug should be in a relatively relaxed state to avoid tensile stress. However, the hook and lug should not be too loose; a certain degree of slack must be maintained, neither too tight nor too loose, to ensure the proper connection between the hook and lug. This is crucial to ensure that the powertrain's displacement can be effectively limited in critical moments (such as when the powertrain falls). Step S1 is designed for fall protection because the powertrain is large and heavy, making it prone to accidental falls during installation and removal. In severe cases, this can cause damage to the powertrain itself, other vehicle components, equipment, and even personnel. Therefore, fall protection for the powertrain is particularly important during testing. This invention uses an auxiliary lifting device for fall protection, avoiding the risk of the powertrain falling during lifting.

[0059] Step S2: Use the tip of a plumb bob to locate the initial position of the powertrain under test, and then mark it with a pen.

[0060] Specifically, a plumb bob is used as a calibration device. The plumb bob is attached to the front hood with a thin rope, ensuring that, under normal conditions without external force or interference, its lowest point vertically contacts a point on the horizontal surface of the powertrain housing or other components. This point is marked with a red marker. Then, keeping the plumb bob's suspension position and the rope length unchanged, the point where the plumb bob tip contacts the red marker serves as proof that the powertrain is in its original mounting position and as a constraint in the Z-direction of the powertrain in its natural mounting state. This step ensures that the powertrain remains in its original mounting position throughout the measurement process, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the suspension load data test.

[0061] Step S3: Remove the swing support to prevent stress in the swing support from causing inaccurate measurements.

[0062] Step S4: Use lifting equipment to lift the power assembly to be tested.

[0063] Specifically, use a jack to slightly lift the powertrain from the bottom to relieve the prestress of the suspension.

[0064] Step S5: Remove the suspension device to be tested.

[0065] Specifically, using sockets and torque wrenches, remove the mounting bracket on the side where the load needs to be measured, while keeping the other mounting bracket stationary. If removing the engine mount, ensure the transmission mount remains in its original installation position.

[0066] Step S6: Select a cantilever 6 of the same model as the suspension to be tested, connect it to the powertrain to be tested, and then connect it to the hoisting mechanism.

[0067] Specifically, place the lifting mechanism 1 above the desired suspension point, select a cantilever 6 of the same model as the suspension to be tested, connect the cantilever 6 to the power assembly to be tested, and then connect the hook of the lifting mechanism 1 to the lifting lug on the cantilever 6. Adjust the position and height of the lifting mechanism 1 to ensure that the scale is subjected to vertical force. It is important to note that the cantilever must be located at the original elastic center of the suspension to be tested to ensure that the measured data is consistent with the data originally applied at the elastic center point of the suspension rubber.

[0068] Step S7: Use lifting equipment to slowly lower and unload the powertrain under test until the powertrain under test reaches the marked initial position.

[0069] Specifically, the jack is slowly unloaded, and the power assembly slowly descends in the Z direction. When the tip of the plumb bob just touches the red paint pen mark, the crane scale is at the suspension point and is in the state of suspending the power assembly.

[0070] Step S8: Read the weighing instrument value when the powertrain under test reaches the marked initial position:

[0071] Specifically, for the same vehicle with the same configuration, the powertrain under test is repeatedly lifted and lowered using a lifting device. The average value of the crane scale readings when the powertrain under test reaches the marked initial position is taken as the suspension load value of the powertrain under test. For different vehicles with the same configuration, steps S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, and S7 are repeated in sequence. The average value of the crane scale readings when the powertrain under test reaches the marked initial position is taken as the suspension load value of the powertrain under test.

[0072] Step S9: Check the size of the gaps between vehicle parts.

[0073] Specifically, if the load-bearing capacity of the suspension is preliminarily determined to be within limits based on the crane scale reading, it is still necessary to use a feeler gauge to measure the gap size at certain key points in order to determine whether the initially selected suspension is reasonable.

[0074] The aforementioned powertrain mount load measuring device and method have been successfully applied to the design and development of vehicle powertrain mounts, playing a significant role in the matching of new models.

[0075] It should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "top", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. Such expressions are only for the purpose of making the description of the present invention simpler and more convenient, and do not indicate or imply that the component referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0076] In addition, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as “connection” and “setup” should be interpreted broadly in this application. For example, “connection” can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can also be a connection between the internal components of two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0077] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0078] 1) The device of this invention is simple, the equipment is easy to purchase and manufacture, the operation is convenient and quick, and the safety is high. The testing method is efficient and convenient, the measurement results are accurate, and the obtained suspension load data has very small error. It can be directly used as the design load and verification load of the suspension point. Accurate suspension load data also helps engineers better understand the performance of the suspension system, thereby optimizing the design and improving the handling and comfort of the whole vehicle.

[0079] 2) This invention has low testing costs, eliminating the need for expensive third-party test benches to measure the center of mass and inertial parameters, complex 3D digital models and 6-DOF modeling, and operators with strong theoretical knowledge. It avoids the huge expenditure costs associated with measuring the center of mass and inertial parameters of the powertrain, prevents technology leakage, avoids the huge 3D digital modeling work of the powertrain, avoids the programming work of modeling and calculating the 6-DOF system model, avoids errors caused by simplification in model calculation, eliminates the dependence on the accuracy of the center of mass and inertial parameters of the powertrain in traditional methods, saves a lot of manpower and material resources, and reduces the technical difficulty and cost of testing.

[0080] 3) This invention has strong applicability and can be used by vehicle manufacturers to measure powertrain mounting loads on their own, and can be applied to different types of powertrains.

[0081] The embodiments described above are merely further illustrations of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention in any other way. The present invention may have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding modifications and changes based on the present invention, but all such modifications and changes should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A powertrain suspension load measuring device, characterized in that, include: The hoisting mechanism includes a base, a vertical pole, a horizontal beam, and a hook. One end of the vertical pole is connected to the base, and the other end is connected to one end of the horizontal beam. The other end of the horizontal beam is connected to the hook. The hook is used to hoist the powertrain to be tested. A weighing device is installed between the hook and the crossbeam to measure the powertrain suspension load; An auxiliary hoisting device is installed under the crossbeam and is connected to the powertrain under test for stress-free hoisting, and is used to provide tension when the powertrain under test falls. A plumb bob, with one end wrapped around the front hood or the crossbeam, is used to mark the position of the powertrain to be tested. Lifting equipment, used to lift the powertrain under test; The auxiliary hoisting device includes a bracket, a collar, a connecting rod, a hook, and a nut; The bracket includes a horizontal bar and two vertical bars that are respectively connected to both ends of the horizontal bar. The horizontal bar and the vertical bars form an inverted U-shaped bracket. Two diagonal bars are symmetrically arranged at the lower ends of the vertical bars. One end of each diagonal bar is connected to the vertical bar, and the other end is fixedly provided with a fixing plate perpendicular to the vertical bar. The fixing plate includes several through holes, and bolts are connected to the through holes respectively. The bracket is placed across the longitudinal beam of the vehicle body and fixed to the longitudinal beam of the vehicle body by the bolts on the fixing plate. The collar is fitted onto the crossbar; The connecting rod passes through the collar and the crossbar and is placed vertically, and the outer wall of the connecting rod is provided with external threads; The hook is located at the bottom end of the connecting rod; The nut is fitted onto the connecting rod and is located at the upper end of the crossbar.

2. The powertrain suspension load measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weighing device is a hanging scale with a maximum capacity of 5 kN; The lifting equipment is a jack.

3. The powertrain mounting load measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the upright is fixedly connected to the base by a triangular reinforcing angle.

4. The powertrain mounting load measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two of each of the collar, the connecting rod, the hook, and the nut, and the nut is a wing nut.

5. The powertrain mounting load measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a feeler gauge, which is used to measure the size of gaps between vehicle components.

6. A method for measuring powertrain mount load, characterized in that, The method, applied to the powertrain mounting load measuring device as described in any one of claims 1-5, includes the following steps: Step S1: Fix the vehicle body and load the powertrain to be tested without stress. Step S2: Use the tip of a plumb bob to locate the initial position of the powertrain to be tested, and then mark it with a pen; Step S3: Remove the swing support; Step S4: Use lifting equipment to lift the power assembly to be tested; Step S5: Remove the suspension device to be tested; Step S6: Select a cantilever of the same model as the suspension to be tested, connect it to the powertrain to be tested, and then connect it to the hoisting mechanism. The cantilever is located at the original elastic center of the suspension to be tested. Step S7: Use lifting equipment to slowly lower and unload the powertrain under test until the powertrain under test reaches the marked initial position; Step S8: Read the weighing instrument value when the powertrain under test reaches the marked initial position.

7. The powertrain mounting load measurement method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Step S8 specifically includes: For the same vehicle with the same configuration, use lifting equipment to repeatedly lift and lower the powertrain under test, and take the average value of the weighing instrument readings when the powertrain under test reaches the marked initial position three times. This average value is the suspension load value of the powertrain under test. For different vehicles with the same configuration, repeat steps S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, and S7 in sequence. Read the weighing instrument values ​​when the powertrain under test reaches the marked initial position three times for different vehicles, and take the average value, which is the suspension load value of the powertrain under test.

8. The powertrain mounting load measurement method according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes step S9, checking the size of the gaps between vehicle parts.

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