Bent Spring Bracket Strain Gauge Chassis Torsion Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional measuring devices for off-road vehicles are not robust enough and are difficult to retrofit, often leading to unreliable monitoring of chassis torsion due to complex structures and high maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a bracket featuring a bent elastic spring section and strain gauges, allowing for precise and durable distance measurement between reference points, with a simple and robust design that can be easily positioned and maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measuring devices are used for off-road vehicles, then measurement precision can be maintained, but robustness and ease of installation deteriorate due to complex structures
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is segmented into a bracket component and a separate strain gauge component. The bracket is designed with an integrated elastic spring section that provides both structural support and measurement functionality, while the strain gauge can be applied separately to the bracket. This segmentation allows the bracket to be optimized for robustness and the strain gauge for precision measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic spring section acts as an intermediary element between the mounting points on the vehicle frame. It transforms the mechanical stresses and displacements into measurable deformations while protecting the strain gauge from direct exposure to harsh environmental conditions and high mechanical loads.
2Reliability
If conventional measuring devices are used for off-road vehicles, then measurement capability is provided, but maintenance requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed to combine multiple functions: structural mounting support, elastic deformation for measurement, and protection for the strain gauge. By merging these functions into a single component, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining monitoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic spring section of the bracket automatically returns to its original position after deformation, providing self-resetting functionality. This eliminates the need for complex reset mechanisms or frequent manual maintenance, allowing the device to service itself during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If strain gauges are applied directly to the vehicle, then installation is simplified, but positioning precision and measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is pre-designed and pre-positioned with the elastic spring section in a controlled manufacturing environment, ensuring precise geometry and optimal strain distribution. This preliminary action allows the strain gauge to be applied to a pre-prepared surface with known characteristics, improving both installation ease and positioning precision.
4Strength
If heavy measuring devices are used, then durability is improved, but weight and impact on the measured system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic spring section is designed with optimized geometric parameters that provide high structural strength and durability while maintaining low weight. By carefully selecting the cross-sectional dimensions, material properties, and spring geometry, the bracket achieves high durability without adding excessive weight to the vehicle.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides reliable, low-maintenance, and precise measurement of chassis torsion, reducing the risk of damage and extending vehicle downtime, while also being lightweight for applications where weight is a concern.
Implementation Method 1
at least one strain gauge is arranged on the bent spring section
Implementation Method 2
an elastic spring section running between the suspensions, that the spring section is bent in the unloaded state
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A measuring device (1) for measuring a change in distance (ΔD) between a first reference point (7) and a second reference point (8) comprises at least one displacement measuring device (2). The displacement measuring device (2) has a bracket (3) with a first suspension (4) that can be connected to the first reference point (7), with a second suspension (5) that can be connected to the second reference point (8), and with an elastic spring section (12) extending between the suspensions (4, 5). The spring section (12) is bent in the unloaded state. At least one strain gauge (14) is arranged on the bent spring section (12).