Vehicle Bush Force Detection via Nested Strain Gauges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting component forces in vehicle suspension systems, particularly at movable connecting portions like shafts and rubber bushes, are inaccurate due to reliance on predicted calculations from sensors mounted on adjacent components, leading to increased production costs and altered spring characteristics when trying to accommodate sensors on bearings.
Innovation Solution
A bush component force detection device comprising an outer ring and a sensing unit with strain gauges that surround a cylindrical bush, allowing direct detection of component forces in multiple axes, reducing the need for complex calculations and minimizing the impact on bearing design and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is mounted on a damper or arm member to measure suspension behavior, then measurement capability is provided, but the behavior of shafts (movable connecting portions) cannot be measured accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor mounting structure that acts as an intermediary device between the shaft and the measurement system. This structure includes a sensor mounting portion with through-holes that allows strain gauges to be mounted directly on the shaft, enabling direct measurement of shaft behavior without relying on predictive calculations from other components.
2Ease of operation
If the bearing size is reduced to ensure mounting space for a sensor, then sensor mounting becomes possible, but production cost increases and spring characteristics change
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mounting structure is designed to be nested within the existing bearing structure. The mounting portion includes through-holes that allow strain gauges to be mounted without removing or replacing the entire bearing, thus maintaining the original bearing dimensions and spring characteristics while enabling sensor installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local modification to the bearing by creating through-holes only in specific locations where sensor mounting is required, rather than changing the overall bearing structure. This localized approach allows sensor mounting while preserving the global structural integrity and spring characteristics of the bearing.
3Device complexity
If calculation is performed based on sensor results from adjacent components, then measurement system is simple, but only predicted values are obtained which differ from actual component forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the shaft surface by providing a sensor mounting portion with through-holes in advance, allowing strain gauges to be directly mounted on the shaft before operation. This preliminary preparation enables direct measurement of actual component forces without requiring complex calculations from adjacent components, thus improving measurement accuracy while keeping the system relatively simple.
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
Enables accurate detection of component forces acting on suspension system components, improving the accuracy of riding comfort and driving stability evaluations without altering the spring characteristics or increasing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
strain gauges disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the sensing unit. The strain gauges disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the sensing unit detect a component force acting in a first radial direction, a component force acting in a second radial direction perpendicular to the first radial direction, a component force acting in an axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A bush component force detection device detects a component force acting on a cylindrical bush inserted into a hole provided in a frame of a vehicle to pivotally support a rod-like member inside thereof. The bush component force detection device includes: an outer ring provided between the bush and the hole with predetermined space from the bush and configured to surround an outer circumferential surface of the bush and to be attached on an inner circumferential surface of the hole; and a sensing unit. The sensing unit is a cylindrical member disposed between the bush and the outer ring and configured to surround the bush, and has one end of connected with an outer side of the bush, the other end connected with the outer ring, and strain gauges disposed on an outer circumferential surface thereof.