Vehicle Bush Force Detection via Strain Gauge Sensing Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting component forces in vehicle suspension systems, particularly at movable connecting portions involving elastic components like rubber bushes, lack accuracy due to reliance on predicted values and do not account for spring characteristics and hole configurations.
Innovation Solution
A bush component force detection device comprising a cylindrical inner ring, outer ring, and a sensing unit with strain gauges positioned concentrically to detect forces in radial and axial directions, allowing direct measurement of component forces acting on a bush within a vehicle suspension system.
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 the measurement can be performed, but the accuracy of shaft behavior measurement deteriorates because only predicted values can be obtained through calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit is divided into multiple strain gauge measurement sections arranged in specific patterns around the bush. Each section measures forces in different directions (radial and axial), allowing the total force to be calculated by combining these segmented measurements, thereby achieving accurate force detection without complex calculation models.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing unit acts as an intermediary element inserted into the bush structure. It directly experiences and measures the forces acting on the bush through strain gauges, serving as a mediator between the force application point and the measurement system, eliminating the need for complex predictive calculations.
2Measurement precision
If calculation is performed based on sensor measurements from connected components, then shaft behavior can be inferred, but the accuracy deteriorates due to spring characteristics and hole configurations not being considered
Solution Approach 1:
The strain gauges are strategically positioned at specific locations on the sensing unit where they directly experience the forces transmitted through the bush. This local measurement approach captures the actual force distribution considering the bush's spring characteristics and hole configurations, eliminating the need for complex global calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical calculation models with direct mechanical measurement using strain gauges. Instead of calculating forces based on connected component measurements and theoretical models, the strain gauges directly measure the forces acting on the bush, substituting complex mechanical analysis with straightforward mechanical sensing.
3Measurement precision
If a simple sensor mounting approach is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to capture multi-directional forces accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously measures forces in multiple directions (radial and axial) using a single integrated structure with strategically positioned strain gauges. This universal sensing approach captures comprehensive force data without requiring multiple separate sensors, balancing measurement precision with structural simplicity.
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 high-accuracy detection of component forces on vehicle suspension bushes, reducing reliance on predicted values and improving the accuracy of suspension behavior analysis, thereby enhancing riding comfort and driving stability.
Implementation Method 1
strain gauges disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the sensing unit may 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
Implementation Method 2
strain gauges disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the sensing unit
Data Source
AI summary
A bush component force detection device detects a component force acting on a cylindrical bush which is inserted into a hole provided in a frame of a vehicle to pivotally support a rod-like member inside thereof. The device includes: a cylindrical inner ring provided between a bush and a hole and mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the bush; a cylindrical outer ring disposed outwardly of the inner ring with a predetermined space from the inner ring and mounted on an inner circumferential surface of the hole; and a sensing unit that is a cylindrical member disposed in the space between the inner ring and the outer ring substantially concentrically to the rod-like member, the sensing unit having one end connected with the inner ring, the other end connected with the outer ring, and strain gauges disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the sensing unit.