Bushing Rotation Sensing for Universal Suspension Height Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suspension height measurement apparatuses lack universality and require complex adaptation for different vehicle types, complicating their implementation and increasing manufacturing and assembly difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus that determines suspension height based on relative rotation information between the inner and outer rings of a bushing, using magnetic field direction sensing units and processing units, allowing for universal application across various vehicle types without specific design adaptations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suspension height measurement apparatuses are used for different vehicle types, then measurement function is provided, but complex adaptation work is needed and universality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement apparatus is designed to be universally applicable across different vehicle types by utilizing the existing bushing structure that is already present in various suspension systems. The apparatus uses the inner ring and outer ring of the bushing, which are common components in different vehicle suspensions, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring vehicle-specific design adaptations.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement apparatus leverages the existing bushing components (inner ring and outer ring) that are already part of the suspension system. These components serve dual purposes: their original mechanical function and the new measurement function. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate measurement devices for each vehicle type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional measurement apparatuses are adapted for different vehicle types, then measurement coverage is improved, but manufacturing and assembly difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement apparatus uses the existing bushing components that are already manufactured and assembled into the suspension system. By utilizing these pre-existing components for measurement purposes, the apparatus avoids additional manufacturing and assembly steps, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while expanding measurement coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to work with the standard bushing structure found in various vehicle types, requiring no custom manufacturing or special assembly procedures. This universal design approach enables broad measurement coverage without increasing manufacturing or assembly complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If relative rotation information between bushing rings is used, then universality is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with magnetic field-based sensing. By using magnetic field direction sensing units to detect the relative rotation between the inner and outer rings, the system achieves precise measurement while maintaining universality across different vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary to measure the relative rotation between the bushing rings. The magnetic field direction sensing units detect changes in magnetic field direction caused by relative rotation, providing a non-contact and precise measurement method that works universally across different vehicle suspensions.
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 suspension height measurement with reduced manufacturing and assembly complexity, facilitating modularization and platformization by eliminating the need for vehicle-specific designs.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field direction sensing unit disposed at a first position of a first part of the bushing, the magnetic field direction sensing unit being configured to obtain change information of a magnetic field direction at the first position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~4
Figure 5(a)~7(b)
AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a measurement apparatus and a measurement method. The measurement apparatus is configured to measure a height of a suspension system. The suspension system includes a swing arm disposed between a bearing structure and a wheel of a vehicle, and a bushing disposed at a connection part between the swing arm and the bearing structure or the wheel. The bushing includes an inner ring of the bushing and an outer ring of the bushing. The measurement apparatus includes a sensing unit and a processing unit. The sensing unit is configured to obtain relative rotation information between the inner ring of the bushing and the outer ring of the bushing. The processing unit may be configured to determine, based on the relative rotation information, first indication information indicating the height of the suspension system. Embodiments of this application are applicable to a new energy vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. When the measurement apparatus is used to measure a suspension height, there is no need to design a specific support for a vehicle type and a suspension arrangement manner. This can reduce adaptation work for the vehicle type and a suspension, and offers good universality for suspension height measurement.