Vehicle Door Force Measurement Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The geometry and kinematic movement of a rear vehicle door make it difficult to accurately determine the forces applied to the structures that support it, hindering precise measurement of these forces.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle force measurement assembly comprising a first and second rod with strain gauges mounted on them, connected to an electronic controller, which replaces conventional lift supports to measure forces applied to the rear door by installing the rods between the door and the vehicle body structure, allowing for precise detection and recording of forces through a Wheatstone bridge circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lift supports are used to support the rear door, then the door can be supported in various positions, but the forces applied to the supporting structures cannot be accurately measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces strain gauges as intermediary measurement devices mounted on rods that replace the conventional lift supports. These strain gauges act as mediators between the mechanical forces and the electronic controller, converting mechanical deformation into electrical signals that can be precisely measured and processed to determine the forces applied to the door supporting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical lift support system with a hybrid system that includes electronic sensing and control components. The mechanical rods with strain gauges substitute for traditional mechanical measurement methods, enabling more precise force detection through electronic means while maintaining the mechanical support function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the geometry and kinematic movement of the rear door are considered, then the door can move through various positions, but determining the actual forces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic measurement capabilities through the electronic controller that continuously monitors strain gauge outputs as the door moves through various positions. The system adapts to different door angles and positions by processing real-time data from the strain gauges, enabling accurate force measurement across the full range of motion without requiring static positioning.
3Measurement precision
If strain gauges are mounted on rods to measure forces, then force measurement becomes possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rods with mounted strain gauges serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the door, act as the measurement sensing element, and transmit force data to the electronic controller. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate support structures and measurement devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
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 measurement and recording of forces applied to the rear door and its supporting structures at various positions, providing direct data on forces transmitted to ball studs, brackets, and the vehicle body, facilitating comprehensive testing and analysis of force distributions.
Implementation Method 1
The first rod has a strain gauge mounted thereon. The electronic controller is connected to the strain gauge and is wired and configured to detect forces applied to the first rod by the vehicle door
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle force measurement assembly includes a first rod, a second rod and an electronic controller. The first rod has a strain gauge mounted thereon. The first rod is dimensioned and configured to install to a first side of a vehicle door and a first side of a door opening of a vehicle body structure. The second rod is dimensioned and configured to install to a second side of the vehicle door and a second side of the door opening. The electronic controller is connected to the strain gauge and is wired and configured to detect forces applied to the first rod by the vehicle door in response to predetermined amounts of force being applied to the vehicle door.