Modular Spindle Force Sensor for Rotating Wheel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transducers are inadequate for accurately measuring forces and moments generated by a rotating wheel assembly with respect to one or more degrees of freedom, as they require processing of sensor output signals relative to a non-rotating coordinate system.
Innovation Solution
A wheel support system comprising a support member secured to a vehicle suspension component, a transducer body with a rigid annular rim and radial members that respond to loads, allowing for secure mounting and data collection, and a spindle assembly that can be removably mounted for versatility and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current load cells are used to measure forces and moments, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision is inadequate for accurately measuring forces and moments generated by a rotating wheel assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer body is divided into multiple radial members that can be independently instrumented with strain gauges. Each radial member measures specific force components, allowing precise decomposition of forces and moments acting on the rotating wheel assembly. This segmentation enables accurate measurement of individual force components while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer body is designed with a universal structure that can measure multiple force and moment components simultaneously through its radial members. The same transducer body can be used for different wheel assembly configurations and test conditions, providing both precise measurement capability and reliable performance across various applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transducer is secured to the wheel rim that supports a tire, then the transducer rotates with the wheel assembly, but device complexity increases due to signal processing requirements for rotating coordinate systems
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of processing signals from a rotating transducer to obtain non-rotating coordinate system data, the invention inverts the approach by mounting the transducer body to the stationary support member. This allows direct measurement of forces and moments in the non-rotating coordinate system, eliminating the need for complex signal processing while maintaining adaptability to different wheel assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary support member acts as an intermediary between the rotating wheel assembly and the transducer body. It transfers forces and moments from the rotating assembly to the stationary transducer, enabling accurate measurement without the transducer itself rotating. This intermediary structure simplifies the measurement system while maintaining versatility.
3Measurement precision
If the transducer body is designed for specific vehicle suspension arrangements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases due to customization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer body is designed as a universal component that can be adapted to different vehicle suspension arrangements through interchangeable mounting interfaces. The radial members and strain gauge instrumentation remain standardized, while only the mounting connections are customized for specific applications. This approach maintains measurement precision across different configurations while significantly improving ease of manufacture through standardization.
4Strength
If the annular rim is permanently secured to the support member, then structural rigidity is improved, but ease of repair worsens due to inability to replace individual components
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer body is segmented into the annular rim, radial members, and mounting interfaces as separate but connectable components. This segmentation allows individual radial members or the entire transducer body to be replaced without replacing the entire assembly, improving ease of repair while maintaining structural rigidity through precise reassembly of the segmented components.
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 precise measurement of forces and moments on a rotating wheel assembly, facilitating design and manufacturing of vehicles by providing a reusable and calibratable transducer system that adapts to different vehicle suspension and spindle arrangements, thereby improving data accuracy and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
each of the radial members including at least one portion configured to respond to loads transferred between the center support and the annular rim
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel support includes a support member configured to be secured to a suspension component of a vehicle. The wheel support includes a transducer body having a rigid annular rim secured to the support member; a rigid center support; and a plurality of radial members extending radially and joining the central support to the annular rim, each of the radial members including at least one portion configured to respond to loads transferred between the center support and the annular rim.