Strain Sensor Mounting on Wheel Bearing Outer Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel support bearing assemblies face challenges in detecting wheel loads with high sensitivity due to limited installation space and high production costs, and difficulty in accurately measuring strains on high-rigidity components.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-equipped wheel support bearing assembly with a strain sensor mounted on a sensor mounting member, which is fitted to a stationary member with a spacer between the vehicle body fitting flange and the knuckle, allowing for precise detection of strain and load on the wheel, improving installation efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a strain gauge is affixed to the outer ring of the wheel support bearing assembly, then the load acting on the vehicle wheel can be detected, but the productivity becomes low and the cost at the time of mass-production is raised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the bearing assembly into distinct functional components: the bearing proper (with inner ring, outer ring, and rolling elements) and a separate sensor mounting member. This segmentation allows the strain gauge to be mounted on the sensor mounting member rather than directly on the bearing components, simplifying the manufacturing process and enabling mass production while maintaining load detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mounting member acts as an intermediary component between the bearing assembly and the strain gauge. It provides a dedicated mounting surface for the strain gauge and transmits the load from the bearing to the sensor, eliminating the need to modify the bearing components themselves for sensor installation.
2Measurement precision
If a strain gauge is affixed to the outer ring of the wheel support bearing assembly, then the load acting on the vehicle wheel can be detected, but the cost at the time of mass-production is raised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bearing assembly and introducing a separate sensor mounting member, the invention enables standardized, modular manufacturing. The bearing and sensor mounting member can be produced independently using optimized processes, and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing cost compared to modifying bearing components directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mounting member is designed as a separate, relatively simple component that can be manufactured more economically than modifying precision bearing components. This approach prioritizes cost-effective sensor integration over preserving the integrity and complexity of the original bearing structure.
3Strength
If bearing component parts have high rigidity, then the bearing can support loads effectively, but the strain occurring in a stationary member is low making it difficult to detect the load acting on the vehicle wheel with high sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a specific region (the sensor mounting member) with different mechanical properties than the high-rigidity bearing components. The sensor mounting member is designed to exhibit appropriate strain characteristics under load, providing sufficient sensitivity for strain gauge detection while the bearing itself maintains its high rigidity for effective load support.
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 sensitive detection of wheel loads and external forces, facilitating advanced vehicle control systems and reducing production costs through improved strain measurement accuracy and efficient sensor integration.
Implementation Method 1
a strain sensor mounted on the sensor mounting member... the stationary member undergoes deformation through the rolling elements and this deformation brings about a strain on the sensor unit
Data Source
AI summary
In a wheel support bearing assembly having rows of rolling elements interposed between an outer member and an inner member, spacers are interposed between vehicle body fitting holes in the outer member, which is a stationary member, and a knuckle. A sensor unit including a sensor mounting member and a strain sensor is fitted to the outer member. The sensor mounting member has at least two contact fixing portions fixed to the outer member and, also, has at least one recess between the neighboring contact fixing portions, the strain sensor being disposed in this recess.