Wheel Force Measurement System Using Magnetic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind tunnel systems for testing ground vehicles struggle to accurately measure mechanical side-forces separately from aerodynamic forces due to the influence of tire properties and the disruption caused by large measurement equipment, leading to unstable side-force measurements and interference with airflow.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor plate mounted between the wheel and hub of a ground vehicle, equipped with strain gauges and an electronics package, measures radial, longitudinal, and vertical forces, as well as moments, to isolate mechanical side-forces and provide accurate aerodynamic force measurements with minimal airflow disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large side-force measurement equipment is attached to the wheels, then mechanical forces can be measured, but air flow disruption increases and measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical side-force measurement equipment with a magnetic measurement system. Magnets are embedded in the wheel assembly and measured using magnetic sensors (such as Hall effect sensors or fluxgate magnetometers) mounted on the vehicle body. This substitution eliminates large mechanical attachments that disrupt airflow while enabling accurate measurement of mechanical side-forces through magnetic field detection, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and airflow preservation.
2Measurement precision
If traditional load cells are used to measure aerodynamic forces, then force measurements can be obtained, but mechanical and aerodynamic forces cannot be separated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total side-force measurement into two distinct components: mechanical side-force and aerodynamic side-force. Mechanical side-force is measured separately using the magnetic measurement system embedded in the wheel assembly, while aerodynamic side-force is measured using traditional load cells on the vehicle body. By segmenting the measurement system, the patent enables separate measurement of each force component, allowing researchers to isolate and analyze aerodynamic forces independently of mechanical tire forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary measurement mechanism. Magnets embedded in the wheel assembly create a magnetic field that serves as an intermediary carrier for measuring mechanical side-forces. This intermediary approach allows mechanical force measurement without direct mechanical contact between the measurement device and the wheel, enabling separation of mechanical and aerodynamic force measurements.
3Measurement precision
If a sensor plate is mounted between wheel and hub, then mechanical side-force can be measured separately, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor plate into the existing wheel assembly structure. The sensor plate, which contains magnets and structural components, is integrated with the wheel hub or rim rather than being added as a separate external device. This merging approach incorporates the measurement functionality within the existing wheel components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the capability to measure mechanical side-forces separately.
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
This solution allows for precise separation of mechanical and aerodynamic side-forces, enhancing the accuracy of aerodynamic force measurements while maintaining minimal impact on the airflow around the vehicle, thus improving the reliability of wind tunnel testing.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor plate is further configured to sense at least one of the set that includes radial, longitudinal, and vertical forces as well as longitudinal and vertical moments that are transferred between the wheel and the hub through the sensor plate
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring forces applied to a moving vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a sensor plate that is configured to be mounted between a wheel and a hub of the vehicle. The sensor plate is further configured to sense at least one of the set of longitudinal, vertical, and lateral forces as well as longitudinal and vertical moments that are transferred between the wheel and the hub through the sensor plate. The system also includes an electronics package that is coupled to the sensor plate. The electronics package is configured to measure the forces and moments sensed by the sensor plate and provide an output comprising at least one signal representative of at least a portion of the measurements. The system also includes data system coupled to the electronics package, the data system configured to receive the output of the electronics package.