초록 ▼

A system and a method are disclosed for measuring the grip performance of a vehicle by interposing a load carrier member intermediate an upright and an axle. The load carrier member is configured as having a geometry for measurement of a magnitude and relative direction of the instantaneous load for

A system and a method are disclosed for measuring the grip performance of a vehicle by interposing a load carrier member intermediate an upright and an axle. The load carrier member is configured as having a geometry for measurement of a magnitude and relative direction of the instantaneous load forces acting between the axle and the upright and includes a planetary bearing carrier received coaxially over the axle for linear movement therewith. The bearing carrier extends from an outboard first end to an inboard second end configured to define a force transmitting portion. A rotational bearing assembly is interposed between the bearing carrier and the axle providing for the rotation of the axle within the bearing carrier. A first linear bearing assembly is interposed between the upright and the bearing carrier providing for the linear movement of the bearing carrier relative to the upright. At least one force sensor is operably coupled to the force transmitting portion of the bearing carrier to be responsive to the linear movement thereof for providing load force output signals corresponding to the magnitude and relative direction of the load force vector. A magnitude and relative direction of at least one instantaneous load force vector acting on the load carrier member then is measured. Finally; the load force vector is resolved with respect to a relative plane into at least one load force component corresponding to an instantaneous grip force developed between the wheel and the ground surface.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A method for measuring a grip force between at least one wheel of a vehicle and a ground surface which defines a ground plane at said wheel, said wheel being mounted on an upright and having a vertical and an axial centerline and an axle having a first end supporting said wh

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A method for measuring a grip force between at least one wheel of a vehicle and a ground surface which defines a ground plane at said wheel, said wheel being mounted on an upright and having a vertical and an axial centerline and an axle having a first end supporting said wheel and a second end received by said upright, and said vehicle extending between a forward and a rearward portion along a longitudinal centerline and having a chassis extending between said forward and said rearward portion, said chassis having a lower surface defining a bottom plane of said vehicle and being supported on said wheel by at least one support member which is subjected to an instantaneous load force vector, said method comprising the steps of:(a) interposing a load carrier member intermediate said upright and said axle, said load carrier member being configured as having a defined geometry for measurement of a magnitude and relative direction of the instantaneous load forces acting between said axle and said upright and comprising:(i) a planetary bearing carrier received coaxially over said axle for linear movement therewith, said bearing carrier extending from an outboard first end to an inboard second end configured to define a force transmitting portion;(ii) a rotational bearing assembly interposed between said bearing carrier and said axle providing for the rotation of said axle within said bearing carrier;(iii) a first linear bearing assembly interposed between said upright and said bearing carrier providing for the linear movement of said bearing carrier relative to said upright; and(iv) at least one force sensor operably coupled to said force transmitting portion of said bearing carrier to be responsive to the linear movement thereof for providing load force output signals corresponding to the magnitude and relative direction of said load force vector;(b) measuring a magnitude and relative direction of at least one instantaneous load force vector acting on said load carrier member; and(c) resolving with respect to a relative plane the load force vector of step (b) into at least one load force component corresponding to an instantaneous grip force developed between said wheel and said ground surface.