Introduction

The invention consists of a forkend (suspension column of a motor vehicle), capable of measuring the forces and moments applied on it.

Technical features

The object of the invention is a three-spoke structure with the bearing housing in the centre; the three spokes are connected to an outer ring, which is sufficiently rigid, and which carries the attachments for the suspension arms. In the outer ring the brake calliper can be positioned in the outer ring, reducing the mass of the fork-end carrier and brake calliper. The shape of the fork-end (TRL 3) carrier largely corresponds to the well-known shape of the six-component load cell, which is the subject of a similar patent by the same inventors as this one. The sensitive structure can be integrated with the six-component load cell and the fork-end of a vehicle.

Possible Applications

• Vehicles with independent suspension;
• Quadrilateral suspensions;
• Autonomous and connected vehicles;
• Motorsports;
• Supercars;
• Brake manufacturers.

Advantages

• Accurate measurement of the forces acting on the fork-end bearing (three forces and three moments are measured, the moment along y is the rolling resistance moment of the wheel);
• Very efficient measurement of the forces acting on the fork-end carrier.