Method and apparatus for measuring displacement and force
US5814999A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16F2230/08
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for measuring displacement and force transferred through an elastomeric member, such as a suspension bushing (17) as used in a suspension of a motor vehicle, comprises an inner cylinder (26) fixedly connected to a suspension member (23), and an outer cylinder (28) fixedly connected to a chassis member (29). A magnetorheological elastomer (32), having particles embedded therein, is interposed between the inner (26) and outer (28) cylinders, and an electrode (44) is disposed about the inner cylinder (26). When the electrode (44) is energized by electrical current provided from module (18), a preselected electrical state resulting from the dielectric properties of the magnetorheological elastomer (32) varies in a predetermined manner in response to changes in displacement of the elastomeric material (32).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.