Development of a Spindle Force-Moment Transducer

This paper describes a recently developed vehicle spindle transducer that is capable of measuring the three components of the force vector and the two components of the moment vector that simultaneously act on a spindle.

The transducer dimensions are 4 X 4 X 1-1/4 in (105 X 105 X 32 mm) and weighs approximately 3 lb (13.5N). It is durable and can measure with less than 4% total error.

The spindle transducer fits existing suspension systems without significantly affecting vehicle geometry or dynamic response and is, therefore, the only known spindle transducer that meets all requirements for size, weight, accuracy, and strength.