Development of 3-axis Loadcell for Measuring the Side Force of MPV Using Design of Experiment

This paper represents the development of 3-axises loadcell for measuring the side-force of suspension module of MPV(Multi Purposed Vehicle). The side force causes the failure of damper, such as leakage. The loadcell was developed using strain gauges, and the Wheastone bridge circuit to compensate for the cross-talk between the each axises and the measurement error by temperature. Structure analysis of loadcell was accomplished with FEM(Finite Element Method) to optimize the location of strain gages. The design optimization for important factors that have an effect on performance of loadcell was accomplished by using DOE(Design of Experiment). Loadcell was produced and successfully tested, showing good sensitivity and low cross-talk. The cross-talk of the developed loadcell is bellow 5%. The load history was measured at proving ground. The maximum side-force, the longitudinal force, and vertical force of MPV are 4.2 kN, 8.0 kN, and 17.0 kN, respectively, at Belgian road.