I tried to send this when the subject was hot but I think the length killed
it. I have split this in two and am trying to re-send again.
Since your suspension is rigid mounted I find the use of a strain gauge
interesting. To measure strain you must have "yield" (which can be either
plastic or elastic). I would guess that every part of your suspension is
extremely strong and not likely to allow a micro yield-range small enough,
even for a strain gage. Further, you might be hesitant to "weaken" something
just to get a strain reading.
There are a number of non-contact measurement sensors that work in many
industrial applications. Ultrasonic, MIR (Miro pulse radar), Radar,
etc. are all NON-contact methods. A Goggle search (using the advanced
search feature) on something like "non-contact measurement" or micro pulse
radar will provide plenty of reference material.
I would like to suggest two other approaches. (1) getting a ground distance
measurement or (2) ascertaining important information from your tire.
Number 1 may be straight forward. A sensor (see links in part 2 below) could
be
pointed at the ground to measure vehicle-to-ground distance. Of course,
sensor noise, course deviations, tire growth, would all have to be filtered
and a trend established. Deviations from the tolerance band could
be identified to warn the driver. -Elon
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