Vibration isolating bushing with embedded angular position sensor

A bushing assembly adapted for joining first and second structural members for relative rotation about an axis, said bushing assembly comprising:

• an outer, generally cylindrical member;
• first engagement means operative to fixedly secure said outer cylindrical member for movement with said first structural member;
• an inner, generally cylindrical member arranged substantially concentrically about said axis within said outer cylindrical member;
• second engagement means operative to fixedly secure said inner cylindrical member for movement with said second structural member;
• an elastomeric member disposed between and interconnecting said inner and outer cylindrical members;
• and
• an angular position sensor juxtaposed between said inner and outer sleeves and operative to produce an output signal indicative of the relative angular position of said first and second structural members.

A bushing assembly for a suspension system of an automotive vehicle comprising:

• an inner sleeve;
• an outer sleeve angularly spaced from said inner sleeve;
• an elastomeric isolator juxtaposed between and bonded to said inner and outer sleeves;
• and
• an angular position sensor juxtaposed between said inner and outer sleeves and operative to produce an output signal indicative of the relative angular position of said inner and outer sleeves.