Vehicle Axle Test Stand Using Segmented Mounting and Single Actuator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current test stands for dynamic testing of motor vehicle running gear components and axle systems face challenges in accurately measuring dynamic behavior and comfort characteristics due to restricted accessibility and limited measurement capabilities, especially during the late stages of vehicle development.

Innovation Solution

A test stand with a mounting area for complete axle systems and a fastening device for individual running gear components, utilizing a single actuator system to dynamically excite both setups at the intersection of their installation directions, along with a pneumatic spring suspension for vibration damping and adjustable natural frequencies, allows for objective and reproducible testing of comfort characteristics under realistic conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a test stand is designed to mount complete axle systems, then the accessibility and measurement capabilities are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of running gear componentsVSAvoidtest stand structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test stand is divided into two independent mounting areas: one for complete axle systems and another for individual running gear components. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized for its specific testing needs while maintaining a manageable overall structure. The fastening device for individual components can be independently positioned and configured without affecting the axle system mounting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The test stand is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate both complete axle systems and individual running gear components. The actuator system and measurement devices can be configured to work with either testing setup, making the test stand multi-functional and reducing the need for separate testing facilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If measurement techniques are applied to running gear components, then dynamic behavior can be measured, but the restricted accessibility and limited clearance reduce measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic spring strut characteristic valuesVSAvoidaccessibility for measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test stand allows preliminary mounting and positioning of running gear components before measurement begins. The fastening device enables secure mounting in the exact installation position, and the actuator can be pre-positioned to apply forces in the required directions. This preliminary setup ensures that measurement techniques have adequate access and clearance when applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The test stand structure serves as an intermediary platform that positions running gear components in a controlled environment with adequate access for measurement devices. The mounting area and fastening device create a structured interface that facilitates the application of measurement techniques while maintaining realistic installation conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single actuator is used to excite both complete axle systems and individual components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different testing configurations must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator systemVSAvoidtesting configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator system is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to be moved and reconfigured between different mounting areas and testing configurations. The actuator can adapt its position and orientation to match the specific testing requirements of either complete axle systems or individual running gear components, maintaining versatility without requiring multiple actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If testing is performed at late development stages, then real vehicle conditions can be simulated, but the timing is restricted and cannot be performed earlier in development

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverealistic testing conditionsVSAvoiddevelopment timeline
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The test stand enables segmentation of the testing process into separate phases: initial testing of individual running gear components can be performed early in development using the individual component mounting area, followed by integration testing of complete axle systems later. This segmentation allows testing to occur at multiple stages without time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The test stand allows preliminary testing of individual running gear components and sub-assemblies before final integration into complete axle systems. This preliminary action enables early validation of component performance and measurement capabilities, with the option to perform more comprehensive axle system testing later if needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables simple and reproducible testing of individual running gear components and complete axle systems, allowing for objective comparison and assessment of comfort characteristics, even under dynamic conditions, with improved accuracy and compact construction.

Implementation Method 1

pneumatic spring suspension for vibration damping

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

pneumatic spring suspension

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

actuator is configured for dynamic excitation of both of the complete axle system and the individual running gear component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDynamic excitation: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS8935955B2Test stand for the dynamic testing of an individual running gear component or of a complete axle system of a motor vehicle, and also a method for testing upon said test stand
Publication Date: 2015.01.20 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG
  • US8935955B2 patent drawing
  • US8935955B2 patent drawing
  • US8935955B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A test stand for dynamic testing of an individual running gear component or of a complete axle system of a motor vehicle includes a test stand frame having. The test stand frame has a mounting area configured for mounting the complete axle system in the mounting area in a first installation direction. A fastening device is configured for fixed mounting of the individual running gear component on the fastening device in a second installation direction, the second installation direction being different from the first installation direction. An actuator is configured for dynamic excitation of both of the complete axle system and the individual running gear component. The actuator is configured to connect to the individual running gear component or the complete axle system in a region of a point of intersection of the first installation direction and the second installation direction.