Dynamometer Test Unit With Dual Power Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dynamometer testing systems for vehicles lack the accuracy and flexibility to measure complex vehicle characteristics, especially with increasingly sophisticated drive trains and real-life driving scenarios, due to limitations in measurement freedom and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A dynamometer test unit utilizing two or more individually controllable power sources, including electric motors and hydraulic pumps, connected to a single wheel shaft, allowing for precise control of torque and rotational speed to simulate various driving conditions, including regenerative braking, and enabling the absorption of power without direct conversion to heat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single dynamometer power source is used to absorb power from the vehicle wheel shaft, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and adaptability for complex driving scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddynamometer system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single dynamometer power source into multiple separate power sources (first and second power sources) that can independently control different aspects of power absorption. This segmentation allows each power source to be optimized for specific functions, improving measurement precision for complex driving scenarios while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control where the first and second power sources can independently adjust their power absorption characteristics in real-time. This dynamic capability enables accurate simulation of varying driving conditions (acceleration, deceleration, constant speed) and improves measurement adaptability without requiring an overly complex fixed system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dynamometer power sources are used to simulate complex driving scenarios, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting flexibilityVSAvoiddynamometer system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the first and second power sources to perform multiple functions - they can operate in series for high-power absorption, in parallel for torque distribution simulation, or independently for specific driving condition testing. This multi-functionality increases adaptability for various vehicle types and test scenarios while avoiding the need for entirely separate testing systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control system that acts as an intermediary between the multiple power sources and the vehicle under test. This control system coordinates the operation of the first and second power sources, managing their interaction to achieve desired test conditions while simplifying the overall system control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If power is absorbed directly by conventional dynamometer systems, then the power absorption capability is sufficient, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower absorption capabilityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs hydraulic coupling mechanisms between the first and second power sources, allowing power to be transferred and absorbed through fluid coupling rather than direct mechanical contact. This hydraulic approach enables efficient power absorption while reducing mechanical friction and heat generation compared to conventional direct-drive dynamometer systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

This solution provides more accurate and flexible dynamometer testing, capable of simulating complex driving scenarios, reducing infrastructure and cost requirements, and allowing for the testing of hybrid drive vehicles under various conditions, including accelerations, uphill, and downhill driving, while minimizing heat generation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of said first and second dynamometer power sources is an electric motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

D3 WO 96/06337 A1 discloses a dynamometer test unit having a hydraulic pump as power source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pump: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP2652476B1Method and device for dynamometer testing of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 ROTOTEST INT
  • EP2652476B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2652476B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2652476B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dynamometer test unit for use in dynamometer testing of a vehicle, where the vehicle includes at least a first wheel shaft and at least one first vehicle power source for providing power to said first wheel shaft. Said first wheel shaft is, during testing, connected to said dynamometer test unit, said dynamometer test unit including : - a first individually controllable dynamometer power source for applying a first power to said first wheel shaft, - a second individually controllable dynamometer power source for applying a second power to said first wheel shaft, wherein - during testing, said first and said second dynamometer power source apply a controllable power to said first wheel shaft. The invention also relates to a dynamometer test system.