Linear Electromagnetic Actuator for Vehicle Wheel Vertical Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle testing methods lack the capability to apply controlled, vertical forces effectively to vehicle wheels for simulating road conditions and evaluating suspension systems, which is essential for chassis durability and squeak/rattle analysis.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle testing apparatus utilizing a linear electromagnetic actuator with a movable magnet, coupled with a wheel plate and a spring, to apply controlled vertical forces to vehicle wheels, supported by a controller that generates signals for road simulation and suspension testing, allowing for precise motion control and load leveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional vehicle testing methods are used, then testing can be performed with simple equipment, but controlled vertical forces cannot be applied effectively to vehicle wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical testing systems with a linear electromagnetic actuator that uses electromagnetic fields to generate controlled vertical forces on vehicle wheels. This substitution enables precise force control while maintaining manageable system complexity through electronic control rather than complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear electromagnetic actuator allows dynamic adjustment of force parameters (magnitude, direction, frequency) applied to the wheels. By changing electrical input parameters to the actuator, the system can simulate various road conditions and suspension scenarios without physical reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between force control capability and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If linear electromagnetic actuator is used to apply controlled forces, then road simulation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear electromagnetic actuator serves multiple functions: applying vertical forces, simulating road profiles, testing suspension systems, and evaluating chassis durability. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by consolidating multiple testing capabilities into a single apparatus, improving overall measurement precision without requiring separate specialized equipment for each test type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the forces applied and the resulting vehicle wheel motion, allowing real-time adjustment to maintain accurate road simulation. This feedback control enables high measurement precision while managing system complexity through automated control algorithms rather than manual intervention.
3Reliability
If controlled vertical forces are applied to wheels, then suspension system evaluation is enhanced, but testing apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear electromagnetic actuator enables precise control of force parameters applied to the wheels, allowing reliable evaluation of suspension system response under various controlled conditions. By varying electrical input parameters, the system can test suspension reliability across different scenarios without requiring multiple physical test setups, thus enhancing reliability while managing apparatus complexity.
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 accurate simulation of road conditions and suspension testing by applying controlled forces, enhancing the evaluation of vehicle durability and suspension performance, and providing a portable solution for various testing scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a linear electromagnetic actuator comprising a movable magnet and constructed and arranged to impart a controlled substantially vertical force to a vehicle wheel
Implementation Method 2
The spring is from the group comprising a coil spring, a torsional spring, a leaf spring, an air spring and an air bag
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle testing system includes a wheel plate constructed and arranged to support a vehicle wheel. A linear electromagnetic actuator has a moving magnet mechanically coupled to the wheel plate constructed and arranged to impart a controlled substantially vertical force to the wheel plate. A spring may be mechanically coupled to the wheel plate to support at least a portion of a static mass of the vehicle.