Floating Plate Friction Testing via Vehicle Force Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle test stands with floating plates face challenges in efficiently and accurately assessing the proper functioning of these plates, particularly in determining friction coefficients, which is crucial for ensuring low-friction movement and detecting potential malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A method for functional testing of floating plates involves recording and evaluating the force required to move a vehicle on the floating plates in various directions, using adjustment means to assess friction conditions without the need for a reference weight, and calculating friction coefficients based on the vehicle's weight distribution and contact forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the floating plate is designed to move the vehicle-related wheel contact part with minimal friction, then the movement smoothness is improved, but it becomes difficult to detect and measure the friction coefficient accurately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement smoothnessVSAvoidfriction coefficient measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the friction coefficient before actual vehicle testing. A test body is used to perform preliminary measurements on the floating plate surface, determining the friction coefficient in advance. This preliminary measurement enables the system to compensate for friction effects during subsequent vehicle tests, resolving the contradiction between maintaining low friction for smooth operation and accurately measuring that friction for detection purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If existing test methods are used, then the friction coefficient can be determined, but a reference weight is required which complicates the testing procedure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefriction coefficient determinationVSAvoidtesting procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by using the vehicle itself as the test body. Instead of requiring separate reference weights or test masses, the vehicle's own weight is utilized to measure the friction coefficient. The control unit calculates the friction coefficient based on the force measured when moving the vehicle and the known vehicle weight, eliminating the need for additional reference weights and simplifying the testing procedure while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the vehicle is moved to test the floating plate, then the friction conditions can be assessed, but the force measurement must account for vehicle weight distribution which complicates the evaluation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefriction condition assessmentVSAvoidforce evaluation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using the control unit to continuously monitor and process the relationship between the measured force, vehicle weight distribution, and calculated friction coefficient. The control unit receives force measurements from the actuator, incorporates vehicle weight distribution data, and automatically calculates the friction coefficient through feedback processing. This automated feedback mechanism resolves the complexity of manual evaluation while ensuring reliable friction condition assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 method allows for a simple and effective evaluation of floating plate functionality, identifying any deviations in friction coefficients and potential malfunctions, ensuring accurate testing and adjustment processes.

Implementation Method 1

the movements of the vehicle in the horizontal plane (X, Y) participates at least almost without friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

This mobility is to be adjusted without friction via an air cushion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir cushion: Air Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP3182088B1Method for checking the operation of floating plates as part of a vehicle test stand
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 DURR ASSEMBLY PROD GMBH
  • EP3182088B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3182088B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3182088B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for functionally testing floating plates as a component of a test stand for testing, measuring, and/or adjusting a vehicle, wherein the floating plates each have a vehicle-related wheel contact element that is movable relative to a test stand component of the individual floating plate, at least in a released operating position of the floating plate. According to the invention, with the floating plate in a released operating position and a vehicle resting on the floating plates in the test stand, the vehicle, including the vehicle-related wheel contact elements of the floating plates, is moved by means of adjustment devices. The force required to move the vehicle, including the vehicle-related wheel contact elements of the floating plates, is then detected and evaluated.