Hexapod Tire Test Stand With Flat-Belt Contact Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire test stands struggle to accurately simulate the reaction of tires to different load states and chassis kinematics during on-road driving, particularly due to limitations in rigidity, adjustment accuracy, and the use of curved rolling surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A tire test stand incorporating a hexapod assembly with six linear drive elements and a flat belt portion, allowing precise adjustment and simulation of real-world chassis kinematics through a flat rolling surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional rolling surface unit with a curved drum is used, then the tire can roll on the surface, but the simulation of real chassis kinematics and road conditions is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling surface is segmented into multiple independent segments that can be adjusted individually. Each segment can be positioned at different heights and angles to simulate various road conditions and chassis kinematics, enabling accurate simulation of tire reactions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling surface unit incorporates adjustable and movable components that can dynamically change their configuration. The segments can be repositioned to simulate different driving conditions, allowing the system to adapt to various test requirements without requiring a completely complex fixed structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If a serial kinematics adjustment unit is used to position the tire, then the structure is simpler, but the rigidity and adjustment accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The serial kinematics adjustment mechanism is replaced with a hexapod assembly that uses parallel kinematics and linear drive elements. This substitution provides significantly improved rigidity and adjustment accuracy while maintaining acceptable structural complexity. The hexapod assembly allows precise control of tire position in multiple degrees of freedom through six linearly arranged drive elements.
3Measurement precision
If a curved peripheral surface is used for the rolling surface, then the structure is simpler, but the simulation of flat road conditions and tire contact is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling surface is divided into multiple adjustable segments that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the surface to transition from a simple curved structure to an accurate representation of flat road conditions, enabling precise simulation of tire contact while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the rolling surface can have different local properties and positions. Some segments can be adjusted to create flat contact areas to simulate road conditions, while others maintain curvature for different test requirements. This local adaptability improves simulation accuracy without requiring the entire structure to be complex.
Data Source
AI summary
A tire test stand includes a frame, a tire holder, and a hexapod assembly having six linear drive elements, each of the six linear drive elements being attached at a first end to the frame and at a second end to the tire holder. A tire can be attached to the tire holder so as to be rotatable about its axis of rotation. The test stand also has two rotatably mounted deflection pulleys that are partially looped around by a belt such that the belt forms a flat belt portion between the deflection pulleys. When the tire is rotatably attached to the tire holder, the tire can be brought into a contact position in which the tread of the tire contacts the flat belt portion. When in the contact position and the belt is moved in relation to the tire, the tire rolls on the flat belt portion.