Hexapod Tyre Test Stand for Chassis Kinematics Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire test benches are not robust, material-efficient, and resource-efficient, and they fail to optimally simulate real chassis kinematics during tire testing.
Innovation Solution
A tire test bench equipped with a hexapod arrangement of six linear drive elements, each designed to exert forces in specific directions (lateral, tangential, and radial components) to simulate real chassis kinematics, combined with a flat rolling surface that can move relative to the frame, allowing precise tire positioning and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tire test benches are used, then basic tire testing can be performed, but the system is not robust, material-efficient, and resource-efficient, and fails to optimally simulate real chassis kinematics
Solution Approach 1:
The tire test bench is segmented into functionally independent modules: hexapod arrangement for positioning, rolling surface unit for road simulation, and force measurement system. Each module can be optimized independently while contributing to overall system robustness through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The hexapod arrangement serves multiple functions simultaneously: positioning the tire holder in three-dimensional space, orienting the tire at various angles, and providing force measurement capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, improving robustness without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hexapod arrangement with six linear drive elements is implemented, then real chassis kinematics are accurately simulated and optimal movement space is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages and serial kinematic chains with a hexapod parallel kinematic system driven by six independent linear actuators. This substitution enables accurate simulation of real chassis kinematics through direct actuation, avoiding the accumulation of mechanical errors and providing superior positioning accuracy despite increased control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hexapod arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed frame and the movable tire holder, translating simple linear actuator movements into complex six-degree-of-freedom tire positioning and orientation. This intermediary system decouples the complexity of tire pose control from the actuators themselves, allowing each linear drive element to remain relatively simple while achieving overall system versatility.
3Loss of substance
If material-saving and resource-efficient design is pursued, then cost and weight are reduced, but simulation accuracy and movement space may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the hexapod arrangement, including the lengths and mounting positions of the six linear drive elements, to achieve the required tire movement space and positioning precision with minimal material usage. By carefully selecting parameters such as actuator stroke lengths and attachment point locations, the system achieves optimal performance while minimizing material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The design applies local quality optimization by concentrating structural materials only where needed for precision positioning and force measurement, rather than using uniform heavy construction throughout. The hexapod legs and tire holder are designed with localized reinforcement at critical stress points while maintaining minimal mass in non-critical areas, achieving manufacturing precision without excessive material usage.
Data Source
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AI summary
Illustrated and described is a tyre test stand (1) with a frame, with a tyre holder (3) on which a tyre (15) can be mounted, with a hexapod arrangement (5) with six linear drive elements (9), and with a rolling surface unit (7) with a rolling surface (21), wherein the six linear drive elements (9), in a starting configuration, are arranged in such a way that at least one linear drive element (9) of the six linear drive elements (9) is arranged such that, when the at least one linear drive element (9) exerts a force on the tyre (15), the greatest force component of this force is oriented in the direction of a lateral force component (25), at least one linear drive element (9) of the six linear drive elements (9) is arranged such that, when the at least one linear drive element (9) exerts a force on the tyre (15), the greatest force component of this force is oriented in the direction of a tangential force component (27), and at least one linear drive element (9) of the six linear drive elements (9) is arranged such that, when the at least one linear drive element (9) exerts a force on the tyre (15), the greatest force component of this force is oriented in the direction of a radial force component (29).