Magnetic Track Test Bench for Frictionless Target Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional test benches for validating driver assistance functions in automated vehicles face issues such as power supply delays due to discharged energy storage devices, friction value changes affecting test repeatability, structural size, and risk of damage from elevated targets, as well as inefficiencies in target positioning and navigation.

Innovation Solution

A test bench utilizing a magnetic track surface with a control device to adjust the position and distance of carrier platforms using magnetic levitation, eliminating the need for internal power supplies and enabling frictionless movement of targets, with optional air cushion support for safety and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If targets are elevated above the test bench surface, then visibility and detection by the automated vehicle are improved, but the risk of damage to the test vehicle and test bench increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddamage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical support structure with a magnetic field-based suspension system. Electromagnetic actuators generate magnetic forces to levitate targets above the test bench surface, eliminating physical contact while maintaining precise positioning and visibility for detection by the automated vehicle's sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If targets are moved using cable pulleys or internal drives, then positioning flexibility is improved, but power supply reliability deteriorates due to discharged energy storage devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidpower supply reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic track surface serves multiple functions: it provides the moving force for target positioning, acts as a guidance rail, and enables precise positioning control. The electromagnetic actuators integrated into the track surface can move multiple targets simultaneously without requiring individual power supplies for each target, eliminating the reliability issues of discharged energy storage devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If conventional drive mechanisms are used for targets, then positioning capability is improved, but test repeatability deteriorates due to changing friction values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidtest repeatability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical friction-based drive mechanisms with a magnetic field-based propulsion system. The electromagnetic actuators generate contactless magnetic forces to move targets along the magnetic track surface, eliminating friction entirely. This ensures consistent and repeatable positioning regardless of weather conditions or surface variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of energy

If magnetic track surface is used for target positioning, then frictionless movement and energy efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of the track surface, actuators, and control system into an integrated magnetic positioning system. The magnetic track surface incorporates electromagnetic actuators that serve both as propulsion and positioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate power supplies, mechanical drives, and control systems for each individual target, thereby managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The system ensures safe, efficient, and precise testing of driver assistance functions by reducing the risk of damage, maintaining consistent test conditions, and eliminating the need for complex GPS positioning, while being energy-efficient and sustainable.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic levitation: Maglev

Data Source

PatentEP4416479B1Test bench for safeguarding driver assistance functions of an automated motor vehicle, method for controlling such a test bench, and a control device for such a test bench

Publication Date: 2025.09.17 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a test bench for safeguarding driver assistance functions of an automated motor vehicle. The test bench comprises at least one support platform for a target, a magnetic track surface for the at least one support platform, and a control device which is connected to the magnetic track surface and which is designed to emit a magnetic track surface control signal to the magnetic track surface and, by means of the magnetic track surface control signal, to adjust a position of the support platform relative to the magnetic track surface and/or a spacing of the support platform from the magnetic track surface by changing magnetic forces generated by the magnetic track surface.