Mobile Three-Wheeled Tire Testing for Stable Vertical Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire testing apparatuses are limited in their ability to simulate real-world tire operating conditions, particularly in terms of cornering and tractive testing, and struggle with maintaining consistent vertical tire forces due to their four-wheeled configuration.
Innovation Solution
A three-wheeled, self-propelled mobile tire testing apparatus with a triangular arrangement of wheels, allowing for independent control of each wheel and enabling comprehensive testing on various surfaces and weather conditions, including cornering and tractive tests up to full saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a four-wheeled configuration is used for mobile tire testing apparatus, then the apparatus can travel along road surfaces, but the vertical tire forces become inconsistent and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes one wheel from the conventional four-wheeled configuration, extracting the source of instability. The three-wheeled design eliminates the conflicting vertical force distribution problems inherent in four-wheeled vehicles, allowing precise control of vertical tire forces while maintaining mobile travel capability along road surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an asymmetric three-wheeled configuration with the tested tire positioned at the rear center, creating a triangular wheel arrangement. This asymmetric layout provides inherent stability and allows independent control of vertical forces on the tested tire, resolving the consistency problems of symmetric four-wheeled designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tire testing apparatus are used, then testing can be performed, but the range of testing conditions is limited and cannot achieve full saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control capabilities allowing the apparatus to operate under varying conditions including acceleration, deceleration, cornering, and high slip angles. The system can dynamically adjust steering angles up to 90 degrees and control tire forces in real-time, enabling comprehensive testing across the full operational envelope of tires under diverse road conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the testing apparatus to achieve extreme conditions not possible with conventional equipment. By controlling slip angles up to 90 degrees, applying full saturation cornering forces, and operating on various surface types, the system expands the testing parameter range while maintaining reliable data acquisition through improved vertical force control.
3Measurement precision
If a three-wheeled configuration is used, then vertical force control is improved, but the apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the three-wheeled apparatus where each wheel serves multiple functions: the tested tire at the rear center provides both support and testing surface, while the two front wheels provide steering and additional support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing system complexity while achieving precise vertical force control.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile tire testing apparatus including a chassis, three wheel-mounted tires respectively attached to the chassis in a triangular arrangement at three corner positions of the apparatus, wherein two of the wheel-mounted tires are provided at opposite lateral sides at one end portion of the chassis and the third wheel-mounted tire provided centrally in a width direction at the opposite end portion of the chassis, a propulsion device operatively connected to drive at least one of the wheel-mounted tires, a steering mechanism operatively connected to steer at least two of the wheel-mounted tires, a braking system operatively connected to brake each of the three wheel-mounted tires, and a force and moment sensor provided in operative association with at least the third wheel-mounted tire and configured to detect forces and moments acting on at least the third wheel-mounted tire.