Moving Endless Support Belt Tester for Large Contact Patches
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire and wheel testing machines using hydrodynamic principles are not suitable for test specimens with larger contact patches and slower speeds, as they generate unwanted forces due to friction and lubricating film support mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A testing machine with an endless support member synchronized with the belt velocity, using interconnected elements and fluid bearings to minimize friction and provide flat reaction support, allowing for larger contact patches and slower speeds without generating additional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hydrodynamic principles with oil lubricant are used to support the endless belt, then the testing machine is suitable for highway speeds, but it generates unwanted forces and is not suitable for slower speeds and larger contact patches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydrodynamic lubrication system (oil lubricant film) with a mechanical support system consisting of an endless support member with rollers. This substitution eliminates the friction and unwanted forces generated by the lubricating film while providing stable support for the endless belt during testing of specimens with larger contact patches and slower speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The endless support member acts as an intermediary between the frame and the endless belt. It provides a flat reaction structure that supports the belt from below without generating harmful forces, enabling the system to handle both highway speeds and slower speeds with larger contact patches
2Shape
If a stationary center support with oil lubricant is used, then the belt is maintained flat for highway speed testing, but additional friction forces are generated that affect slower speed testing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary center support into a dynamic endless support member that moves synchronously with the endless belt. This dynamic support maintains belt flatness through its moving rollers while eliminating static friction forces, as the support member moves with the same velocity as the belt and generates no relative motion friction
Solution Approach 2:
The oil lubricant film mechanism is replaced with a mechanical roller support system. The endless support member includes rollers that support the belt from below, providing flatness maintenance through mechanical contact rather than hydrodynamic lubrication, thereby eliminating the unwanted forces associated with the lubricating film
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support structure is designed for highway speed testing, then it uses hydrodynamic principles, but it cannot accommodate test specimens with larger contact patches and slower speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The endless support member provides universal support capability for the endless belt across different testing conditions. It can accommodate both highway speed testing and slower speed testing with larger contact patches, replacing the speed-specific hydrodynamic support with a versatile mechanical roller support system that eliminates harmful forces in all operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydrodynamic support system (oil lubricant) with a mechanical roller support system that is adaptable to various testing conditions. This substitution eliminates the unwanted forces from the lubricating film while providing the versatility needed to test different specimen types at different speeds
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 solution effectively supports larger contact patches and slower speeds by minimizing friction, ensuring accurate testing without additional forces on the test specimen.
Implementation Method 1
A bearing can be disposed between the stationary support and a surface of the endless support member facing the stationary support so as to reduce friction. The bearing may include a plurality of rotatable support elements such as rollers extending transversely to the direction of movement of the endless support member.
Implementation Method 2
The stationary support may include a plurality of outlets fluidly coupled to a source of pressurized fluid so as to emit the fluid upon the endless support member. The fluid may include a liquid or a gas. The source of pressurized gas may include a pump.
Data Source
AI summary
A testing machine for rotating test specimens includes a frame and a roadway assembly. The roadway assembly includes an endless belt that provides a surface for engaging the test specimen and is supported by and rolls on rollers. An endless support member supported by the frame is disposed between the rollers and engages the endless belt from below. The endless support member moves with or is synchronized so as to have a velocity the same as the endless belt. The endless support member provides a flat reaction structure for loads from the test specimen placed on the endless belt and is of size corresponding to that needed by the contact patch of the test specimen upon the endless belt. Since the endless support member moves at the same velocity as the endless belt no forces are generated between the endless support member and the endless belt.