Multi-Plate Braking Detection System for Axle Force Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current braking system check technologies for vehicles with multiple axles are inadequate in detecting the time relationship between braking actions of individual axles and cannot accurately measure forces across varying wheel bases, leading to incorrect readings and limited test speed due to the need for extensive and costly multiple-plate systems.

Innovation Solution

A multi-platform system with detection plates arranged in parallel paths at an average wheel track distance, allowing continuous wheel movement and dynamic force detection across multiple axles, integrating stress measurements from multiple plates to accurately assess braking forces and suspension performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single detection plate is used for each axle, then the system is compact and less expensive, but it cannot detect the time relationship between braking actions of various axles and cannot distinguish the effect produced by single axle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of detection platesVSAvoidtime relationship detection and axle-specific force measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the detection function into multiple independent detection plates, with each plate responsible for detecting forces from a specific axle. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish axle-specific effects and measure time relationships between different axles' braking actions, resolving the contradiction between using fewer plates and achieving precise measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple detection plates are used to detect each axle individually, then axle-specific braking forces can be measured, but the test speed is limited and the plates must be sufficiently long to house the entire braking space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxle-specific braking force measurementVSAvoidvehicle test speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a single-dimensional approach (one long plate per axle) to a multi-dimensional arrangement by positioning multiple detection plates transversely across the vehicle path. This allows simultaneous detection of multiple axles at different positions, enabling higher test speeds while maintaining axle-specific measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If detection plates are positioned for specific axle configurations, then accurate measurement is achieved for that configuration, but the system cannot adapt to vehicles with different wheel bases and axle configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force measurement accuracyVSAvoidcompatibility with different vehicle configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system designs detection plates with universal functionality to accommodate various axle configurations. Each plate can detect forces from different axles depending on their position, and the system can adapt to different vehicle types (two-axle, three-axle, etc.) without requiring reconfiguration, thus achieving both measurement accuracy and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If a continuous path of small detection plates is used to cover the entire braking space, then all axles can be detected, but the system becomes extremely costly and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive braking detectionVSAvoidnumber and arrangement of detection plates
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the detection functions of multiple plates into a coordinated system where plates are strategically positioned to detect multiple axles simultaneously. By combining the capabilities of fewer, well-positioned plates rather than using a continuous path of plates, the system achieves comprehensive braking detection while reducing overall complexity and cost.

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

Enables comprehensive and realistic detection of braking system efficiency and suspension health in dynamic conditions, providing accurate force measurements and improved vehicle safety by ensuring correct force balancing and adherence to braking standards across a wide range of axle configurations.

Implementation Method 1

each comprising stress sensors arranged to detect vertical and horizontal forces applied thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP3256830B1Multi -plate apparatus and method for checking the braking system of land vehicles with at least two axles
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 VAMAG
  • EP3256830B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3256830B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3256830B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

A multi-platform system and a relative method for checking the braking ability of vehicles with at least two wheel axes, as well as a checking method of the suspensions employing such system is disclosed. The system comprises pairs of detection plates, aligned according to a motion direction on two parallel paths, apt to detect horizontal and vertical components of a stress transferred by the vehicle wheels to the surface of said plates, wherein: - there are provided at least three pairs of aligned plates, mutually dimensioned and spaced apart so as to prevent the wheels of a single axis from simultaneously resting on two pairs of plates and the wheels of multiple axes from simultaneously resting on a same pair of plates; a checking unit is furthermore provided which detects the development over time of said horizontal (Fh(i)) and vertical (Fv(i)) components of the stress and determines when the wheels of an axis get on and off a single plate (Pn) based on the measurement peaks of said vertical component (Fv(i)) of the stress; - said checking unit has data processing means apt to integrate over time the measurements of said horizontal component (Fh(i)> of the stress on a first plate (Pn) and on the subsequent one (Pn+1) when it is detected, within a measurement time range of the braking action (tw1 - tw2) that said vertical component (Fv(i)) of the stress on said first plate (Pn) undergoes a significant reduction and said vertical component (Fv(i)) of the stress on said subsequent platform (Pn+1) undergoes a significant increase.