Vehicle Test Specimen Testing System for Nearby-Vehicle Splashing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle driving test apparatuses fail to reproduce the splashing from other vehicles during wet weather conditions, which is essential for accurately evaluating sensors in vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A test specimen testing system equipped with a splashing simulator that mimics tire-fitted wheels of other vehicles, including a water supply unit to generate splashing, and a contact surface to simulate ground contact, allowing for realistic simulation of splashing conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vehicle driving test apparatus with rain-making equipment is used, then rainy conditions can be reproduced, but splashing from other vehicles cannot be reproduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to reproduce rainy conditionsVSAvoidaccuracy of sensor evaluation in wet-weather

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The splashing reproduction system is divided into multiple independent simulated rotating bodies (front, rear, left, right) that can be controlled separately. Each simulated rotating body is equipped with its own water supply unit, allowing independent control of splashing from different vehicle positions, thereby achieving comprehensive and versatile wet-weather reproduction while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Simulated rotating bodies serve as intermediary elements that mediate between the water supply system and the test specimen. These intermediaries rotate and generate splashing patterns that accurately simulate the effect of other vehicles passing by, enabling reliable sensor evaluation without requiring actual vehicles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If simulated rotating bodies with water supply unit are added, then splashing can be reproduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of splashing reproductionVSAvoidnumber of simulated rotating bodies and water supply units

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each simulated rotating body is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a structural element, a rotation mechanism, and a splashing generation device. The water supply units are integrated with the rotation system, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple roles, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable splashing reproduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls splashing intensity and patterns by changing parameters such as rotation speed of the simulated rotating bodies and water flow rate. By adjusting these parameters, the system can reproduce various splashing conditions (light rain, heavy rain, vehicles passing at different speeds) without adding physical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple simulated rotating bodies are used to simulate vehicles in front, side, and rear, then comprehensive splashing can be reproduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to simulate multiple vehicle positionsVSAvoidnumber of simulated rotating bodies

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs asymmetric arrangement of simulated rotating bodies according to actual traffic scenarios. For example, more simulated bodies are placed in the front direction where oncoming traffic is most common, while fewer are placed in the rear. This asymmetric configuration achieves comprehensive splashing reproduction with minimal number of components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 testing of vehicles or vehicle components by reproducing splashing from nearby vehicles, enhancing the accuracy of sensor evaluations in various weather conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a water supply unit that supplies water to the simulated rotating bodies so as to cause splashing to be generated from the simulated rotating bodies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSplashing:

Data Source

PatentEP4641163A1Test specimen testing system and test specimen testing method

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 HORIBA LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The present invention is a test specimen testing system 100 that tests a test specimen W formed by a vehicle or a portion thereof, and tests this test specimen W while reproducing the splashing generated by other vehicles traveling in the vicinity of the test specimen W, and that includes a testing apparatus 2 on which the test specimen W is mounted or to which the test specimen W is connected, and a splashing simulator 3 that simulates splashing from other vehicles traveling in the vicinity of the test specimen W.