Laterally Offset Wheel Devices for Rapid Emergency Undocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motor vehicle test benches face challenges in efficiently and safely docking and undocking vehicles, particularly with electric vehicles, due to complex assembly processes and the risk of delayed emergency response in case of fires, as manual decoupling is time-consuming and poses safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A test bench design featuring laterally offset wheel devices with insertion means that can be moved translationally and automatically, equipped with spline-shaped or conical insertion sections for quick engagement and disengagement, and integrated with measuring and drive systems for precise control and rapid undocking in emergency situations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual decoupling of the vehicle from wheel machines is used, then safety can be maintained with simpler systems, but the time required for undocking increases significantly during emergencies

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidundocking time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel device incorporates movable components that can dynamically transition between coupled and uncoupled states. The insertion means can be automatically extended or retracted to engage or disengage from the vehicle wheel, enabling rapid undocking during emergencies while maintaining secure connection during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel device is equipped with automated control capabilities that allow it to perform undocking operations independently without manual intervention. The system can automatically detect emergency conditions and execute the decoupling sequence, reducing undocking time while ensuring safety through controlled operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If complex assembly processes are used for docking, then secure connection can be achieved, but the time required for setup and undocking increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoiddocking efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel device is divided into functional modules: a movable wheel device portion, an insertion means for engagement, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates automated assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion means acts as an intermediary element between the wheel device and the vehicle wheel. It provides a standardized interface that enables secure mechanical engagement while allowing for rapid insertion and removal, thus maintaining connection security without requiring complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If automated undocking systems are implemented, then emergency response time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency response timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device serves multiple functions: it manages the automated undocking sequence, monitors system status, and can detect emergency conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving rapid automated response.

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

4Extent of automation

If wheel devices are positioned laterally offset from the support surface, then automated movement and engagement become possible, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated docking capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel device is designed with movable components that can translate laterally offset from the support surface positioning. This dynamic capability enables automated engagement with vehicle wheels while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the movement is achieved through controlled displacement of specific components rather than complex mechanical arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3872474B1Test bench for motor vehicles
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 AIP GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3872474B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3872474B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3872474B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Test stand 1 for testing motor vehicles 100 with a setup surface 2 on which a motor vehicle 100 to be tested can be set up, at least two wheel devices 10 for receiving rotational forces of a motor vehicle axle or for transmitting rotational forces to a motor vehicle axle, which are arranged laterally offset to the setup surface 2, wherein each wheel device 10 has an insertion means 11 with an insertion section 12 which can be brought into positive engagement with a receiving section 111 of a wheel of the motor vehicle 100, and wherein the wheel device 10 and/or the insertion means 11 is designed to be movable along a direction of the vehicle axis.