Retractable-Bearing Test Wheels for Steerable Vehicle Dynamometers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dynamometer systems do not allow vehicles to be steered during laboratory testing, especially for autonomous vehicles, leading to challenges in evaluating autonomous control systems and measuring emissions and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A series of apparatuses and methods enable vehicle steering during dynamometer testing by using free-wheeling bearing wheels, telescoping driveshafts, and turntable assemblies to accommodate steering angle changes, allowing vehicles to be steered manually or automatically while maintaining stable testing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional chassis roll dynamometers are used for vehicle testing, then the vehicle can be tested under controlled conditions, but the vehicle cannot be steered or self-steered during testing
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamometer system is divided into separate functional modules: a steering mechanism module that allows steering angle changes, a load application module that applies braking or rolling resistance, and a control module that coordinates both functions. This segmentation enables steering capability to be added without redesigning the entire dynamometer system.
Solution Approach 2:
A steering mechanism acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's steering system and the dynamometer's load application system. This intermediary component allows the vehicle to change steering angles while the dynamometer maintains controlled loading conditions, resolving the conflict between steering capability and testing stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex steering mechanisms are added to existing dynamometers, then vehicle steering during testing becomes possible, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The steering mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the steering angle to change during testing based on vehicle requirements. This dynamic capability is achieved through simple mechanical linkages that can be retrofitted to existing dynamometers without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering mechanism is designed with universal applicability to work with various vehicle types and dynamometer configurations. The same basic mechanism can be retrofitted to different models, making the solution cost-effective and easy to manufacture across multiple applications.
3Extent of automation
If the vehicle steering system is allowed to operate freely during dynamometer testing, then autonomous control systems can be evaluated, but the testing stability and control precision decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously monitors the vehicle's steering angle, speed, and load conditions, providing feedback to adjust the steering mechanism and load application in real-time. This feedback system enables autonomous control evaluation while maintaining testing stability and precision through active regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the vehicle in a controlled state before autonomous steering maneuvers begin. The control module establishes baseline parameters and prepares the steering mechanism in advance, ensuring that when autonomous control is activated, the testing conditions remain stable and measurable.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle test system includes a free-wheeling automobile wheel including a rim defining a rim passage, and a bearing that extends through the rim passage such that the bearing is outside the rim to support the free-wheeling automobile wheel and retracts through the rim passage such that the bearing is inside the rim.