Roller Brake Tester with Vehicle Alignment and Vibration Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake system testers, such as roller brake testers, are used sub-optimally due to the need for separate devices for brake and driving assistance system testing, which increases maintenance, space requirements, and production time.

Innovation Solution

A device with a platform and multiple sets of rollers, equipped with an aligning means that positions vehicles at a predetermined location, allowing for simultaneous testing and calibration of brake and driving assistance systems, utilizing a single device with integrated functionality and reduced maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate devices are used for brake system testing and driving assistance system testing, then each system can be tested independently, but the device complexity, space requirements, and maintenance burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines brake system testing and driving assistance system testing into a single integrated device. The roller platform serves dual purposes: it can test brake systems by measuring forces on rollers, and simultaneously position and test driving assistance systems by controlling vehicle placement and orientation on the same platform. This eliminates the need for separate testing devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The testing device is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple types of tests. The roller brake tester platform can accommodate both brake system evaluation through force measurement and driving assistance system evaluation through controlled vehicle positioning and sensor calibration, making a single device serve multiple functions that previously required separate equipment.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate testing devices are provided, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but the space required on the production floor increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges brake system testing and driving assistance system testing into one physical device. The same roller platform and vehicle positioning mechanism are used for both testing purposes, consolidating what would have been two separate devices into one, thereby reducing the space footprint on the production floor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device achieves multi-functionality by using the roller platform for both brake force measurement and vehicle positioning for driving assistance system calibration. This universal design allows comprehensive testing capabilities within a single device footprint, eliminating the need for additional space for separate testing equipment.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate testing devices are maintained, then all systems can be tested, but the maintenance intensity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple testing functions into one device, meaning maintenance personnel only need to service one device instead of two separate devices. The roller platform, drives, and measurement systems are shared between brake testing and driving assistance system testing, halving the maintenance workload.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal design means that a single maintenance team can service all testing functions through one device. The same mechanical components, drives, and measurement systems are used for both brake system evaluation and driving assistance system calibration, reducing the overall maintenance burden and complexity.

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

4Productivity

If vehicles are tested without precise positioning, then testing can be performed quickly, but driving assistance system calibration accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethroughput timeVSAvoidcalibration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary positioning actions through the roller drive system that automatically places the vehicle in the correct position before testing begins. The drives control the rollers to position the vehicle precisely on the platform, ensuring proper alignment for driving assistance system calibration before the actual testing commences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual positioning operations with automated roller drive systems. Instead of manual vehicle placement, electric drives on the rollers automatically position the vehicle with precision, combining the speed of automated mechanical systems with the accuracy required for calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enables efficient testing of brake and driving assistance systems in any position, reducing the need for multiple devices, minimizing space and maintenance, and shortening production throughput time.

Implementation Method 1

The aligning roller is provided to push against a wheel during rotation of the set of rollers in order to displace the vehicle on the plurality of sets of rollers to the predetermined location

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a measuring device which is configured to measure a force exerted on the roller for the purpose of performing the test of the brake system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce measurement: Force

Data Source

PatentUS20240377270A1Device for testing a brake system
Publication Date: 2024.11.14 BEP EURO NV
  • US20240377270A1 patent drawing
  • US20240377270A1 patent drawing
  • US20240377270A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for applying vibrations to and for testing a brake system of the passenger car, which device has a platform on which the passenger car is placeable. The platform includes a plurality of rollers whereon a wheel of the passenger car is positionable on each respective roller. Each roller is driven by a drive with a measuring device to measure force exerted on the roller. Each roller has a first relief zone and a second relief-free zone. In a first position the car is located with the wheels on the first zones and in a second position is located with the wheels on the second zones. In the first position vibrations are applied to the car by the relief by rotation of the rollers and so that in the second position the brake system of the cars can be tested by measuring the force exerted by the brake system.