6-Axis Road Simulator for Vehicle Dynamics Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle test simulators, such as spindle-coupled and articulated running flat belt platforms, fail to effectively simulate extreme driving conditions due to neglecting tire loading effects on vehicle dynamics and not fully replicating road profiles.
Innovation Solution
A 6-axis road simulator system that dynamically simulates vehicle movement by controlling each wheel's displacement and speed, using individually actuated road simulators with closed-loop controls, capable of up to 6-axis displacement and resistance, to accurately replicate road profiles and simulate various driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spindle-coupled actuators are used to simulate road profiles, then the road simulation capability is improved, but the tire loading effects on vehicle dynamics are neglected leading to inaccurate simulation of extreme driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The road simulator is divided into multiple independently controllable actuators, each capable of applying forces in multiple directions (vertical, lateral, longitudinal) to different wheels. This segmentation allows independent control of tire loading effects on each wheel, enabling accurate simulation of extreme driving conditions while maintaining road profile simulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional single-axis vertical road simulation to multi-axis (6-DOF) simulation by adding lateral and longitudinal actuation capabilities. This dimensional expansion allows the simulator to replicate complex tire loading effects and extreme driving conditions that cannot be achieved with vertical forces alone.
2Measurement precision
If vertical actuators are applied to simulate road conditions, then the road profile representation is improved, but extreme driving conditions cannot be completely simulated
Solution Approach 1:
Each actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: vertical road profile simulation, lateral force application, and longitudinal force application. This multi-functionality allows the same actuator system to accurately represent road profiles while also simulating extreme driving conditions such as skidding, drifting, and aggressive maneuvering.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system employs dynamic control capabilities with independent control of force magnitudes and directions for each actuator. This dynamic control allows real-time adjustment to replicate varying road profiles and extreme driving conditions, making the system adaptable to a wide range of testing scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to control each wheel's displacement and speed, then the simulation comprehensiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple actuation functions (vertical, lateral, longitudinal) are integrated into unified actuator assemblies that can apply combined forces to each wheel. This merging reduces the total number of separate actuators needed while maintaining comprehensive simulation capabilities across all six degrees of freedom.
Data Source
AI summary
A 6-axis road simulator test system is disclosed which allows for dynamic simulation of vehicles on road surfaces in a controlled environment for development or production testing conditions. The system turns the vehicle wheels, or provides resistance to turning of the wheels while subjecting each of the vehicle's wheel in up to 6-axis of displacement, based on road profile simulation.