Steerable Test Wheel Structure for Stable Roller Bench Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test benches struggle with vehicles unintentionally leaving the rollers during steering maneuvers, especially when front wheels are steered, and fail to simulate realistic driving conditions for testing vehicle functions, particularly for vehicles with electronic control systems.
Innovation Solution
A test wheel with a wheel hub that can rotate relative to the wheel rim about upright and horizontally oriented axes, connected to a drive motor, allowing precise simulation of steering movements while securing the vehicle, and a test stand with electromagnetic shielding to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the front wheels are steered during vehicle testing, then realistic driving conditions can be simulated, but the vehicle may unintentionally leave the roller pair
Solution Approach 1:
The test wheel hub is designed to rotate about a vertical axis relative to the wheel rim, enabling dynamic steering movements while the wheel rim remains stationary on the roller. This dynamic capability allows the vehicle to simulate steering maneuvers without compromising stability, as the steering rotation occurs at the hub level rather than moving the entire wheel assembly off the roller
Solution Approach 2:
The test wheel is segmented into distinct functional components: the wheel rim that contacts the roller and remains stationary, and the wheel hub that rotates about a vertical axis to simulate steering. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the rim provides stable roller contact while the hub enables steering simulation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel hub is fixed to the wheel rim, then the structure is simple, but steering movements cannot be simulated
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between wheel hub and wheel rim is designed to allow rotational movement about a vertical axis. This dynamic connection enables steering simulation while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure based on bearing arrangements, avoiding the need for complex actuation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The test wheel combines the functions of a stationary support wheel and a steerable wheel into a single assembly. The wheel rim provides stationary support on the roller while the wheel hub provides steering rotation, merging both functions in one component that simplifies the overall test bench configuration
3Reliability
If electromagnetic shielding is added to the test stand, then electronic control systems can be tested reliably, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test bench incorporates electromagnetic shielding that creates an electromagnetically inert environment around the vehicle under test. This shielding atmosphere blocks external electromagnetic interference and contains emissions from the vehicle, enabling reliable testing of electronic control systems without requiring complex test procedures or repeated measurements
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 accurate simulation of steering maneuvers and electromagnetic compatibility testing, ensuring vehicle stability and reliable operation of electronic systems under simulated driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the wheel hub is connected to the wheel rim via a rolling bearing in such a way that, with the test wheel stationary, the wheel hub can be rotated relative to the wheel rim about an upright and preferably vertically oriented axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A test wheel (1) for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The test wheel (1) comprises a wheel rim (9) and a wheel hub (7), which wheel hub (7) is designed to be fastened to a hub carrier of a motor vehicle (2). The wheel hub (7) is connected to a wheel rim (9) of the test wheel (1) such that, when the test wheel (1) is in a standing position, the wheel hub (7) can be turned relative to the wheel rim (9) about an upright and preferably vertically oriented axis (30) and/or such that, when the test wheel (1) is in a standing position, the wheel hub (7) can rotate relative to the wheel rim (9) about a horizontally oriented axis (40) and can be connected to a shaft (5) of a drive motor, which drive motor is part of a test bench (10).