Steering Test Bench Kinematics With Adjustable Control Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steering test devices lack the accuracy in simulating the kinematics of a vehicle's steering system, particularly in the transverse and vertical directions, which affects the precision of stress testing on components like steering gears and bearings.

Innovation Solution

A steering test stand with a base plate extending in longitudinal and transverse directions, featuring rotatable control arms and wheel carriers connected via longitudinal axes, and driven by deflection levers to simulate precise kinematics in both directions, allowing for adjustable components to match various chassis configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If simulation is performed in both transverse and vertical directions using existing devices, then kinematic simulation capability is improved, but accuracy of axis kinematics simulation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekinematic simulation capabilityVSAvoidaxis kinematics simulation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control arm is divided into multiple segments with individual adjustment capabilities. Each segment can be independently positioned to achieve precise kinematic simulation in both transverse and vertical directions, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive simulation capability and simulation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable control arms that can dynamically adapt their position and orientation. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to maintain high simulation accuracy across different operating conditions while preserving full kinematic simulation capability in multiple directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple replacement control arms with adjustable distances are used, then manufacturing adaptability to different chassis is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechassis configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol arm system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control arms are designed with universal adjustment mechanisms that allow a single component design to serve multiple chassis configurations. By incorporating adjustable length and angle capabilities, the same control arm structure can adapt to different vehicle platforms, reducing the need for multiple specialized components while maintaining high adaptability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3521791B1Steering test bench
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG
  • EP3521791B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3521791B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3521791B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Steering test stand (100), characterized by at least one base plate extending in a longitudinal and a transverse direction, at least one spare control arm (108, 110) rotatably connected at a first end of the spare control arm (108, 110) to the at least one base plate about a first longitudinal axis by means of at least one fastening element, wherein the first longitudinal axis extends in the longitudinal direction, at least one spare wheel carrier (104, 106) for connecting the steering test stand (100) to a steering gear tie rod of a steering system to be tested, wherein the spare wheel carrier (104, 106) rotatably connected at a first end of the spare wheel carrier (104, 106) to a second end of the spare wheel carrier (108, 110) about a second longitudinal axis by means of at least one connecting part, wherein the second longitudinal axis extends in the longitudinal direction, wherein at least one drive (118, 120) is connected via at least one deflection lever (122, 124) generates a force,which acts on the spare wheel carrier (104, 106) in a vertical direction, wherein the vertical direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions.