Test Bench Vibration Control via Adjustable Resonance Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current test bench arrangements struggle to accurately simulate real-world vibration conditions, leading to unrealistic test results and potential unexpected errors or malfunctions in vehicle components, necessitating improved correlation between engine components in real vehicles and test benches.

Innovation Solution

A control device adjusts vibration-relevant properties of an element between the test bench and test object to match predetermined vibration courses, allowing for adaptive changes in resonance frequencies and simulation of specific vibration states, using adjustable elements like metal mesh or electro-rheological fluids to influence vibrations and avoid resonance issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed vibration properties are used in test bench arrangements, then the structure is simple and stable, but the ability to simulate real-world vibration conditions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to simulate real-world vibration conditionsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the vibration properties of support structure elements adjustable during operation. Elements such as bearings or mounting structures can change their stiffness or damping characteristics dynamically to match real-world vibration conditions, transforming a static test bench into an adaptive system that simulates varying operational environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying vibration-relevant properties (such as stiffness, damping, or resonance frequency) of support structure elements during testing. This allows the test bench to adapt its mechanical characteristics to match different real-world operating conditions, enabling more realistic vibration simulation without requiring multiple fixed-configuration test benches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If resonance frequencies are not adjusted, then the test bench operation is simple, but unexpected errors and malfunctions occur due to resonance issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavoidance of unexpected errors and malfunctionsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using sensors to detect actual vibration conditions and resonance phenomena, then feeding this information back to a control device that adjusts the vibration properties of support elements. This closed-loop control system automatically detects resonance issues and modifies system parameters to avoid malfunction, ensuring reliable testing under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-programming or pre-configuring the control device with target vibration profiles and resonance avoidance parameters. Before actual testing begins, the system can pre-adjust support element properties to optimal values, preventing resonance issues before they occur rather than reacting to them during testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If real-world vibration conditions are not accurately simulated, then the test bench design is simple, but test results do not correlate with real vehicle performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrelation between test results and real vehicle performanceVSAvoidvibration control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by using sensors and control systems to replicate real-world vibration profiles and operating conditions on the test bench. Instead of physically transporting vehicles to test locations, the system creates accurate copies of real-world vibration environments through controlled excitation and adaptive support structures, enabling realistic component testing in a laboratory setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 precise simulation of real driving conditions on a test bench, shifting resonance frequencies out of critical ranges and ensuring optimal vibration states, thereby enhancing the design and durability of vehicle components by providing more realistic and reliable test results.

Implementation Method 1

the vibrations between at least one pair of elements of the test bench arrangement and/or of the test object that can oscillate relative to one another can be influenced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

to permanently shift resonance frequencies into a non-critical range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

a damper whose damping constant can be influenced by using an electrorheological fluid in order to avoid resonance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrorheological effect: Electrorheological Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2776807B1Test bench arrangement and method for operating such a test bench arrangement
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 AVL LIST GMBH
  • EP2776807B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP2776807B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4

AI summary

A test bench arrangement for at least one specimen (1) comprising at least one actuator for acting on the specimen, at least one sensor for recording measurement values, and a support structure (2) for the specimen. In order to improve the correlation between the ratios of engines, components or the like when using, for example, in a real vehicle and alternatively in a test bench arrangement, at least one element (4), which can be set by a control device in at least one vibration-relevant characteristic, is interconnected between at least one pair of elements of the test bench arrangement which can resonate against each other and/or the specimen (1).