Drive Train Test Stand Coupling With Tire-Like Torsional Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive train test stands are not suitable for reliably testing electrically driven drive trains prior to installation in a vehicle, as they fail to replicate the torsional behavior and resilience of an actual vehicle's drive train.
Innovation Solution
A coupling module for a drive train test stand that includes a wheel rim and a wheel cap with an annular damping element, which mimics the torsional vibration damping properties of a vehicle tire, ensuring a resilient connection between the drive shaft and the articulated shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid steel wheel cage module is used to connect the drive shaft to the articulated shaft, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the torsional behavior and resilience do not match the actual vehicle drive train
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid steel to elastomeric material for the damping element, transforming the mechanical properties to achieve both strength and torsional resilience. The elastomeric material maintains structural integrity while providing the necessary flexibility to match actual vehicle drive train behavior during testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining the steel wheel rim structure with an elastomeric damping element. This composite approach integrates the high strength of steel with the torsional flexibility of elastomeric material, creating a coupling module that satisfies both structural and dynamic requirements.
2Power
If the electric drive motor is located directly on the axle, then the drive path is shortened and power transmission is improved, but the drive train becomes overly stiff and does not replicate actual vehicle behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric damping element serves as an intermediary component between the drive shaft and articulated shaft. It mediates the power transmission while introducing the necessary torsional compliance, effectively decoupling the direct rigid connection that would otherwise create excessive stiffness in the drive train.
3Device complexity
If existing test stand configurations are used, then the testing setup is simple, but the test results do not correspond to actual vehicle drive train behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the material parameter of the coupling module from rigid to elastomeric, which fundamentally changes the dynamic characteristics of the test stand. This single parameter change enables the test stand to accurately replicate actual vehicle drive train behavior without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire testing 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
The coupling module provides a more realistic simulation of the drive train's behavior by replicating the resilience and torsional characteristics of an actual vehicle's drive train, allowing for a more accurate and reliable testing of electrically driven drive trains.
Implementation Method 1
an annular damping element (25), in particular in the form of a vehicle tire (25), which is in frictionally engaging abutment with an inner side (24''') of the side wall (24'') of the wheel cap (24)
Implementation Method 2
annular damping element (25)... mimics the torsional vibration damping properties of a vehicle tire
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling module for a drive train test stand for connecting an articulated shaft to a driveshaft. The coupling module includes a wheel rim and a wheel cap. The wheel rim can be rotationally fixed to the driveshaft. The wheel cap has a base surface and a lateral wall. The wheel cap can be rotationally fixed to the articulated shaft. A vehicle wheel is arranged on the wheel rim, the trad of the wheel being in frictional contact with the inner face of the lateral wall of the wheel cap. Also disclosed is a corresponding output module for a drive train test stand and to a drive train test stand for testing a vehicle drive train.