Tyre Behavior Simulation Apparatus for Plunger Test

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing tyre strength test or 'plunger test' is destructive, making it difficult to correlate test results across different machines or monitor machine performance stability, as real tyres are broken and cannot be reused.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for simulating tyre behavior in a plunger test using a ground plate, a supporting plate with damping means, a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator, and activating and switching means to replicate the force and displacement of a real tyre without actual tyre destruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a real tyre is used in a plunger test, then the test can be performed according to standard regulations, but the tyre is destroyed and cannot be reused for repeated testing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest result reliabilityVSAvoidtyre consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simulation apparatus that copies the mechanical behavior of a real tyre using a supporting plate with damping means. This damping system replicates the tyre's elastic properties and deformation characteristics, allowing repeated testing without consuming actual tyre material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary simulation apparatus between the plunger test machine and the measurement system. This apparatus includes a supporting plate connected to the ground plate by damping means, which mediates the force application and displacement measurement, eliminating the need to use real tyres while maintaining test validity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a real tyre is used in a plunger test, then the test machine can be certified, but the test results cannot be repeatedly correlated across different machines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine performance stabilityVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The simulation apparatus creates a reusable copy of tyre behavior that can be consistently tested across different machines and time periods. The damping means are calibrated to replicate tyre characteristics, enabling repeated correlation of test results without the variability introduced by using different real tyres.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts the damping parameters of the supporting plate to match the mechanical properties of real tyres. By calibrating the damping characteristics, the system maintains consistent test results across different machines and time periods, eliminating the need for continuous re-certification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple real tyres are used for repeated testing, then different test scenarios can be evaluated, but the cost and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest scenario coverageVSAvoidtyre consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The simulation apparatus creates a reusable copy of tyre behavior that can be consistently tested across different machines and time periods. The damping means are calibrated to replicate tyre characteristics, enabling repeated correlation of test results without the variability introduced by using different real tyres.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary simulation apparatus between the plunger test machine and the measurement system. This apparatus includes a supporting plate connected to the ground plate by damping means, which mediates the force application and displacement measurement, eliminating the need to use real tyres while maintaining test validity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution allows for repeated and comparable simulation of tyre behavior across different machines, enabling stable performance monitoring and reducing the need for multiple real tyres, thus being cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

a supporting plate (3) being movably connected to the ground plate (2) by damping means (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator (5) being connected to the supporting plate (3) and comprising an actuator piston (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatics and hydraulics: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4300067B1Apparatus and method for simulating the tyre behavior in a plunger test
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 BRIDGESTONE EURO NV SA
  • EP4300067B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4300067B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4300067B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatus for simulating a tyre behavior in a plunger test, comprising a ground plate suitable for being firmly fixed to a tyre supporting hub of a plunger test machine, a supporting plate being movably connected to the ground plate by damping means, wherein the damping means allow a displacement only along a preferred axis of translation, a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator being connected to the supporting plate, wherein the pneumatic or hydraulic actuator is suitable for being filled with a compressed fluid when in operation and wherein the pneumatic or hydraulic actuator comprises an actuator piston, activating means being connected to the ground plate and suitable to trigger the discharge of the compressed fluid in the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder when activated, switching means connected to the supporting plate suitable to engage the activating means when the supporting plate is being displaced, wherein the supporting plate is suitable to being moved along the preferred axis of translation when a displacement is applied to the actuator rod.