Vehicle Test Apparatus for Bushing Wear Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing vehicle components like bushings and joints are arbitrary and prone to human error, making it difficult to detect wear and play, which can lead to increased vibrations, reduced safety, and inefficient fuel consumption in heavy-duty vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle test apparatus with a control unit that automatically selects and executes a testing sequence to expose interaction points to specific forces and movements, using sensors and video recording to collect and evaluate data, reducing human influence and ensuring non-damaging testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control and visual monitoring are used to test bushings or joints, then the testing process is simple to operate, but the assessment becomes arbitrary and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual monitoring with automated optical sensors and cameras that capture images and measurements of bushing or joint behavior during testing. The mechanical manual assessment is substituted with automated image processing and data analysis systems that objectively evaluate play and wear without human subjectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system automatically performs measurements, captures images, and generates assessment reports without requiring manual intervention for data collection and analysis. The system self-evaluates the condition of bushings or joints by processing sensor data and comparing it against predetermined criteria.
2Reliability
If automated testing sequences are implemented, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test apparatus is designed with multi-functional components that can test various types of bushings and joints using the same basic mechanism. The shake plate, sensors, and control system can be configured for different testing scenarios, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining high reliability across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that manages the complexity of automated testing sequences. This control system coordinates sensors, actuators, and data processing functions, separating the complexity of automation from the operational simplicity required by users. The intermediary layer handles complex computations and decision-making while presenting a simple interface.
3Measurement precision
If strong forces are applied to detect wear and play, then measurement precision improves, but the risk of damaging vehicle components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system dynamically adjusts the magnitude and duration of forces applied during testing based on real-time feedback from sensors. Rather than applying constant high forces, the system uses controlled, varying forces that are sufficient to reveal wear and play but remain below damage thresholds. The dynamic adjustment allows precise detection while protecting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies forces that are partially sufficient to reveal wear - not necessarily the maximum force needed to completely expose all defects, but enough to detect significant wear and play within safe limits. This partial action approach balances detection sensitivity with component protection, avoiding excessive forces that could cause damage.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for testing an interaction point of vehicle components such as bushings or joints by means of a vehicle test apparatus (1), wherein the vehicle test apparatus (1) comprises a test apparatus control unit (2), at least one vehicle wheel support (3) movable in a horizontal plane, and means for monitoring (4) bushings or joints. The vehicle wheel support (3) and the means for monitoring (4) are controllable by means of the test apparatus control unit (2). The method comprises the step of: determining interaction point of vehicle components such as bushing or joints to be tested, and the following steps performed by means of the test apparatus control unit (2); selecting testing sequence based on determined interaction point of vehicle components such as bushing or joint to be tested, controlling movement of the vehicle wheel support (3) in at least a first direction in the horizontal plane according to the selected testing sequence, monitoring interaction point of vehicle components such as bushing or joint behaviour by means of the means for monitoring (4), and collecting measurement data from the means for monitoring (4). The invention also relates to a vehicle test apparatus (1) configured to executed the method of the invention.