Vehicle Test Apparatus Lateral Translation Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shaker rigs used for vehicle testing are affected by suspension bind-up, leading to unrealistic tire contact patch forces and degraded data fidelity due to restricted lateral wheel movement.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle test apparatus incorporates a pair of support members with lateral translation assemblies and hydraulic cylinders that allow independent lateral movement of wheels relative to the vehicle, decoupling wheel movement from vehicle movement, and includes sensors and control valves for real-time fluid flow control to manage suspension bind-up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If lateral movement of wheels is restricted during vehicle testing, then vehicle stability is improved, but suspension bind-up occurs and data fidelity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the vehicle testing function into independent wheelpan assemblies, each capable of lateral movement relative to the vehicle body. This allows the wheels to move laterally independently while the vehicle remains stabilized on the test apparatus, preventing suspension bind-up without compromising vehicle stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelpan assemblies are designed with dynamic lateral movement capability, allowing them to adjust position in response to wheel movement demands. This dynamic adjustment prevents suspension bind-up by accommodating lateral wheel displacement while maintaining overall vehicle stability through controlled movement rather than rigid restriction.
2Reliability
If lateral movement of wheels is allowed during vehicle testing, then suspension bind-up is reduced and data fidelity is improved, but vehicle stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelpan assemblies serve as intermediary elements between the vehicle and the test apparatus. They provide a controlled interface that allows lateral wheel movement to occur while isolating the vehicle body from direct lateral forces, thereby maintaining vehicle stability even as wheels move laterally to prevent suspension bind-up.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelpan assemblies perform multiple functions simultaneously: they support the vehicle weight, allow lateral wheel movement to prevent suspension bind-up, and maintain vehicle stability on the test apparatus. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling both wheel movement and stability through a single integrated mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If wheel movement is decoupled from vehicle movement, then suspension bind-up is minimized and data accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent wheelpan assemblies that can move laterally relative to the vehicle body. This segmentation enables decoupling of wheel movement from vehicle movement, allowing accurate measurement of wheel behavior without suspension bind-up while keeping each assembly's mechanism relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelpan assemblies are designed to automatically adjust to wheel movement demands through their inherent mechanical design, reducing the need for complex active control systems. The passive mechanical allowance for lateral movement provides the necessary decoupling while minimizing added complexity compared to actively controlled systems.
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 design minimizes suspension bind-up, enhancing data fidelity by allowing realistic tire contact patch forces and improving the accuracy of vehicle noise, vibration, and handling parameter testing.
Implementation Method 1
Each assembly of the pair of lateral translation assemblies further includes a hydraulic cylinder arranged with a respective front wheelpan to direct lateral movement thereof. Each of the hydraulic cylinders outputs a force in a lateral direction relative to the respective central axis responsive to receipt of a signal indicating lateral movement of a wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle test apparatus is provided. The vehicle test apparatus may include a pair of support members and a pair of lateral translation assemblies. Each support member defines a central axis. Each assembly of the pair of lateral translation assemblies may be mounted to an upper end of one of the pair of support members. Each assembly of the pair of lateral translation assemblies may include a front wheelpan mounted to one of the pair of support members for lateral movement relative to a respective central axis. Each assembly of the pair of lateral translation assemblies may further include a hydraulic cylinder arranged with a respective front wheelpan to direct lateral movement thereof.