Virtual Wheel Loading Simulation for Non-Uniformity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the behavior of loaded vehicle wheels require strong forces, leading to bulky and costly measurement apparatuses, and do not accurately account for non-uniformities in wheel construction that cause vibrations under load.

Innovation Solution

A method involving contour scanning of the wheel to simulate loading with virtual elements, allowing for precise determination of wheel behavior without physical loading, using finite element calculations and ring models to predict deformations and forces, and considering parameters like spring rates and wall thickness for accurate simulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a load roller is used to apply strong radial forces to the wheel during rotation, then realistic loaded wheel conditions can be measured, but the measuring apparatus becomes heavy and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracy under loadVSAvoidapparatus weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy or model of the wheel (virtual wheel model) and simulates the loading conditions computationally instead of physically. The contour data of the wheel is used to build a model that can be virtually loaded, eliminating the need for heavy physical load rollers while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical load roller system with a computational simulation system. Instead of using physical forces and mechanical components to apply load, the invention uses computer-based calculations to simulate the effects of loading on the wheel, substituting mechanical complexity with digital processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a load roller is used to apply strong radial forces to the wheel during rotation, then realistic loaded wheel conditions can be measured, but the apparatus becomes costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracy under loadVSAvoidapparatus cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy or model of the wheel (virtual wheel model) and simulates the loading conditions computationally instead of physically. The contour data of the wheel is used to build a model that can be virtually loaded, eliminating the need for heavy physical load rollers while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical load roller system with a computational simulation system. Instead of using physical forces and mechanical components to apply load, the invention uses computer-based calculations to simulate the effects of loading on the wheel, substituting mechanical complexity with digital processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If physical loading with strong forces is applied to the wheel, then wheel behavior under load can be determined, but physical wear occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel behavior determinationVSAvoidphysical wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy or model of the wheel (virtual wheel model) and simulates the loading conditions computationally instead of physically. The contour data of the wheel is used to build a model that can be virtually loaded, eliminating the need for heavy physical load rollers while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary contour scanning of the wheel to create a digital model before any loading simulation. This preliminary action captures all necessary geometric information, allowing subsequent virtual loading experiments to be performed without physical contact, thus preventing wear during the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Weight of stationary object

If the wheel contour is scanned and virtual loading simulation is performed, then heavy equipment is not needed, but complex calculations are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus weightVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical load roller system with a computational simulation system. Instead of using physical forces and mechanical components to apply load, the invention uses computer-based calculations to simulate the effects of loading on the wheel, substituting mechanical complexity with digital processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The computational system automatically processes the contour data and performs the loading simulations without requiring complex manual setup or intervention. The system self-manages the complex calculations through automated algorithms, making the complexity transparent to the user while keeping the physical apparatus simple and lightweight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2771643B1Determination of behavior of loaded wheels by load simulation
Publication Date: 2018.03.14 SNAP ON EQUIP SRL
  • EP2771643B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2771643B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2771643B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for contactless determining a behavior of a loaded tyre or wheel, comprising the steps of determining a contour of at least a portion of the tyre or wheel; simulating loading of the tyre or wheel with a virtual loading element bearing against the tyre for at least one rotary position of the wheel on the basis of the determined contour, a displacement of the determined contour caused by the virtual loading element and at least one parameter associated to the tyre or wheel or to a part of the tyre; and determining the behavior of the loaded wheel using the simulation results.