Vehicle Wheel Test Machine with Slewing Ring and Independent Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel testing machines are bulky and heavy, leading to high inertias that affect acceleration, speed, and precision, requiring powerful and energy-intensive actuators, which limits their ability to faithfully simulate dynamic road stresses.
Innovation Solution
A compact testing machine design featuring a rotating drum with a slewing ring and suspended wheel movement device, utilizing independent actuators for precise control of slip and camber movements, and a wheel protection device for containment, reducing weight and bulk while maintaining dynamic stress simulation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If bulky and heavy structures are used to ensure adequate support for loads and prevent vibrations, then structural stability and vibration prevention are improved, but weight and dimensions increase, leading to high inertias that affect acceleration, speed, and precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing active vibration control systems and dynamic load adjustment mechanisms that allow the structure to adapt its stiffness and damping characteristics in real-time, enabling lighter construction while maintaining stability during actual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes structural parameters by using variable stiffness elements and adjustable support mechanisms that optimize the structure's mechanical properties during different phases of operation, reducing overall weight while ensuring adequate support when needed
2Measurement precision
If powerful actuators are used to drive the testing machine, then movement precision and control capability are improved, but weight, bulk, and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control systems with sensors that continuously monitor position, force, and movement parameters, allowing smaller actuators to achieve precise control through real-time adjustments based on actual system state rather than relying on oversized actuators for margin of safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical actuation systems with hybrid systems that incorporate electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic components, enabling more efficient energy conversion and reduced actuator size while maintaining the required movement precision and control capability
3Speed
If the machine structure is reduced in weight and dimensions, then acceleration and speed capability are improved, but structural rigidity and vibration resistance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials with high strength-to-weight ratios, combining materials with different properties to create lightweight structural components that maintain or exceed the rigidity of traditional heavier materials, enabling faster movement without sacrificing structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional structural dimensions through space-frame configurations, triangulated support structures, or multi-layered designs that provide enhanced rigidity and vibration resistance without increasing overall weight, allowing the machine to achieve higher speeds while maintaining structural strength
Data Source
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AI summary
A testing machine (1) for a vehicle wheel (4) comprises a base frame (2), suitable for resting on a support surface (P), and a rotating drum (3) rotatably supported by the base frame around a drum axis (T). The testing machine (1) further comprises rotating drum actuating means (5), for rotating the rotating drum (3) around the drum axis (T), and a wheel movement device (6), suitable for rotatably supporting the vehicle wheel (4) around a wheel axis (Z) and for moving the vehicle wheel (4) from a position spaced from the rotating drum (3) to a position in contact with the rotating drum (3). The wheel movement device (6) is rotatably supported by the base frame (2) around a slip rotation axis (S), incident or perpendicular to a plane (K) tangent to the contact point (Q) between the vehicle wheel (4) and the rotating drum (3). Moreover, the wheel movement device (6) is rotatably supported by the base frame (2) around a camber rotation axis (C), perpendicular to the wheel axis (Z) and to the slip rotation axis (S), so that following a rotation of the wheel movement device (6) around the camber rotation axis (C), the vehicle wheel (4) is rotated according to a camber angle (β).