Vehicle parasitic loss and drive line efficiency test fixture and method
AssigneeChrysler Corporation
InventorJack M. Sowle
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A testing apparatus that is used for measuring a vehicle's parasitic loss and overall, loaded efficiency utilizes an external electric drive motor, as an input, connected to the engine crankshaft of the vehicle and dynamometers connected to each driving wheel hub, to measure output at the wheels. Although its wheels with tires are removed, the vehicle remains largely intact and rests upon vehicle supports, which are mounted to a track system under the vehicle. The track system permits the drive motor and dynamometers to adjust and accommodate any vehicle for efficiency analysis. A computer monitors the driving motor input and output at the dynamometers to calculate efficiency.
Claims20
A test apparatus for a vehicle comprising:
- a drive motor connected to a first component of the vehicle;
- a first dynamometer connected to a second component of the vehicle;
- and
- a track system about the vehicle to permit translation of the drive motor and dynamometer about a perimeter of the vehicle.
A test apparatus for measuring torque of a vehicle comprising:
- a drive motor connected to an engine crankshaft of the vehicle;
- a dynamometer connected to each drive wheel of the vehicle;
- a track system under the vehicle;
- and
- a plurality of vehicle supports to support the vehicle on the track system.
A method of measuring vehicle efficiency comprising:
- conducting a vehicle coastdown test;
- installing the vehicle on a fixture;
- and
- measuring torque losses of vehicle driveline components with the vehicle installed on the fixture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.