Suspension simulator
AssigneeBridgestone/Firestone, Inc.
InventorGary H. Koopmann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A dynamic load simulator is provided to simulate the suspension system of a vehicle. A spindle, connected to a suspension system, receives a tire in engagement with a rotating drum. A force gauge and velocity gauge are maintained at the spindle to monitor axle forces and movement. Road force is monitored by gauges maintained within the rotating drum. Adjustable springs, dampers, resonators, and weights allow the characteristics of the suspension system to be tailored to simulate those of an actual or conceptual.
Claims19
A suspension simulator for testing a wheel and tire assembly, comprising:
- a spindle receiving a wheel and tire assembly;
- a movable surface in contacting engagement with said tire for simulating a road surface;
- a suspension means connected to said spindle for replicating a suspension system of a vehicle;
- load means connected to said suspension means for imparting a load upon said tire against said movable surface;
- a force gauge connected to said spindle for monitoring forces imparted to said spindle;
- means connected to said spindle for measuring the movement thereof;
- and
- means in juxtaposition to said movable surface for measuring a force imparted from said movable surface to said tire.
A suspension simulator for testing a wheel and tire assembly, comprising:
- a spindle receiving a wheel and tire assembly;
- a movable surface in contacting engagement with said tire for simulating a road surface;
- suspension means connected to said spindle for replicating a suspension system of a vehicle, said suspension means comprising a pair of frame members pivotally interconnected between a pair of plates, a first one of said plates receiving said spindle;
- and
- a load means connected to said suspension means for imparting a load upon said tire against said movable surface.
A suspension simulator for testing a tire and wheel assembly, comprising:
- a spindle adapted for receiving a tire and wheel assembly;
- a movable surface maintained beneath said spindle for engaging and rotating the tire;
- a suspension system connected to said spindle;
- a mass movable about a pivot point and connected to said suspension system, positioning of said mass with respect to said pivot point effecting a desired load on the tire received on said spindle;
- a first force gauge connected to said spindle for monitoring forces imparted thereto;
- a second force gauge connected to said movable surface for measuring force imparted to said movable surface by the tire;
- and
- a transducer connected to said spindle for measuring the velocity of movement of said spindle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.