Static tire test fixture and related method
AssigneeDaimlerChrysler AG
InventorsJohn B Ferris, Mark A Froelich
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for the static testing of a vehicle tire to determine displacement as a function of force of the tire. A tire is placed upon several cross members that are vertically adjustable where the cross members are vertically adjusted to simulate a particular road bed profile. A tire is then forced down upon the cross members and the force created upon the cross members is measured against the displacement of the tire.
Claims13
An apparatus for static testing of a vehicle tire, the apparatus comprising:
- a support structure including a base plate;
- a plurality of guide members vertically extending from the base plate in a spaced apart relation;
- a cross member slideably interconnected with a respective pair of the plurality of guide members so as to be vertically adjustable thereon;
- a drive member associated with the cross member for moving the cross member in a vertical direction respective to the base plate to simulate a road bed topography;
- a tire mounting member for receiving the tire and displacing the tire vertically relative to the cross member;
- a force generating member coupled to said tire mounting member wherein said force generating member imparts a force on said tire;
- and
- a measuring device for measuring the force applied to the support structure from interaction of the tire with the simulated road bed topography.
A method of static testing a vehicle tire, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a support structure including a base plate;
- providing a plurality of guide members vertically extending from the base plate;
- providing a cross member slideably connected to an associated pair of guide members;
- orienting the cross member to replicate a predetermined road profile;
- downwardly displacing the tire against the cross member;
- and
- measuring a force applied to the support structure by the tire as a function of the tire displacement.
An apparatus for static testing of a vehicle tire, said apparatus comprising a base plate with a variable top surface wherein said variable top surface includes adjustable elements that can be positioned to simulate different road bed topographies.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.