Corner stability testing apparatus
First Claim
1. Apparatus for testing the cornering stability of a vehicle to determine when the vehicle begins to slide or tip over comprising:
- a movable platform capable of supporting the weight of a vehicle, the vehicle being positioned on one end of the platform with a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle being orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the platform;
a counterweight positioned at an opposite end of the platform from the vehicle;
means for rotating the platform through a range of speeds to simulate vehicle movement in a circular path such as when the vehicle is rounding a corner; and
,sensor means attached to the vehicle for detecting movement of the vehicle relative to the platform.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus (10) for testing the cornering stability of a vehicle (12) to determine when the vehicle begins to slide or tip over when rounding a corner. A movable platform (32) is capable of supporting the weight of a vehicle, and the vehicle is positioned on one end of the platform. A counterweight (42) is positioned at the opposite end of the platform. The platform is rotatable through a range of speeds to simulate vehicle movement in a circular path such as when the vehicle is rounding a corner. Sensors are attached to wheels (T3, T4) of the vehicle to detect a sliding movement of the vehicle relative to the platform. A lifting movement which occurs when the vehicle begins to tip over, is also detectable. A method of determining a vehicle'"'"'s center of gravity which will provide stability is also disclosed.
70 Citations
19 Claims
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1. Apparatus for testing the cornering stability of a vehicle to determine when the vehicle begins to slide or tip over comprising:
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a movable platform capable of supporting the weight of a vehicle, the vehicle being positioned on one end of the platform with a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle being orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the platform; a counterweight positioned at an opposite end of the platform from the vehicle; means for rotating the platform through a range of speeds to simulate vehicle movement in a circular path such as when the vehicle is rounding a corner; and
,sensor means attached to the vehicle for detecting movement of the vehicle relative to the platform. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. Apparatus for testing the cornering stability of a vehicle to determine when the vehicle begins to slide or tip over comprising:
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a movable platform capable of supporting the weight of a vehicle, the vehicle being positioned at one end of the platform; a counterweight positioned at an opposite end of the platform from the vehicle; means for rotating the platform through a range of speeds to simulate vehicle movement in a circular path such as when the vehicle is rounding a corner; means for tilting the platform to simulate movement of the vehicle around hills and for tilting the platform to simulate movement of the vehicle turning uphill and on an incline; and
,sensor means attached to the vehicle for detecting movement of the vehicle relative to the platform, the vehicle being positioned on the platform with a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle orthogonal to a line extending radially outwardly from the center of the platform surface, the vehicle, when so positioned, having an inner set of wheels and an outer set of wheels with respect to the direction of rotation of the platform, the sensor means including a sensor attached at each inner wheel of the vehicle for sensing when an inner wheel lifts off the platform, and further including a sensor attached at each outer wheel for sensing when the vehicle overcomes friction and begins to slide laterally.
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Specification