Indoor hydroplaning test apparatus and method
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for conducting indoor hydroplaning tests on a tire tread comprising:
- a test surface;
a support for mounting a tire for loaded contact between a tread of the tire and the test surface;
a fluid nozzle for supplying a stream of high pressure fluid toward an area of contact between the tire tread and test surface, said fluid nozzle being formed with a discharge opening having a width greater than the axial width of the tire tread;
a pressure control for measuredly increasing the pressure of the stream of high pressure fluid; and
a load cell for detecting a change in the loaded contact between the tire and test surface to indicate the onset of hydroplaning.
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Abstract
Method and apparatus for conducting indoor hydroplaning tests on a tire. A tire is supported by a frame above a test surface and a load is applied to the tire tread against the test surface. A stream of high pressure fluid is discharged from a nozzle against an area of contact of the tire tread and the test surface. A device detects a change in the loaded contact of the tire as the pressure of the fluid stream increases which provides an indication that hydroplaning is beginning to occur in comparison with a previously tested tire under actual driving conditions.
23 Citations
19 Claims
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1. Apparatus for conducting indoor hydroplaning tests on a tire tread comprising:
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a test surface;
a support for mounting a tire for loaded contact between a tread of the tire and the test surface;
a fluid nozzle for supplying a stream of high pressure fluid toward an area of contact between the tire tread and test surface, said fluid nozzle being formed with a discharge opening having a width greater than the axial width of the tire tread;
a pressure control for measuredly increasing the pressure of the stream of high pressure fluid; and
a load cell for detecting a change in the loaded contact between the tire and test surface to indicate the onset of hydroplaning. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for determining the susceptibility of a vehicle tire to hydroplaning comprising the steps of:
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providing a test surface;
mounting a test tire adjacent to and in loaded contact with the test surface;
directing a stream of high pressure fluid toward an area of contact between the tire and test surface;
increasing the pressure of the fluid; and
measuring a change in contact pressure between the tire and test surface in relationship to the pressure of the fluid to determine the hydroplaning effect of the fluid on the tire. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification