摘要:
A method and apparatus for analyzing the performance of wheeled, land vehicle brake systems wherein means are provided for driving the vehicle wheels at a predetermined speed and the operator or computer controlled brake actuator selectively applies the brakes in a series of simple successive steps comprising the test sequence. The pedal pressure, or other actuating force, the brake effort exerted by each wheel, and the imbalance between the braking effort of opposite wheels is measured and recorded on a strip chart or fed to a computer, to determine if the measured values fall outside of a predetermined range of values representing acceptable deviations from standard values. Any deviation of the brake effort from the acceptable values, or excessive imbalance between opposite wheels at any point in the test sequence, may be used as a basis for diagnosing and identifying a specific brake malfunction. The system can be enlarged to simultaneously test the brakes on all wheels of a land vehicle.
摘要:
An automatic load control system is described for controlling the retarding force characteristics of a rotary power absorber such as a dynamometer in which the absorbed torque varies with the level of fill of the working fluid. The load control system includes a speed signal generator such as a tachometer coupled to the dynamometer for generating a speed signal representative of the rotational speed. A torque signal generator in the form of a strain gauge or other transducer is connected to the dynamometer to provide a torque signal representative of the absorbed torque. Load and unload control mechanisms such as electrically operated valves are connected between the power absorber and a source and sink for controlling the flow of working fluid into and out of the absorber and thereby the value of the absorbed torque. A flow control means controls the valves in accordance with the values of the speed and/or torque signals to thereby control the level of working fluid within the absorber to cause the absorbed torque to vary in a predetermined manner, e.g., as the square of the speed changes. An adjustable torque means is coupled to the flow control means for adjusting the absorbed torque to a selected value at a given speed. The dynamometer may also be provided with a plurality of flywheels and electrically operated means for selectively engaging one or more flywheels with the absorber rotor to simulate the inertia on an engine or vehicle under test.
摘要:
Apparatus for controlling a rotary power absorber while absorbing driving torque produced by a prime mover. The power absorber includes a housing containing fluid pressure operated brake elements that are actuatable hydraulically to provide retarding force. The control means for the brake applying means includes a governor-controlled air valve and a transducer which converts air pressure into hydraulic pressure for actuating the brake elements. The governor is driven at a speed proportional to the speed of rotation of the prime mover and actuates the air valve so that fluid pressure is applied to the brake elements in direct proportion to the speed of the prime mover. An adjustable linkage is interposed between the governor and the air valve for controlling the maximum retarding force at various engine speeds. The linkage includes two parallel bars pivoted at opposite ends, with the governor acting on the free end of one bar and the free end of the other bar acting on the air valve. A roller is positionable at any desired point along the length of the bars to vary the ratio of air valve movement to governor movement, as desired, to correspondingly vary the retarding force. The retarding force is increased and decreased at a rate faster than the changes in speed and torque of the prime mover to avoid stalling of the prime mover as frequently occurs when a constant load is sought to be applied to the prime mover and there is a momentary failure in power of the prime mover.
摘要:
An internal combustion engine performance analyzing system is described for displaying a number of operating characteristics, such as engine ignition and cylinder power, which exists under selectively controlled operating conditions. Simple connections to the engine provide the necessary signals to the solid-state electronic analyzer. Various pattern display modes may be selected. An anticipatory cylinder fire signal, which is related to crankshaft rotational degrees, permits a given cylinder to be shorted for the desired interval, regardless of the engine speed. This anticipatory cylinder fire signal is obtained from a servoed ramp waveform generator. Individual cylinder waveform patterns are synchronously and simultaneously displayed on an oscilloscope.