Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a test stand for the simulation of the vibration behavior of a vehicle. The test stand comprises a receiving element for contacting with a vehicle and an excitation system for the application of excitation frequencies. The excitation system comprises a main actuator system with at least one movable main actuator and an additional actuator system with at least one movable additional actuator, the additional actuator system being connected to the main actuator system.

Abstract: A suspension monitoring and adjustment system for an off-road vehicle includes a distance sensor arranged to measure shock displacement of a suspension of the vehicle. The system may include an output device configured to output shock displacement data generated by the distance sensor and a processor or programmable circuit operable to produce a visual representation of the shock displacement data output by the output device. The system may include a processor or programmable circuit operable to generate an adjustment signal based on shock displacement data generated by the distance sensor and a suspension adjuster arranged to adjust the suspension of the vehicle in response to the adjustment signal.

Abstract: A method for managing a drive mode of a tracked vehicle, comprising the step of reading an output of a sensor and in response to the output of the sensor performing a control action to manage the drive mode of the vehicle.

Abstract: A traveling test apparatus for a vehicle includes a flat-belt mechanism that includes a first pair of rollers, and a first endless belt wound around the first pair of rollers, the flat-belt mechanism being configured such that at least one tire of the vehicle contacts the first endless belt, and that the first endless belt is revolved around the first pair of rollers by rotation of the at-least-one tire, and a supporting belt mechanism that includes a second pair of rollers, and a second endless belt wound around the second pair of rollers, the supporting belt mechanism being configured such that an upper outer circumferential surface of the second endless belt contacts an upper inner circumferential surface of the first endless belt, and that the second endless belt is revolved around the second pair of rollers by the rotation of the at least one tire.

Abstract: A chassis dynamometer for use with a test vehicle such as a snowmobile is provided. First and second spaced apart rolls support the test vehicle. A belt is arranged around the first and second rolls and rotationally couples the rolls to one another. The belt includes an outer surface on a test side of the belt for supporting the test vehicle. The belt reduces slipping of the track on the dynamometer. The belt receives inputs from the test vehicle. A processor quantifies the inputs from the test vehicle. A platform is arranged between the first and second rolls beneath the belt to maintain engagement of the track with the belt. The platform includes a load cell for detecting a longitudinal load imparted to the platform by the belt.

Abstract: A rattle and noise detection system useful for a large variety of automotive vehicles is provided. The vehicles are examined in a stationary position with one of their tires having been driven onto said detection system. This tire rests against a roller assembly driven by an electromechanical drive train, electrically powered and remotely controlled. Each roller in the assembly can individually rotate around its center axis as the assembly itself rotates over a specific RPM range causing the longitudinal side of each roller to continuously strike the tires' treaded lower half at a predetermined position. This position is primarily a function of the tire size and the roller assembly's diameter and mounting position in the detection system. As the rollers continuously strike the tire, vibrations and shock waves are produced in the vehicle causing and maintaining the same annoying rattles, squeaks and noises noticeable during driving conditions.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention is designed for testing dampers of a motor vehicle without removing the dampers from the vehicle. The apparatus includes a movable support for contacting the bottom surface of a tire associated with a damper to be tested and members for oscillating the movable support to impose vertical oscillations on the tire. Transducers sense the force applied by the tire to the support during oscillation of the support while the oscillating members are controlled to oscillate the support over a predetermined range of frequencies. Circuitry is provided responsive to the transducers for determining, as a function of the frequency of oscillation, the adhesion of the tire to the support and the phase angle of the response of the tire to the oscillation. The circuitry further determines from the phase angle at a single frequency the adequacy of the damping of the damper under test.