Abstract: A system for vibration inspection of a vehicle for inspecting a quality of the vehicle assembled in a vehicle factory's in-line may include an inspection table for guiding and fixing the vehicle to a predetermined inspection position, a sensor detachable robot configured for attaching or detaching vibration sensors to various parts of the vehicle, a vibrating robot configured of generating vibration for the vibration inspection of the vehicle, and an inspection server that analyzes the vibration signal received from the vibration sensor during the vibration inspection of the vehicle, and determines the vehicle to be in inspection pass if the vibration signal matches the normal signal set according to a natural vibration frequency characteristic of each part of the vehicle, and determines the vehicle to be in inspection fail if the vibration signal does not match the normal signal.

Abstract: A method for quantifying dynamic response characteristics of a real-time damper includes positioning the damper between a stationary member and a moveable member of a shock press having a force transducer, and transmitting motion control signals to the shock press, via a test controller, to stroke the moveable member and cause the damper to move with a constant velocity between extremes of stroke. A test drive signal is transmitted to the damper for a calibrated test duration. The test drive signal has a calibrated discrete frequency, frequencies, or a frequency sweep range. The method includes measuring, via the force transducer, a force component of the damper while transmitting the test drive signal, and quantifying the response characteristics of the damper over the test duration, including recording the response characteristics in a memory device. A test system includes a shock press, force transducer, and test controller.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an excitation device capable of suppressing resonance during excitation and reducing the size in a vertical direction. An excitation device (1) includes front and rear mounting plates (5 and 6) having openings (5g and 6g); a base plate (8) arranged below the mounting plates (5 and 6), slope parts (3) to which the mounting plates (5 and 6) and the base plate (8) are fixed; a first roller (17) and a second roller (16) located below the openings (5g and 6g); a hydraulic actuator (12) having a hydraulic cylinder (12a) that excites the second roller (16) in a front-rear direction of a wheel (W); and a bracket (12c) having a lower end fixed to the base plate (8) and an upper end fixed to the mounting plates (5 and 6), and supporting the hydraulic cylinder (12a).

Abstract: A tire testing assembly adapted to provide precise displacements and simulate slow rate conditions, the tire testing assembly including: a support structure adapted to be coupled to a tire under test; a ground plane adapted to contact the tire under test and simulate a ground or road surface; and a lateral translation mechanism movably coupled between the support structure and the tire under test and adapted to translate the tire under test laterally relative to the ground plane. The tire testing assembly also includes a steering frame pivotably coupled between the support structure and the tire under test and adapted to pivot the tire under test about a steer axis of rotation relative to the ground plane. The tire testing assembly further includes a longitudinal translation mechanism movably coupled between the support structure and the tire under test and adapted to translate the tire under test longitudinally relative to the ground plane.

Abstract: A vehicle test apparatus is provided. The vehicle test apparatus may include a pair of support members and a pair of lateral translation assemblies. Each support member defines a central axis. Each assembly of the pair of lateral translation assemblies may be mounted to an upper end of one of the pair of support members. Each assembly of the pair of lateral translation assemblies may include a front wheelpan mounted to one of the pair of support members for lateral movement relative to a respective central axis. Each assembly of the pair of lateral translation assemblies may further include a hydraulic cylinder arranged with a respective front wheelpan to direct lateral movement thereof.

Abstract: A workpiece carrier includes a base frame, a fixture base, a plurality of locators, and a drive source. The fixture base is secured to the base frame. Each of the plurality of locators is secured at a first end to the fixture base and at a second end to a workpiece. The drive source is in communication with the fixture base for rotationally driving the fixture base with respect to the base frame.

Abstract: A platform lift configured for supporting the movement of items between a floor-level area and an elevated area includes a rigid, floor-level platform with two opposed sides, an above-floor mast arranged at each of the opposed sides of the platform, and a knuckle assembly coupling each mast to its respective side of the platform. The masts together support the platform for movement in a lifting direction normal to the platform, and each include an actuator coupled to its respective side of the platform that is selectively operable to impart lifting movement thereto in the lifting direction. The knuckle assemblies together permit the platform's rotation towards and away from the masts when their respective actuators impart different amounts of lifting movement to the opposed sides of the platform in the lifting direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining steering performance. The method includes coupling at least one load source to the steering system, and coupling a portion of the steering system to an angle input source. The method also includes outputting one or more control signals by a processor to the at least one load source to apply a load to the steering system and outputting one or more control signals by the processor to the angle input source to apply an input to the steering system. The method includes receiving torque data indicating a performance of the steering system based on the load applied to the steering system by the at least one load source and the input applied by the angle input source.

Abstract: An ideal multi-axis transducer will respond properly to forces and moments that are applied in intermediate directions. The transducer calibration apparatus described herein can detect transducers that have incorrect off-axes response. One calibration apparatus includes a base, a pair of end stanchions fixed on the base, force actuators mounted between the base, the pair of end stanchions, and a transducer holder, the force actuators arranged to exert forces and moments on a transducer mounted in the transducer holder, and force reaction sensors fixed between the base, the pair of end stanchions, and the transducer holder for measuring forces and moments experienced by the transducer holder.

Abstract: A vibration test jig may include an upper jig frame to which a vibration test object is fixed and a lower base frame mounted to an oscillator, and a plurality of double parallelograms connected between the jig frame and the base frame, for generating displacements in an upward/downward direction and/or a forward/rearward direction. Each of the double parallelograms may include a complex four-articulation link structure and a wire rope isolator. The vibration test jig can simulate a deformation mode due to generation of resonances.

Abstract: A method of reproducing abnormal noise comprises: a step of starting an engine while buffer suppressing members for suppressing the buffer function of an engine mount are mounted on the engine mount which buffer-mounts on a vehicle body an engine for driving a vehicle and a shift lever for driving is maintained in a neutral position; and a step of opening and closing the accelerator of the engine while the shift lever for driving is maintained in a neutral position. In the method of reproducing abnormal noise, jigs are used.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a test stand (100) for the simulation of forces and moments introduced into a motor vehicle or into parts of a motor vehicle during driving operation. In order to allow a simulation of road journeys which is as realistic as possible, it being possible at the same time to dispense with vehicle-specific excitation or activation signals, there is provision, according to the invention, whereby the test stand (100) has at least one wheel contact plate (2) for receiving a vehicle wheel (1) and at least one first actuator (3a, 3b) connected at one side to the foundation (101) of the test stand (100) and at the other side to the wheel contact plate (2), for moving the wheel contact plate (2) along a first axis (L1), preferably along the vertical axis, relative to the foundation (101) of the test stand (100).

Abstract: An apparatus imparts motion to a test object such as a motor vehicle in a controlled fashion. A base has mounted on it a linear electromagnetic motor having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the base. A pneumatic cylinder and piston combination have a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the base so that the pneumatic cylinder and piston combination is generally parallel with the linear electromagnetic motor. The second ends of the linear electromagnetic motor and pneumatic cylinder and piston combination being commonly linked to a mount for the test object. A control system for the linear electromagnetic motor and pneumatic cylinder and piston combination drives the pneumatic cylinder and piston combination to support a substantial static load of the test object and the linear electromagnetic motor to impart controlled motion to the test object.

Abstract: A system for detecting rattles, squeaks and other annoying sounds in a vehicle can include a vibration generator and a clamping device configured to attach to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for checking a vibration damper of a motor vehicle in the installed state includes setting start values of the damping constant kA, the spring rate cA, and the body mass mA for a wheel of a motor vehicle; inducing a vertical vibration of the motor vehicle with the aid of a defined excitation sRreal; determining the theoretical body vibration excursion sAmodel; optically detecting the positions of the wheel and the body shell of the motor vehicle at a plurality of detection instants during the vibration; minimizing the error function formed from the deviations between the theoretical body vibration excursion sAmodel and the observed body vibration excursion sAreal at the detection instants, and determining the damping constant kA, the spring rate cA, and the body mass mA therefrom; and determining the damping measure ? of the vibration damper.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and a method for carrying out a vibroacoustic inspection of a motor vehicle that features at least a front and a rear axle, with a test stand that is directly or indirectly connected to at least one of the two axles by means of a force flow and relative to which the motor vehicle is tied, wherein at least one vibration generator of a first type is provided along the force flow in order to generate vibrations below 50 Hz. The invention includes at least one second vibration generator of a second type, which is provided along the at least one force flow or parallel to the force flow, for generating vibrations above 30 Hz, preferably above 100 Hz, and the at least one second vibration generator is operatively connected to the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A test fixture for testing a motor vehicle suspension, brake components and wheel components on a motor vehicle sub-frame is provided. The test fixture can include a lower frame attached to a base surface and be dimensioned for the motor vehicle sub-frame to be attached thereto. An upper frame oppositely disposed to the lower frame and dimensioned to attach to the sub-frame is also included. A shaker system is attached to the base surface and is operable to provide a predetermined vertical displacement profile to the sub-frame. A motor is attached to an axle assembly on the sub-frame and is operable to rotate a wheel component at a predetermined rate of rotation. A non-contact gap sensor is included and can be attached to the sub-frame and detect or monitor movement between a first sub-frame component and a second sub-frame component.

Abstract: A vibration reducing device that reduces the vibration of a control object includes a digital controller. A vibration state detection device detects the vibration of the control object and generates an analog signal of the vibration of the control object. An input-side bandpass filter has a passband that is narrower than a frequency range from a Nyquist frequency to a sampling frequency of the digital controller, and that contains no frequencies that are an integer multiple of the Nyquist frequency of the digital controller. The input-side bandpass filter allows a part of the analog signal that falls within the passband from the analog signal generated by the vibration state detection device to pass. An A/D conversion device converts the analog signal that has passed through the input-side bandpass filter into a digital signal.

Abstract: A device (10, 10?) for checking the play of linkages of vehicles is provided and can include a first device (20) for production of oscillations, which is connected, via an extension element (30), with a contact element (40) for contacting the device (10, 10?) with the component to be tested, and a second device (50) for recording the oscillations produced in the component to be tested. A process for testing the play of vehicle linkages is also provided and can include the steps of producing oscillations with a first device (20), the oscillations being transmitted to a component to be measured via a contact element (40) which is connected via an extension element (30) with the first device (20), and recording the oscillations produced in the component to be measured with a second device (50).

Abstract: A vehicle excitation testing system and method can include a device for simulating a vehicular motion and vehicular vibration and then measuring response. The system is designed to test front and/or rear wheel sections of a vehicle. The testing system can include a vehicle suspension system including a wheel and chassis, an excitation actuator connected to the suspension system, and a dummy or a real vehicle body linked to the suspension system and having a frame. The frame can be positively attached to the ground surface or floor or other similar isolated and stable base surface. Measuring devices can be connected to the frame, suspension and/or wheels. When the vehicle is excited to simulate road and other conditions, the wheels, suspension system and the vehicle body vibrate. Measurement of these transmitted vibrations can be studied in order to determine how to best control unwanted or unnecessary vibrations in the vehicle.

Abstract: An electro-shaker vehicle test stand for vehicle evaluation includes a support frame, an electro-shaker mechanism and an interconnecting lever arm. The lever arm has an adjustable length. The test stand includes a spring table having a spring table plate and a spring table frame that is parallel to and spaced a predetermined distance below the spring table plate, a guide rod having a lower end attached to the spring table frame and an upper end attached to the spring table plate and a spring having an upper end attached to the frame and a lower end attached to the spring table frame. Activation of the electro-shaker mechanism induces an oscillatory movement of the spring in a vertical direction so that the spring table and vehicle are correspondingly displaced in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A vehicle excitation testing system and method can include a device for simulating a vehicular motion and vehicular vibration and then measuring response. The system is designed to test front and/or rear wheel sections of a vehicle. The testing system can include a vehicle suspension system including a wheel and chassis, an excitation actuator connected to the suspension system, and a dummy or a real vehicle body linked to the suspension system and having a frame. The frame can be positively attached to the ground surface or floor or other similar isolated and stable base surface. Measuring devices can be connected to the frame, suspension and/or wheels. When the vehicle is excited to simulate road and other conditions, the wheels, suspension system and the vehicle body vibrate. Measurement of these transmitted vibrations can be studied in order to determine how to best control unwanted or unnecessary vibrations in the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a vehicle. The apparatus includes an actuator and a stand assembly supported by the actuator. The stand assembly includes a coupling device configured to attach to a vehicle, and the actuator is configured to move the vehicle in response to a computer-generated signal.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and a method for carrying out a vibroacoustic inspection of a motor vehicle that features at least a front and a rear axle, with a test stand that is directly or indirectly connected to at least one of the two axles by means of a force flow and relative to which the motor vehicle is tied, wherein at least one vibration generator of a first type is provided along said force flow in order to generate vibrations below 50 Hz. The invention includes at least one second vibration generator of a second type, which provided along the at least one force flow or parallel to the force flow, for generating vibrations above 30 Hz, preferably above 100 Hz, and the at least one second vibration generator is operatively connected to the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle testing system includes a wheel plate constructed and arranged to support a vehicle wheel. A linear electromagnetic actuator has a moving magnet mechanically coupled to the wheel plate constructed and arranged to impart a controlled substantially vertical force to the wheel plate. A spring may be mechanically coupled to the wheel plate to support at least a portion of a static mass of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electro-shaker vehicle test stand for vehicle evaluation includes a support frame, an electro-shaker mechanism and an interconnecting lever arm. The lever arm has an adjustable length. The test stand includes a spring table having a spring table plate and a spring table frame that is parallel to and spaced a predetermined distance below the spring table plate, a guide rod having a lower end attached to the spring table frame and an upper end attached to the spring table plate and a spring having an upper end attached to the frame and a lower end attached to the spring table frame. Activation of the electro-shaker mechanism induces an oscillatory movement of the spring in a vertical direction so that the spring table and vehicle are correspondingly displaced in a vertical direction.

Abstract: Soft support systems and methods for dynamically testing structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a soft support system adapted to decouple a structure from a support surface for dynamic testing includes a containment bag, an inflatable chamber disposed at least partially within the containment bag and adapted to engage with a portion of the structure, the inflatable chamber being further adapted to exert a lifting force on the portion of the structure during inflation of the inflatable chamber, and an inflator module coupled to the inflatable chamber and adapted to facilitate inflation of the inflatable chamber within the containment bag. In one embodiment, the inflatable chamber comprises a toroidally-shaped inflatable member defining a central opening adapted to at least partially receive a portion of the structure during inflation of the inflatable chamber.

Abstract: A suspension testing or demonstrating apparatus includes a first section of track having a first undulation that displaces a wheel of the vehicle by a first predetermined amount when the wheel traverses at least a portion of the first undulation. A second section of track is positioned proximate to the first section of track such that the wheel traverses the second section of track after traversing the first section of track. The second section of track includes a second undulation that displaces the wheel of the vehicle by a second predetermined amount when the wheel traverses at least a portion of the second undulation.

Abstract: A rough road drive simulation apparatus for testing a vehicle motion control system includes a real-time simulator. The real time simulator simulates a rough road driving state by entering, into a vehicle model representing a vehicle equipped with the vehicle motion control system, a wheel disturbance input based on a correlation between a road surface disturbance and a wheel rotation variation.

Abstract: A method of vehicle suspension testing includes conducting actual road testing of a vehicle including collecting data, and generating a drive file from the collected data for road test simulation. A vehicle suspension parameter is changed to result in a changed vehicle. Initial simulated road testing of the changed vehicle is conducted using the drive file, and results from the simulated and actual road testing are compared using acceptability criteria to determine whether to conduct further actual road testing of the changed vehicle before conducting further simulated road testing of the changed vehicle in response to the changed suspension parameter. Further simulated road testing of the changed vehicle is conducted if the acceptability criteria are met. Otherwise, further actual road testing of the changed vehicle is first conducted to develop a new drive file for use with additional simulated road testing of the changed vehicle.

Abstract: In a method for simulation and assessment of the life or dynamic strength of components of a vehicle, the vehicle is subdivided into individual components and these components are modeled by means of a finite element method. The finite element models of the individual components are collated for simulation at interfaces. Externally introduced forces are measured on the vehicle, or are simulated, and the forces which occur at the interfaces or at specific points within the components are calculated in order to determine the weakest points from the dynamic strength point of view in the overall model. Elastic structures are modeled at the interfaces in order to simulate the real flexibility or the dynamic transmission response of the vehicle structure, and masses and/or stiffness data and/or elastomer bearing data for the elastic structures are taken into account in the model.

Abstract: A vehicle testing apparatus for subjecting a vehicle to a compound force includes a support disposed in a plane for supporting the vehicle, and a mechanism coupled to the support for moving the support along at least one of three perpendicular axes. The mechanism subjects the vehicle to the compound force resulting from simultaneous movements along any combination of the axes. The mechanism includes a first platform constrained for rectilinear movement along a first axis, and a second platform constrained for rectilinear movement along a second axis, with the support preferably also being movable along a third axis. The support preferably also includes actively or passively controlled contact surfaces in all three axes with an optional trip mechanism. In addition, a first actuating device is preferably coupled to the first platform and a second actuating device is preferably coupled to the second platform.

Abstract: A loading assembly used in a vehicle spindle test fixture includes a wheel adapter housing that is mountable to a vehicle spindle. A pair of vertical struts are provided. Each vertical strut is joined to the wheel adapter housing at spaced-apart first pivot connections. A bell crank is coupled to each end of the vertical struts at spaced-apart second pivot connections. An actuator is pivotally coupled to the bell crank at a third pivot connection. The location of the second pivot connections relative to the third pivot connection approximates the location of the first pivot connections relative to the spindle axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for identifying and eliminating vibration in a hydraulic clutch actuator. The vibration is identified by using transducers to characterize the vibrational characteristics of a power train of a vehicle. That characterization is used to program a shaker on a test bed to replicate the vibrations on the vehicle in a hydraulic clutch actuator. Different hydraulic dampers may be employed to eliminate the vibration. The preferred apparatus of the present invention includes a two piece hydraulic damper which may be opened as to insert different diaphragms for testing.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed specifically for detecting stress waves for use in a stress wave analysis system. The stress waves are preferably detected in a narrow frequency range of 35-40 KHz. At this range, stress waves from friction and impact sources typically propagate through machine structures at detectable amplitudes. In order to maximize the signal to noise ratio of stress waves, relative to background noise and vibration, the sensor of the present invention is designed and calibrated with a frequency response and damping features that are specifically tailored for stress wave analysis.

Abstract: A loading assembly used in a vehicle spindle text fixture to apply a lateral force parallel to a spindle axis of a vehicle spindle includes a support frame and a wheel adapter housing mountable to the vehicle spindle. A pair of vertical struts are pivotally joined to the wheel adapter housing. A first actuator is operably coupled to the vertical struts to apply a force along a vertical axis substantially perpendicular to the spindle axis and substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A pair of lateral struts are provided. Each lateral strut is pivotally joined to one of the vertical struts. A second actuator is operably coupled to the lateral struts to apply a lateral force.

Abstract: The recreation of vibration levels at certain points in a stationary vehicle interior that are representative of realistic road conditions are achieved using road measurements in conjunction with a technique known as "reciprocal filtering." The reciprocal filtering technique consists of using an inverse transfer function, or impulse response in the time domain, between an excitation transducer and an accelerometer to calculate the excitation signal needed to recreate the vibrations measured on the road when squeak and rattle are present in a component of the vehicle. A set of excitation signals may be recorded for each component in the vehicle which is suspected of producing squeak and rattle noise. When a complaint is made that a vehicle is producing squeak and rattle, a service technician may reproduce noise by inducing vibrations through a kit having a CD player, an amplifier, a bass shaker and a CD with the set of excitation signals stored on separate tracks thereof.

Abstract: A method for simulating an impression which is perceived subjectively by an occupant of a vehicle, in particular of a passenger car, when the vehicle is being operated, as well as a device, for example, for carrying out such a method are provided. In the method, the primary oscillations which are produced when a vehicle to be investigated is being operated and which are perceived subjectively are registered. Data for generating secondary oscillations are acquired from the primary oscillations and are converted into the secondary oscillations, and a simulation unit, which simulates, among other things, in particular a passenger car representationally at least in certain areas, is operated. In the simulation unit which is elastically mounted or secured with respect to the floor, vibration oscillations, which are acquired from the primary oscillations, are induced at a location from which they are transmitted into a seat and/or into the steering wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle testing system for simulating a vehicular motion and vehicular vibration caused thereby is provided to test a front or rear wheel section of a four-wheel vehicle. The testing system comprises a vehicle suspension system, a wheel attached thereto, a first actuator for exciting the wheel based on data concerning road and other conditions, and a dummy vehicle body linked to the suspension system and having a frame, a reaction measuring device linked to the frame and a second actuator for exciting the frame. When the wheel is excited corresponding to the data on road and other conditions, the suspension system and the dummy body vibrate. The reaction force generated by the suspension system is measured by the reaction measuring device.

Abstract: A shock measuring method for detects shocks during transportation by a sensor and stores such detected shock data. The shock measuring method in goods transportation being characterized in that measuring conditions 1, 2, . . . n whose sequential order is pre-established are progressively fed in accordance with the sequential order for each transportation section, and shock data for each transportation section measured under each measuring condition 1, 2, . . . n for each transportation section are stored in accordance with the sequential order.

Abstract: A testing apparatus of a steering system is provided to correctly detect load in a direction in which steering reaction force acts, the load being applied to the steering system. A tie rod connected to a rack of the steering system is connected to a steering-angle vibrating unit via a torque lever, relay links and a drive link. A front link of the drive link and a link disposed parallel to the torque lever are provided in a swingable manner. Both ends of each of the relay links are respectively connected to the torque lever and the link disposed parallel to the torque lever, and the torque lever is swingable with respect to the link in a direction in which road-surface reaction force acts. Transducers are provided at intermediate portions of the relay links, respectively. A vertically-vibrating unit is connected via the torque lever to the rack.

Abstract: At least one adjustable drive unit for a wheel support which can be set in oscillation, and electronic units which measure and evaluate the oscillating movement of the suspended vehicle with the following process steps:Acceleration of the wheel support by the drive unit to an oscillation measurement point A in an oscillation range above the resonance frequency of the wheel, and maintenance of the wheel support in this oscillating condition, until at measurement point B, the wheel has matched the oscillations of the wheel support with sufficient accuracy;A delayed reduction of the oscillation frequency with simultaneous measurement and storage of the oscillation amplitude to a reverse oscillation frequency at measurement point C, at which, during the reduction of the oscillation frequency, the oscillation amplitude has fallen below a first limit value which is considered an indicator of the faded, or decayed, resonance frequency;An increase in the oscillation frequency with simultaneous measurement and storage

Abstract: A loading assembly for a vehicle spindle test fixture includes a belt crank that pivots on a first axis to differentially displace two vertical struts which are attached to a wheel adapter housing in order to apply a braking moment to the vehicle spindle. A lever pivotally supported about a second axis is pivotally joined to the bell crank and is used to displace the bell crank, the vertical struts and the wheel adapter housing to apply a vertical force. A control link controls rotation of the bell crank about the first axis and is pivotally joined to the bell crank about a third axis. A second lever is pivotally supported for movement about the second axis and is pivotally joined to an end of the control link about a fourth axis. When a trailing arm suspension is to be tested, the bell crank, the first lever, the control link and the second lever are arranged to form a non-parallelogram linkage in order to induce a brake axis rotation when a vertical displacement is applied.

Abstract: A vehicle vibration simulator to simulate occupant exposure to vibration in a motor vehicle includes a reaction mass, a seat portion, a seat actuator between the reaction mass and the seat portion for providing at least one degree of vibration freedom, a steering column portion, a steering column actuator between the reaction mass and the steering column portion for providing at least one degree of vibration freedom, a floorpan portion, a floorpan actuator between the reaction mass and the floorpan portion for providing one degree of vibration freedom, the seat actuator, steering column actuator and floorpan actuator being actuated independently and/or simultaneously to simulate occupant exposure to vehicle vibration.

Abstract: A method for testing an automotive vehicle on a vehicle spindle-coupled simulator comprises the steps of driving a first vehicle over a test road surface, collecting spindle dynamics data from at least one spindle of said first vehicle, developing a first tire model for the first vehicle, estimating a road profile for the road surface based upon the spindle dynamics data and the first tire model, developing a second tire model for a second vehicle, coupling the second vehicle to the spindle-coupled simulator, and generating a set of control signals for driving the spindle-coupled simulator with the second vehicle coupled thereto so that a road response generated by the spindle-coupled simulator is consistent with the road profile. The method allows accurate testing of the second vehicle without driving it over the test road. The tire model is developed using system identification techniques.

Abstract: An environmental test facility for testing vehicle suspension and body components is disclosed. The test facility is transportable over conventional roads and is essentially self-contained for set-up at manufacturing facilities or other locations to facilitate testing of vehicles. A four-poster hydraulic suspension test simulator is provided. A temperature-controlled environment and simulated sunlight sources may also be provided.

Abstract: A side load device for testing, for example, shock absorbers, in which an air actuator selectively moves an element to impose a side force on a product under test.

Abstract: In order to be able to quickly identify rattles and squeaks occurring on vehicles, a vibration generator is used which causes the vehicle to be vibrated at a range of different frequencies (C). By setting up the apparatus so that the frequency range is traversed whilst a vehicle is being caused to vibrate, the frequency at which the noise begins to occur (A) can be noted, the frequency at which the noise stops occurring (B) can be noted and this information can be compared with stored data (E) to identify the source of the noise.

Abstract: A vibration detecting device is provided for detecting a vibration applied to a vehicle, which includes an accelerometer mounted on the vehicle, an inverting amplifier for inverting and amplifying the output from the acceleration detecting device, and an integrator for integrating the output from the inverting amplifier. The output from the accelerometer is converted into a vibration detecting output by the integrator.

Abstract: A loading assembly used to apply selected forces and moments to a vehicle spindle includes a wheel adapter housing mounted to the vehicle spindle. In a first embodiment, the loading assembly reduces crosstalk between application of lateral forces and unintended braking moments, and lateral forces and unintended longitudinal forces. In a second embodiment, a second loading assembly is adjustable so that braking moments are induced when a vertical force is applied when the loading assembly is used on trailing arm suspensions.