초록 ▼

A tire force modeling rig and method of obtaining data for use in optimizing cornering performance in a four-wheeled racing vehicle includes first measuring unsprung weight at each wheel. The vehicle is then positioned on the tire force modeling rig. The rig includes a first set of floating scales f

A tire force modeling rig and method of obtaining data for use in optimizing cornering performance in a four-wheeled racing vehicle includes first measuring unsprung weight at each wheel. The vehicle is then positioned on the tire force modeling rig. The rig includes a first set of floating scales for recording the weight at each tire on a first side of the racing vehicle, a second set of fixed position scales for recording the weight at each tire on an opposing second side of the racing vehicle, and a mechanism to effect a horizontal force onto the racing vehicle. Scale readings at each wheel are recorded, after which a first horizontal force is applied to the vehicle. With the horizontal force applied, updated scale readings at each wheel are recorded. Collected data can then be used to ascertain optimal car setup.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of obtaining data for use in optimizing cornering performance in a four-wheeled racing vehicle comprising: positioning the vehicle on a tire force modeling rig;recording scale readings at each tire;applying a vertical force onto the vehicle to achieve spring movement at each tire;recordi

1. A method of obtaining data for use in optimizing cornering performance in a four-wheeled racing vehicle comprising: positioning the vehicle on a tire force modeling rig;recording scale readings at each tire;applying a vertical force onto the vehicle to achieve spring movement at each tire;recording scale readings at each tire;applying a first horizontal force onto the vehicle;pulling the vehicle down at the sprung center of gravity while the first horizontal force is being applied to the vehicle; andrecording scale readings at each tire while the first horizontal force and vertical force are applied to the vehicle. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising pulling the vehicle down at left-front, right-front and right-rear portions of the vehicle. 3. A method of obtaining data to predict cornering wheel loading of a four-wheeled vehicle, the method comprising: positioning the vehicle on a tire force modeling rig;recording initial scale readings at each tire;applying a first vertical force onto the vehicle to achieve spring movement at each tire;recording scale readings at each tire while the first vertical force is being applied to the vehicle once spring movement has been achieved;applying a second vertical force onto the vehicle at the sprung center of gravity;recording scale readings at each tire while the second vertical force is being applied to the vehicle at the sprung center of gravity;applying a first horizontal force onto the vehicle at a sprung center of gravity in the direction of centripetal force the vehicle would be subjected to while proceeding through a corner; andrecording scale readings at each tire while the first horizontal force is applied to the vehicle. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the first horizontal force is applied at a longitudinal location of the sprung center of gravity at a height which intersects the roll axis, the method further comprising: releasing the first horizontal force;applying a second horizontal force equal to the first horizontal force at the longitudinal location of the sprung center of gravity at a height above the sprung center of gravity; andrecording scale readings at each tire while the second horizontal force is applied to the vehicle. 5. The method of claim 4 and further comprising exerting an opposing force onto the front tire located on the side of the vehicle opposing the direction of the first and second horizontal forces, the opposing force exerted while both the first horizontal force and the second horizontal force are being applied. 6. The method of claim 4 wherein the first horizontal force and the second horizontal force are applied to the vehicle at about 15% to 20% of the weight of the vehicle. 7. The method of claim 3 wherein applying the first vertical force onto the vehicle to achieve spring movement at each tire includes raising the vehicle at the panhard bar chassis connection to achieve spring movement at each tire. 8. The method of claim 3 wherein applying the second vertical force onto the vehicle to achieve spring movement at each tire includes pulling the vehicle down at the sprung center of gravity. 9. The method of claim 3 wherein applying the second vertical force onto the vehicle to achieve spring movement at each tire includes pushing the vehicle up at the sprung center of gravity.