Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to testing of vehicles using a load cell and more particularly, to a transient dynamic loadcell equipment for testing vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[002] Dynamic load cell equipment measures and monitors dynamic forces in a tractor and loads during tractor operations. For example, the dynamic forces and loads in the tractor operations can be, but not limited to, implement load, weight transfer, dynamic loads on attachments like front-end loaders, traction force, and the like. Monitoring the dynamic forces is important for safe and efficient tractor operation.
[003] Currently, load cells are used for measuring only the drawbar pull and power performance of the tractor. The drawbar pull and power ability is one of the key critical parameters required to be assessed on all the agriculture tractors to understand the performance behavior in various gears and tractor speeds. The drawbar performance evaluation and meeting standard requirement is mandatory for homologation tests and any tractor certified by the authorized agency enables to support farmers in subvention during new tractor purchase. The existing system is designed to perform up to 75 Horsepower (Hp). However, the existing system includes the following limitations: 1) Hydraulic and Power Take-Off (PTO) cannot be measured, 2) the system is complicated as the dyno is a water-cooled eddy current dyno and the service and maintenance cost of the dyno is high, and downtime is more in case of any breakdown and regular service, 3) the system is heavy and therefore is not compatible for a light-weight tractor, 4) the system is lengthy dimension-wise thereby covering major stretch of the testing patch quickly, which results in operating the load cell for more number of rotation cycles to complete the test and therefore is a time-consuming process, 5) the system requires high manpower and man hours during tractor performance measurement as the readings are recorded manually, and 6) the manual readings recorded are subjected to ambiguities, error prone, and less accurate thereby leading to repeated trials.
OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of embodiments herein is to disclose systems and methods for testing of vehicles using a transient dynamic loadcell equipment.
[005] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose a transient dynamic loadcell equipment for measuring the drawbar power, PTO power, and hydraulic power simultaneously.
[006] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating at least one embodiment and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[007] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[008] FIG. 1A illustrates a system for testing of vehicles using a transient dynamic loadcell equipment, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[009] FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram of the components of the dynamic transient loadcell equipment, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a fifth wheel sensor, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a hydraulic loading system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for testing of vehicles using the transient dynamic loadcell equipment, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0014] The embodiments herein achieve a method and system for testing of vehicles by measuring the drawbar power, PTO power, and the hydraulic power simultaneously. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1A through 4 where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates a testing system (100) for vehicles, according to embodiments herein. The system (100) comprises a transient dynamic load cell equipment (101) to be detachably coupled either directly to a test sample (102), or indirectly to the test sample (102) via a cabinet tractor (104). The test sample (102) can be any vehicle that is to be tested. For the sake of explanation, tractor is used as an example to explain the embodiments herein. However, embodiments herein can be used for testing all off road vehicles and other heavy vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and the like. Embodiments herein can enable expansion of the transient dynamic loadcell equipment from 20hp to 120hp ratings thereby enabling scaling of the dynamic loadcell equipment. Further, embodiments can help in reducing the carbon soot particles. The transient dynamic load cell equipment (101) is an air-cooled system. However, other types, such as liquid-cooled system, are also within the scope of the invention herein. According to the embodiments herein, the cabinet tractor (104) comprises the transient dynamic load cell equipment which is used for measuring and monitoring the weight or load carried by the tractor. The transient dynamic load cell equipment is designed to provide accurate weight measurements of the load being carried, such as the weight of the attachments, implements, or materials. According to embodiments herein, the cabinet tractor (104) can be either directly operated by an operator or can be operated like an autonomous driverless vehicle. The cabinet tractor (104) is designed in such a way that an adjustable toe bar unit is easily removable and connectable to the transient dynamic loadcell equipment (101). The system (100) comprises a fifth wheel sensor (106) to be placed at front tyre of the transient dynamic loadcell equipment (101). The fifth wheel sensor (106) is an encoder-based sensor used for measuring the speed of the wheel which can be used for calculating the vehicle speed in kmph. FIG. 2 illustrates the fifth wheel, according to the embodiments herein.
[0016] Embodiments herein enable measurement of drawbar power, PTO power, and the hydraulic power simultaneously. The drawbar serves as a connection point for implements, trailers, or other equipment that the tractor pulls or to which it provides power. Drawbar loading is an important parameter to consider in tractor operations, particularly when towing or pulling heavy loads. The drawbar loading represents the downward force applied on the drawbar due to the weight of the attached equipment or the resistance encountered during the tasks such as plowing, tilling, or hauling. PTO loading in a tractor refers to the power or torque being transferred through the Power Take-Off (PTO) system. The PTO is a mechanical device found on tractors and other agricultural or industrial equipment. It allows the tractor’s engine power to be used to operate implements or attachments, such as rotary mowers, balers, or pumps. PTO loading indicates the amount of power or torque being transmitted from the tractor’s engine to the PTO shaft, which drives the connected equipment. Hydraulic loading in a tractor refers to the amount of pressure or force exerted on the hydraulic system of the tractor. Tractors have hydraulic systems that power various attachments and implements, such as loaders, backhoes, or hydraulic cylinders for lifting or tilting operations. Hydraulic loading is a measure of the demand placed on the hydraulic system and components, such as hydraulic pumps, valves, hoses, and cylinders and represents the force required to operate hydraulic implements or the pressure generated within the hydraulic system to perform specific tasks.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 1B, the transient dynamic load cell equipment (101), according to the embodiments herein, comprises a drawbar power measurement unit (108) configured to measure the drawbar power exerted by the tractor during operation, a power take-off (PTO) measurement unit (110) configured to measure the power generated by the PTO of the tractor during operation, and a hydraulic power measurement unit (112) configured to measure the hydraulic power output of the tractor during operation. The drawbar power measurement unit (108) and the power take-off (PTO) measurement unit (110) each comprise a retarder (114, 116) and a retarder control unit (118). The retarder (114) that is used for drawbar power measurement will be hereinafter referred to as “drawbar retarder (114)” and the retarder (116) that is used for PTO power measurement will be referred to as “PTO retarder (116)”. In an example, each retarder (114, 116) is an eddy current air-cooled retarder. The hydraulic power measurement unit (112) is a hydraulic loading system that is placed on the dynamic load cell equipment (101) for measuring the hydraulic pump power output.
[0018] In an example, the drawbar retarder (114) and the PTO retarder (116) are air-cooled eddy current retarders. The retarders comprise rotating member or a rotor, keyed to a straight-through extension shaft, and a stationary brake coil. The retarders impose controlled deceleration at variable speeds and there is no physical contact between rotating and stationary units. This results in smooth response, thereby eliminating shock loading and extending equipment life. The retarders are equipped with a speed sensor mounted externally to provide a feedback signal to the retarder control unit. The retarder control unit (118) provides a DC excitation for the brake coil. The retarder control unit (118) compares the feedback signal from a tachometer generator with a reference signal to provide accurate, smooth, controlled braking, or constant speed throughout the period of excitation. Constant torque can be obtained with highly accurate torque adjustments. The drawbar retarder (114) and the PTO retarder (116) are connected to an axle. In an example, the axle can be a 4WD axle (120). The axle is a heavy-duty axle which is placed on the chassis with a suitable gear ratio. The drawbar and the PTO retarders (114), (116) are interfaced with axles 4WD shaft and the braking happens by way of Power Absorption Unit (PAU) manually, or electronically. For the interface, an adaptor plate is used between the 4WD shaft and the retarder. As explained above, the drawbar power measurement unit measures the drawbar power by measuring the pull of the tractor. The pull of the tractor can be increased by increasing the load by braking the drawbar retarder. According to the embodiments herein, the retarder for drawbar is placed in front of the tractor.
[0019] According to the embodiments herein, a loadcell (105) is placed between the test sample (102) and the transient dynamic loadcell equipment (101) for measuring the pulling drawbar load of the tractor. the loadcell (105) is a sensor that is used to measure force applied to it and converts the physical force into an electrical signal that can be measured and analyzed. The loadcell (105) works as a feedback system for load demand load. The drawbar retarder (114) and the loadcell (105) are interconnected through hardware and program, so that when there is a demand for the drawbar retarder (114) to brake the towed axles, input is taken from the loadcell (105) and the demand load is met corresponding to the demand current through the PAU control unit. The loadcell (105) can be, for example, but not limited to, an S-type loadcell. The PTO power measurement unit (110) comprises the PTO retarder (116). The PTO power is measured through the PTO retarder (116) which is placed in front of the transient dynamic loadcell equipment (101). A PTO shaft in the test sample (102) and a retarder shaft are connected through a corden shaft. Speed sensors and torque loadcells are placed on the corden shaft. The speed sensors and the torque loadcells measure the load and speed of the PTO and provides a feedback signal to the hardware and program for maintaining the demand load by the user.
[0020] The system comprises the hydraulic power measurement unit (112) which is placed on the dynamic load cell equipment (101) for measuring the hydraulic pump power output. An inlet pipe of the hydraulic power measurement unit (112) is connected between a hydraulic pump outlet of the test sample (102), or an inlet of control valve, or a Remote Valve (RV) block. The hydraulic power measurement unit (112) comprises a tank (122). In an example, the tank can hold oil for up to 100 litres. FIG. 3 illustrates the hydraulic power measurement unit, according to the embodiments herein. The hydraulic power measurement unit (112) comprises a pressure sensor (302), a flowmeter (304), and a proportional valve (308) connected to the oil tank. For measuring the hydraulic power, the fluid pressure is increased and decreased for loading the pump by the hydraulic power measurement unit (112) and feedback input from a pressure transducer which is placed between the hydraulic power measurement unit (112) and a hydraulic pump of the test sample (102).
[0021] According to the embodiments herein, the retarder for the drawbar retarder (114) and the PTO retarder (116) are integrated with the front axle. The retarders (114, 116) brake and control the pulling load of the transient dynamic loadcell equipment. The data acquisition system (130) receives the data from the drawbar power measurement unit, the PTO power measurement unit, and the hydraulic power measurement unit. Data acquisition is the measurement, recording, analyzing, and presentation of real-world phenomena. The data acquisition includes electrical measurements such as voltage, current, power, and measurements through sensors and transducers, including temperature, pressure, flow, level, strain, acceleration, vibration, humidity, and the like. The data acquisition system (130) comprises a platform, such as LabView for evaluating the performance of the tractor in actual real-world RWUP applications at proving grounds. According to the embodiments herein, the data acquisition system (130) controls or demands all the three, i.e., the drawbar power measurement unit (108), the PTO power measurement unit (110), and the hydraulic power measurement unit (112) on a single screen. The data acquisition unit (130) then processes the acquired data from the units as a combined report along with other additional parameters.
[0022] The system, according to the embodiments herein measure the drawbar power, PTO power, and the hydraulic power simultaneously. Embodiments herein can operate in semi-automated, or fully automated modes. The transient dynamic load cell equipment (101), according to embodiments herein, is capable of performing as dynamic simulation test rig to execute the field failures, field performance, and field durability trials in inhouse test tracks. The dynamic load cell equipment, according to embodiments herein, can be self-propelled, or non-self-propelled, based on the testing requirements.
[0023] The vehicular testing system comprises a chassis (132) to bear the weight of the transient loadcell equipment in its idle and dynamic states. Complete sub-system of the vehicular testing system is placed on the chassis (132) with a suspension system to sustain vibrations during the loading operation. The vehicular testing system comprises a genset (134) which creates mechanical energy that gets converted into electricity. The system is run through the genset power supply as its dynamic testing and the size of the genset depends on the sub-system’s power consumption and requirements. The system comprises an air blower (136) for cooling retarders. The air blower (13)6 performs air cooling which refers to removing heat to maintain or control appropriate temperature levels in the system. The air blower comprises centrifugal fans for providing essential pressure and airflow required to change the temperature of the process air from higher to lower. The air blower (136) sucks the natural ambient air and converts it into forced cooling system for maintaining the retarder temperature as well as the tyre temperature. The air blower ensures the optimum performance of the retarder and its life.
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a method (400) for testing a vehicle, according to embodiments herein. At step (402), a user simultaneously controls the drawbar power measurement unit (108), the PTO power measurement unit (110), and the hydraulic power measurement unit (112) through the data acquisition system. At step (404), the data acquisition system (130) acquires data simultaneously from the drawbar power measurement unit (108), the PTO power measurement unit (110), and the hydraulic power measurement unit (112) using the data acquisition system (130). The acquired data includes measurements of force, torque, or pressure. At step (406), the data acquisition system (130) processes the acquired data. At step (408), the data acquisition system (130) generates a report based on the processed data. In an example, the report includes statistical analysis, graphical representations, or numerical summaries of the acquired data.
[0025] The various actions in method 400 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 4 may be omitted.
[0026] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The network elements shown in Fig. 4 include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.
[0027] The technical advantages of the dynamic load cell equipment (101) for testing the vehicle are as follows. This equipment is highly capable of performing as dynamic simulation test rig to execute the field failures, field performance & field durability trials in in-house test track to safeguard the confidentiality of a new product design. The dynamic load cell equipment enables ballasting as per sample tractor requirements to ensure safety. The dynamic load cell equipment enables field to lab correlation study can be done at test track. The transient dynamic load cell equipment is designed with technologies such as, but not limited to, ECU based engine data acquisition, remote/live data monitoring, IOT based data logger, and driverless equipment to meet the present testing requirements and scenario. The equipment is self-propelled as well as non-self-propelled equipment, and it can be used based on the testing requirement. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g. hardware means like e.g. an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g. an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g. using a plurality of CPUs.
[0028] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:1. A dynamic load cell equipment (101) for testing a vehicle, said equipment (101) comprising:
a drawbar power measurement unit (108) configured to measure a drawbar power exerted by the vehicle during operation;
a power take-off (PTO) power measurement unit (110) configured to measure the power generated by a PTO of the vehicle during operation;
a hydraulic power measurement unit (112) configured to measure hydraulic power of the vehicle during operation; and
a data acquisition system (130) configured to receive and process data from the drawbar power measurement unit (108), the PTO power measurement unit (110) and the hydraulic power measurement unit (112) to provide simultaneous measurements of the drawbar power, PTO power, and hydraulic power.

2. The dynamic load cell equipment (101) as claimed in claim 1, said equipment comprising a display unit configured to display the simultaneous measurements of drawbar power, PTO power, and hydraulic power.

3. The dynamic load cell equipment (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drawbar power measurement unit (108) comprises a drawbar retarder (114), a loadcell (105), and a retarder control unit (118),
wherein
the drawbar retarder (114) is integrated with an axle placed on a chassis of the dynamic load cell equipment (101);
the load cell (105) is placed between a test sample (102) and the dynamic load cell equipment (101), wherein the load cell (105) measures the drawbar power by measuring a pulling drawbar load of the vehicle, wherein the pull of the vehicle is increased by increasing a load by braking the drawbar retarder (114); and
the drawbar power measurement unit (108) transmits a feedback signal to a data acquisition system (130) to meet a demand load corresponding to a demand current through a Power Absorption Unit (PAU) controller.

4. The dynamic load cell equipment (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the PTO measurement unit (110) comprises a PTO retarder (116) placed on a cabinet tractor (104), wherein, the PTO retarder (116) measures a load and speed of the PTO, wherein the PTO power measurement unit (110) transmits a feedback signal to a data acquisition system (130) for maintaining a demand load by a user.

5. The dynamic load cell equipment (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic power measurement unit (112) is placed on the dynamic load cell equipment (101);
an inlet pipe of the hydraulic power measurement unit (112) is connected between one of a hydraulic pump outlet, inlet of a control valve, or a Remote Valve (RV) block of the test sample (102; and
the hydraulic power measurement unit (112) increases and decreases a fluid pressure and transmits a feedback signal from the hydraulic power measurement unit (112) to a data acquisition system (130).

6. A method (400) for testing a vehicle using a dynamic load cell equipment (101), said method (400) comprising:
measuring a drawbar power, a PTO power, and a hydraulic power by simultaneously controlling a drawbar power measurement unit (108), a PTO power measurement unit (110) and a hydraulic power measurement unit (112) through a data acquisition system (130);
acquiring data simultaneously from the drawbar power measurement unit (108), the PTO power measurement unit (110), and the hydraulic power measurement unit (112) using the data acquisition system 130;
processing, by the data acquisition system (130), the acquired data; and
generating, by the data acquisition system (130), a report based on the processed data.

7. The method (400) as claimed in claim 6, wherein measuring the drawbar power comprises,
measuring pulling drawbar load of the vehicle using a load cell (105) placed between a test sample (102) and the dynamic load cell equipment (101),
wherein
the pulling drawbar load of the vehicle is increased by increasing a load by braking the drawbar retarder (114); and
the drawbar retarder (114) is integrated with an axle placed on a chassis of the dynamic load cell equipment (101),
wherein
the method (400) comprises transmitting a feedback signal to the data acquisition system (130) to meet a demand load corresponding to a demand current through a PAU controller.

8. The method (400) as claimed in claim 6, wherein measuring the PTO power comprises,
measuring, by a PTO retarder (116), a load and speed of the PTO, wherein
the method (400) comprises transmitting a feedback signal to the data acquisition system (130) for maintaining a demand load by a user, wherein the PTO shaft is located in the front of the test sample (102), wherein the PTO retarder (116) is placed on a cabinet tractor (104).

9. A system (100) for testing a vehicle, said system (100) comprising:
a dynamic load cell equipment (101) to be one of detachably connected to a test sample (102), and detachably connected to the test sample (102) through a cabinet tractor (104), wherein the dynamic load cell equipment (101) comprises:
a drawbar power measurement unit (108) configured to measure a drawbar power exerted by the vehicle during operation;
a power take-off (PTO) power measurement unit (110) configured to measure the power generated by a PTO of the vehicle during operation;
a hydraulic power measurement unit (112) configured to measure hydraulic power of the vehicle during operation; and
a data acquisition system (130) configured to receive and process data from the drawbar power measurement unit (108), the PTO power measurement unit (110), and the hydraulic power measurement unit (112) to provide simultaneous measurements of the drawbar power, PTO power, and hydraulic power.