Patent ID: 6257055
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
A loading assembly used in a vehicle spindle test fixture to apply a lateral force parallel to a spindle axis of a vehicle spindle and wherein a vertical axis is substantially perpendicular to the spindle axis and substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the loading assembly comprising:a support frame;a wheel adapter housing mountable to the vehicle spindle;a pair of vertical struts, each vertical strut being pivotally joined to the wheel adapter housing;a first actuator operably coupled to the vertical struts to apply a force along the vertical axis;a pair of lateral struts, each lateral strut being pivotally joined to one of the vertical struts;a second actuator operably coupled to one of the lateral struts to apply a lateral force; anda third actuator operably coupled to the other lateral strut wherein a difference of a vectorial sum of forces from the second and third actuators induces a steer moment about the vertical axis.