Proof-of-concept multiplate performance-based brake tester for commercial motor vehicles

A device has been conceptualized that will simultaneously measure the braking forces generated by each service brake and the weight carried by each end of every axle on a commercial motor vehicle during a service brake application. This paper describes the device (termed a Multiplate Performance-Based Brake Tester, MPBBT) and gives the results of testing conducted on a proof-of concept prototype. It was decided to conduct an evaluation of the concept by testing a four-plate version of the tester (two rows of two plates each). Static calibrations confirmed the behavior of the plate suspension system. Dynamic tests were conducted using a tractor-trailer to introduce vertical and horizontal loads on the tester plates as the vehicle passed over the tester plates.