A cabin comfort evaluation bench and method

Abstract

This invention provides a cabin comfort evaluation bench and method, wherein the bench includes: a roof adjustment system, adjustable in the vertical direction of the vehicle; an A-pillar for simulating different driving perspectives; a B-pillar for linkage with the door mechanism; an IP instrument panel and sub-instrument system, adjustable in the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical directions of the vehicle; a seat mounting system, adjustable in the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical directions of the vehicle, for real-time collection of seat pressure information; a three-pedal system for simulating different driver limb proportions; a floor system mounted on a height-adjustable evaluation platform; a door sill for simulating the ground clearance of different vehicle models; an AR / VR interactive device for enabling interaction with one or more people; a height-adjustable evaluation platform for data collection and interaction; and a bench base for supporting the height-adjustable evaluation platform. This invention allows for convenient adjustment of the positions of each module, thereby achieving better flexible adaptation across all vehicle models.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of vehicle testing technology, specifically relating to a cabin comfort evaluation bench and method. Background Technology

[0002] Ergonomic verification in automotive R&D typically relies on physical prototypes, which suffers from long cycles, high costs, and delayed modifications. Existing test benches lack flexibility and cannot cover the full range of ergonomic parameters (such as ease of operation, visibility, and entry / exit space) across multiple vehicle models (e.g., sedans, SUVs, MPVs). They also suffer from limitations such as verification lagging behind styling development, high adjustment costs, and limited model coverage. Existing fixed test benches cannot adapt to multiple platform models (e.g., sedans, SUVs, MPVs); traditional verification requires multiple prototype fabrications, taking 3-6 months; and seat comfort evaluation relies on subjective feelings, lacking quantitative data support.

[0003] Therefore, how to design a cabin comfort evaluation test bench and method to achieve better flexible adaptation across all vehicle models has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cabin comfort evaluation test bench and method to solve the above-mentioned technical problems in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A cabin comfort evaluation bench, comprising the following modules:

[0007] The roof adjustment system is installed on the top of the platform frame and is adjustable in the vertical position of the vehicle;

[0008] The A-pillar and B-pillar are installed on the electric cylinder rail base on the left and right sides of the instrument base at the front of the test bench to simulate different driving perspectives; the B-pillar is installed on both sides of the sill system to be linked with the door mechanism.

[0009] The IP instrument panel and sub-instrument system are bolted to the front module of the test bench and are adjustable in the vehicle's lateral, longitudinal, and vertical positions.

[0010] The seat mounting system is installed on an electric cylinder rail base on the floor system. It is adjustable in the vehicle's lateral, longitudinal, and vertical positions and is used to collect seat pressure information in real time.

[0011] The three-pedal system is designed to simulate the body proportions of different drivers.

[0012] Floor system, installed on a liftable evaluation platform;

[0013] The door sills are installed on the left and right sides of the floor system to simulate the ground clearance of different vehicle models.

[0014] AR / VR interactive devices are used to enable interaction with one or more people;

[0015] A height-adjustable evaluation platform for data collection and interaction;

[0016] The stand base is used to support the height-adjustable evaluation stand.

[0017] Preferably, the vertical adjustment range of the liftable evaluation platform in the vehicle is ±200mm, with an accuracy of ±1mm.

[0018] Preferably, the roof adjustment system has a roof adjustment cylinder vertically mounted on the top of the platform frame, which is used to achieve adaptive adjustment of its vertical position in the vehicle.

[0019] Preferably, the positions of the IP instrument panel and the auxiliary instrument system in the vehicle's lateral, longitudinal, and vertical directions are adjusted by corresponding electric cylinders on the front-end module of the test bench.

[0020] Preferably, the position of the seat mounting system in the vehicle's lateral, longitudinal, and vertical directions is adjusted by corresponding electric cylinders on the floor system.

[0021] An evaluation method based on the aforementioned cabin comfort evaluation bench includes the following steps:

[0022] Input the target vehicle model parameters into the central controller;

[0023] The test bench is automatically adjusted. The control unit of the electric cylinder or drive mechanism in the test bench drives and adjusts each module in the test bench to the designated position according to the signal sent by the central controller. If there is interference, an alarm will be triggered and the adjustment action will not be performed. After adjustment, the adjustment action will be performed. After all modules are adjusted to the position, a feedback signal will be sent to the central controller.

[0024] A dummy device was placed on the seat to evaluate human-machine interface performance.

[0025] An evaluation report is generated using AR / VR interactive devices and seat pressure information.

[0026] Preferably, after each module within the testing bench is automatically adjusted to its position according to the target vehicle model parameters, the testing bench is subjected to AR scanning to obtain a bench scan model. Then, the bench scan model is compared with the established virtual model of the vehicle model to determine whether the two models are aligned.

[0027] If so, the designers will conduct a gesture review. If interference or blind spots are found, the virtual model will be modified. After the virtual model is updated, the gesture review will be conducted again. This process will be repeated until no more interference or blind spots are found.

[0028] If not, then reposition and label the two models.

[0029] Preferably, when quantitatively evaluating seat comfort, the seat pressure information is mapped in real time to the deformation animation of the seat in a virtual simulation, and a flashing alarm is triggered for areas on the seat where the pressure exceeds a set value.

[0030] Preferably, it also includes an interference warning method, which automatically triggers a red warning box when the distance between the virtual model and the dummy or operating component is less than a safety threshold.

[0031] Preferably, when using AR / VR interactive devices for field of view simulation, a regulatory field of view cone is generated, and non-compliant areas are automatically marked.

[0032] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0033] The cabin comfort evaluation test bench and method of the present invention have adjustable positions for each module, which can be conveniently adjusted according to different vehicle models, thereby achieving better flexible adaptation across all vehicle models. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below, and the specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein...

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cabin comfort evaluation test bench provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the front-end module of the test bench provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 Another schematic diagram of the cabin comfort evaluation test bench provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the review process for a virtual model provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 A flowchart of a bench-wide parameter digital control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Marked in the attached diagram:

[0041] 1. A-pillar; 2. B-pillar; 3. IP instrument panel; 4. Sub-instrument panel system;

[0042] 5. Seating installation system; 6. Three-pedal system; 7. Flooring system;

[0043] 8. Threshold system; 9. Adjustable evaluation platform;

[0044] 10. Ceiling adjustment cylinder; 11. Ceiling adjustment system; 12. Stand base. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0046] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or use.

[0047] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0048] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a cabin comfort evaluation bench includes the following modules:

[0050] The roof adjustment system 11 is installed on the top of the platform frame and is adjustable in the vertical position of the vehicle;

[0051] The A-pillar and B-pillar: A-pillar 1 is installed on the electric cylinder rail base on the left and right sides of the instrument base at the front end of the test bench to simulate different driving perspectives; B-pillar 2 is installed on both sides of the sill system to be linked with the door mechanism.

[0052] The IP instrument panel 3 and the secondary instrument system 4 are bolted to the front module of the test stand and are adjustable in the vehicle's lateral, longitudinal, and vertical positions.

[0053] The seat mounting system 5 is installed on the electric cylinder rail base on the floor system. It is adjustable in the vehicle's lateral, longitudinal, and vertical positions and is used to collect seat pressure information in real time.

[0054] The three-pedal system 6 is used to simulate different driver body proportions;

[0055] Floor system 7 is installed on the liftable evaluation platform 9;

[0056] Sill 8, installed on the left and right sides of floor system 7, is used to simulate the ground clearance of different vehicle models;

[0057] AR / VR interactive devices are used to enable interaction with one or more people;

[0058] The height-adjustable evaluation platform 9 is used for data collection and interaction;

[0059] The base 12 is used to support the liftable evaluation platform.

[0060] Furthermore, the vertical adjustment range of the height-adjustable evaluation platform in the vehicle is ±200mm, with an accuracy of ±1mm. The position adjustment of the height-adjustable evaluation platform can be achieved using a motor drive. The functions of each module in the cabin comfort evaluation platform of this embodiment are shown in Table 1.

[0061] Table 1 Functions of each module

[0062]

[0063] Specifically, the roof adjustment system has a roof adjustment cylinder 10 that is vertically installed on the top of the platform frame. The roof adjustment cylinder 10 is used to adjust the roof adjustment system 11 to the required position in the vehicle vertical direction. The driving force provided by the roof adjustment cylinder 10 can easily drive the roof adjustment system 11 to the required position.

[0064] Preferably, the positions of the IP instrument panel 3 and the secondary instrument system 4 in the vehicle's lateral, longitudinal, and vertical directions can be adjusted by the corresponding electric cylinders on the front-end module of the test bench, thereby enabling the IP instrument panel 3 and the secondary instrument system 4 to be moved to the required positions by the electric cylinders.

[0065] Specifically, the seat mounting system 5 is adjusted in the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical directions of the vehicle via corresponding electric cylinders on the floor system. It can be understood that the vertical direction of the vehicle can be referred to as the Z-axis, the lateral direction as the X-axis, and the longitudinal direction as the Y-axis.

[0066] This invention also provides an evaluation method based on the above-described cabin comfort evaluation bench, which includes the following steps:

[0067] Input the target vehicle model parameters into the central controller;

[0068] The test bench is automatically adjusted. The control unit of the electric cylinder or drive mechanism in the test bench drives and adjusts each module in the test bench to the designated position according to the signal sent by the central controller. If there is interference, an alarm will be triggered and the adjustment action will not be performed. After adjustment, the adjustment action will be performed. After all modules are adjusted to the position, a feedback signal will be sent to the central controller.

[0069] A dummy device was placed on the seat to evaluate human-machine interface performance.

[0070] An evaluation report is generated using AR / VR interactive devices and seat pressure information.

[0071] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, after each module within the testing bench automatically adjusts to its position according to the target vehicle model parameters, the testing bench is AR scanned to obtain a bench scan model. This scan model is then compared with a pre-built virtual model of the vehicle model, such as a CAD model, to determine if the two models are aligned. If aligned, designers perform a hand gesture review. If interference or blind spots are found, the virtual model is modified. After updating the virtual model (i.e., updating the virtual layer data), another hand gesture review is performed, repeating this process until no interference or blind spots are found. If not aligned, the two models are repositioned and marked. This approach allows for convenient adjustment of the virtual model, effectively synchronizing styling development and engineering verification.

[0072] Specifically, in the quantitative evaluation of seat comfort, the seat pressure information is mapped in real time to the deformation animation of the seat in a virtual simulation. For areas where the pressure on the seat exceeds the set value, a flashing alarm is triggered, such as flashing an alarm for areas with pressure > 8 N / cm².

[0073] Furthermore, it also includes an interference warning method, which automatically triggers a red warning box when the distance between the virtual model and the dummy or operating parts is less than a safety threshold, such as when the gap between the steering wheel and the knee is less than 50mm.

[0074] Specifically, when using AR / VR interactive devices for field-of-view simulation, a regulatory field-of-view cone is generated, and non-compliant areas are automatically marked. The regulatory field-of-view cone can be generated based on the SAE J4002 standard. Preferably, a new capacitive pressure blanket can be used for seat pressure testing, with an accuracy of ±5%, supporting body pressure and temperature distribution analysis.

[0075] Typical application scenarios for this invention are as follows: Ergonomic verification: driver's field of vision, A-pillar blind spot, pedal layout, and seat comfort testing; Cross-vehicle adaptation: by adjusting the parameters of each module, the cabin layout of different vehicle models (sedan / SUV / MPV) can be simulated; Data acquisition and analysis: the body pressure distribution sensor on the seat outputs to the host or central controller to generate a comfort report; AR / VR interaction testing: the ceiling screen, in conjunction with AR equipment, simulates a HUD or immersive navigation experience.

[0076] This invention employs a modular adjustment mechanism: floor / sill / instrument panel: supports independent XYZ three-way electric adjustment (accuracy ±0.5mm), such as ±100mm adjustment for the IP instrument panel X / Y / Z; pillar system: A / B / C / D pillars with axial angle adjustment (e.g., B pillar adjustable ±15° around the Y axis); seat / pedestal: 6 sets of omnidirectional seat adjustment, footrest angle ±12°. Simultaneously, this invention utilizes a digital control system, allowing for batch parameter input via Excel and one-click reset to the initial position; it integrates AR / VR virtual-real combination review functions to correct the cockpit design. This invention can also perform spatial positioning; QR code markers can be affixed to key points on the platform (e.g., A-pillar hinge / seat H-point), and AR glasses (e.g., HoloLens 2) achieve ±2mm accuracy matching through visual positioning; this invention can also achieve dynamic mapping, i.e., the platform adjustment parameters drive the deformation of the virtual model in real time, such as a 100mm Y-axis movement of the B pillar, at which point the door panel in the virtual model shifts synchronously.

[0077] This invention employs a multi-mechanism independent high-precision electronically controlled bench full-range parameter digital control method, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the specific steps are as follows: Input the target vehicle model parameters; the parameter parsing module parses the parameters; batch import via Excel can read more than 160 adjustment commands, or parameters can be manually input item by item through the operation interface; conflict detection is performed. If the movements of each module or mechanism do not conflict, the movement commands are directly transmitted to the control units of each module or mechanism. These control units can also be integrated into a multi-mechanism collaborative controller. Otherwise, dynamic path planning is performed, using a motion decoupling algorithm to plan the movement path, and then the movement commands are transmitted to the control units of each module or mechanism; the drive units of each module, such as electric cylinders or motors, drive each module or mechanism to move independently, and then use position feedback sensors to provide feedback on the position of each module until each module has moved into position; accuracy verification is performed. If the position accuracy of each module meets the requirements, the position adjustment is completed, the database is updated, and a one-click reset is complete; if the position accuracy of a certain module does not meet the requirements, i.e., it is out of tolerance, the error compensation mechanism is activated, and the corresponding motor or electric cylinder is started for fine-tuning until the accuracy requirements are met. This control method of the present invention adopts a hierarchical logic design, emphasizing parameter parsing, conflict detection, and collaborative control.

[0078] This invention enables simultaneous styling development and engineering verification, covering the entire lifecycle from competitor analysis to data freezing; it supports flexible adaptation to all vehicle models (sedans / SUVs / MPVs, etc.) and is also compatible with some light commercial vehicles; it integrates seat pressure testing and AR / VR review functions to improve verification accuracy. The cabin comfort evaluation bench and method of this invention conduct pre-human engineering verification product definition and styling development simultaneously, reducing development issues, saving product development time, and improving project development efficiency. Furthermore, it adopts a modular adjustable structure + intelligent electronic control system + pressure imaging integration approach, achieving an innovative architecture of "full-domain flexible adjustment" + "digital twin verification".

[0079] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cockpit comfort evaluation test bench, characterized in that, It includes the following modules: The roof adjustment system is installed on the top of the platform frame and is adjustable in the vertical position of the vehicle; The A-pillar and B-pillar are installed on the electric cylinder rail base on the left and right sides of the instrument base at the front of the test bench to simulate different driving perspectives; the B-pillar is installed on both sides of the sill system to be linked with the door mechanism. The IP instrument panel and sub-instrument system are mounted on the front-end module of the bench and are adjustable in the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical positions of the vehicle. The seat mounting system is installed on an electric cylinder rail base on the floor system. It is adjustable in the vehicle's lateral, longitudinal, and vertical positions and is used to collect seat pressure information in real time. The three-pedal system is designed to simulate the body proportions of different drivers. Floor system, installed on a liftable evaluation platform; The door sills are installed on the left and right sides of the floor system to simulate the ground clearance of different vehicle models. AR / VR interactive devices are used to enable interaction with one or more people; A height-adjustable evaluation platform for data collection and interaction; The stand base is used to support the height-adjustable evaluation stand.

2. The cabin comfort rating test bench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable evaluation platform has a vertical adjustment range of ±200mm and an accuracy of ±1mm.

3. The cabin comfort rating test bench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roof adjustment system has a roof adjustment cylinder that is vertically mounted on the top of the platform frame, which is used to adjust the roof adjustment cylinder to adapt to the vertical position of the vehicle.

4. The cabin comfort rating test bench of claim 1, wherein, The IP instrument panel and sub-instrument system are adjusted in the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical directions of the vehicle using the corresponding electric cylinders on the front-end module of the test bench.

5. The cabin comfort evaluation test bench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seat mounting system is adjusted in the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical directions of the vehicle using corresponding electric cylinders on the floor system.

6. A testing method based on the cabin comfort testing bench according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes the following steps: Input the target vehicle model parameters into the central controller; The test bench is automatically adjusted. The control unit of the electric cylinder or drive mechanism in the test bench drives and adjusts each module in the test bench to the designated position according to the signal sent by the central controller. If there is interference, an alarm will be triggered and the adjustment action will not be performed. After adjustment, the adjustment action will be performed. After all modules are adjusted to the position, a feedback signal will be sent to the central controller. A dummy device was placed on the seat to evaluate human-machine interface performance. An evaluation report is generated using AR / VR interactive devices and seat pressure information.

7. The evaluation method according to claim 6, characterized in that, After each module within the testing bench automatically adjusts to its position according to the target vehicle model parameters, the testing bench is subjected to AR scanning to obtain a bench scan model. Then, this bench scan model is compared with the established virtual model of the vehicle model to determine whether the two models are aligned. If so, the designers will conduct a gesture review. If interference or blind spots are found, the virtual model will be modified. After the virtual model is updated, the gesture review will be conducted again. This process will be repeated until no more interference or blind spots are found. If not, then reposition and label the two models.

8. The evaluation method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When evaluating seat comfort, seat pressure information is mapped in real time to a virtual simulation of seat deformation animation, and a flashing alarm is triggered for areas where the pressure on the seat exceeds a set value.

9. The evaluation method according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes an interference warning method, which automatically triggers a red warning box when the distance between the virtual model and the dummy or operating parts is less than a safety threshold.

10. The evaluation method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When using AR / VR interactive devices for field of view simulation, a regulatory field of view cone is generated, and non-compliant areas are automatically marked.

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