Bicycle fixtures for use in vehicle testing

Abstract

Device (10, 10') for repeated use in vehicle testing, wherein the device (10, 10') comprises: a bicycle frame (100); a body (12) mounted on the bicycle frame (100), wherein the body (12) comprises an upper body (12a) and a pair of legs (12f, 12g), each leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) having an upper section (18) and a lower section (20) pivotably connected to each other; characterized by an upper drive (28), wherein the upper drive (28) pivotally drives the upper section (18) of each leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) about a first pivot point (1UPP), the first pivot point (1UPP) being located on a lower section of the upper body (12a); and a lower drive (30), wherein the lower drive (30) pivotally drives the upper section (18) of a respective leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) relative to a corresponding lower section (20) of this leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g), wherein The upper drive (28) and the lower drive (30) work in a coordinated manner to move the upper and lower sections (18, 20) of the leg in a hinged manner to move a distal end of each leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) on ​​a circular orbit, thus mimicking a kicking motion.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present patent specification relates generally to a device for repeated use in vehicle tests and specifically to a device designed to mimic the pedaling motion of human legs. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Automotive companies are developing highly accurate active control systems (“systems”) such as autonomous emergency braking systems to avoid or mitigate vehicle collisions. In particular, these systems may be designed to avoid or mitigate collisions with cyclists. Current systems require bicycle detection and use sensors such as cameras, LiDAR, and / or radar for this purpose. Bicycles have a predefined shape and outline, which are recognized by the sensors. The bicycle and the vehicle are used to run through various scenarios, and the performance of the autonomous braking system is subsequently evaluated.

[0003] Evaluating an emergency braking system using an actual bicycle can be problematic. Furthermore, the pedaling motion of a cyclist can affect the performance of some optical sensors and radar systems.

[0004] From EP 2 709 739 B1, a dummy for use in vehicle testing is known, comprising a head, torso, arms, and legs, the legs including a lower leg section rotatably connected to an upper leg section. When the dummy is used with a bicycle, the legs are moved via the pedals by a motor mounted on the bicycle frame, while the arms, torso, and head remain stationary. Further designs for conducting vehicle tests using dummies are the subject of US 2005 / 0 155 441 A1 and JP 2003-335 286 A.

[0005] Based on the current state of the art, there is a need for a device designed to produce a radar cross-sectional image similar to that of a cyclist, resembling a cyclist in shape and size, able to withstand a load applied by a test vehicle, and minimizing damage to the test vehicle. Furthermore, a device designed to replicate the pedaling motion of a cyclist is desirable in order to evaluate the performance of the optical sensor and radar of a system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one embodiment, a device for repeated use in vehicle tests comprises a bicycle frame and a body mounted on the bicycle frame, having the dimensions of a human body. The body comprises a torso and a pair of legs. Each leg comprises an upper section and a lower section, which are pivotally connected to each other. The device further comprises an upper drive and a lower drive. The upper drive pivotally drives the upper section of the respective leg about a first pivot point, the first pivot point being located on a lower section of the torso. The lower drive pivotally drives the upper section of the leg relative to the lower section of the leg.The upper and lower drives work in coordination with each other to articulate the joint movement of the upper and lower sections, in order to move a distal end of each leg of the pair of legs on a circular orbit, thus mimicking a pedaling motion of a human cyclist.

[0007] In another embodiment, a device for repeated use in vehicle tests comprises a bicycle frame detachably mounted on a skid base. The device further comprises a body with the dimensions of a human body. The body comprises a torso and a pair of legs. Each leg comprises an upper section and a lower section, which are pivotally connected to each other. The device further comprises an upper drive and a lower drive. The upper drive pivotally drives the upper section of the respective leg about a first pivot point, the first pivot point being located on a lower section of the torso. The lower drive pivotally drives the upper section of the leg relative to the lower section of the leg.The upper and lower drives work in coordination with each other to articulate the joint movement of the upper and lower sections, in order to move a distal end of each leg of the pair of legs on a circular orbit, thus mimicking a pedaling motion of a human cyclist.

[0008] The upper body comprises a detachable link arranged within it, which is designed to detachably engage with the bicycle frame and disengage from the bicycle frame when a predetermined load is applied. Upon decoupling the body from the bicycle frame, the device converts a load emanating from a test vehicle into kinetic energy. Accordingly, the device can be used repeatedly in vehicle tests. The bicycle frame has several support supports and a bolt, one of which is a seat support having a distal upper end. The detachable link engages detachably with the distal upper end of the seat support, the bolt is mounted on the distal upper end of the seat support, and the detachable link is a bushing designed to detachably engage the bolt.

[0009] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described here will be better and more comprehensively understood with reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The embodiments shown in the drawings are for illustrative and exemplary purposes only and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments should be read in conjunction with the following drawings for better understanding, where the same structure is designated by the same reference numerals and where the following applies: Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary device for use in vehicle tests according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Fig. 2 is a partial view showing the upper and lower drive of the in Fig. 1 device shown according to one or more embodiments shown and described here; Fig. 3a is a view illustrating the movement of the feet of the person in Fig. 1 device shown according to one or more embodiments shown and described here; Fig. 3b is a view showing the feet moving further in Fig. 3a device shown; Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the hip movement of the Fig. 1 device shown according to one or more embodiments shown and described here; Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the knee movement of the Fig. 1 device shown according to one or more embodiments shown and described here; Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the hip and knee movement of the Fig. 1 device shown according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and Fig. Figure 7 is a partial view illustrating a detachable link according to one or more embodiments shown and described here. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The following section will discuss in detail embodiments of a device for use in vehicle testing. The device is designed to send a signal to sensors that simulates the movement of a cyclist, thus enabling the precise evaluation of an active control system of a motor vehicle, such as an automatic emergency braking system. Furthermore, the device is designed to withstand a load emanating from a test vehicle by converting the load into kinetic energy.

[0012] In embodiments, the device comprises a body made of a cushioning material, dimensioned to assume the shape of a human cyclist of a predetermined size. The body includes an upper torso and a pair of legs. The device further comprises an upper and a lower drive. The upper and lower drives are designed to move the legs in an articulated manner similar to the pedaling motion of a bicycle. In particular, the upper drive is designed to move the upper section of the legs about a first axis to replicate the articulation of a human thigh at the hip. The lower drive is designed to bend the legs in the middle section to replicate the articulation of a human lower and upper leg at the knee.Accordingly, the device provides a suitable signature that is detected by a sensor of an active control system in order to appropriately evaluate the effectiveness of the active control system.

[0013] Further embodiments also provide a device comprising a body detachably mounted to a bicycle frame to convert the load of a vehicle impact into kinetic energy. This load conversion helps protect the device for repeated use in vehicle testing.

[0014] This section describes in more detail various embodiments of a device for evaluating the effectiveness of a vehicle system in vehicle tests, as well as the operation of the device for evaluating the effectiveness of a vehicle system in vehicle tests.

[0015] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an example of a device for use in vehicle testing, such as testing an active control system like an emergency braking system of a motor vehicle. The device 10 comprises a body 12 dimensioned to assume the shape of a human cyclist. The body 12 has a plurality of elongated supports 14 (shown in dashed lines), each typically encapsulated in padding 16, and forms an upper torso 12a, a neck 12b, a head 12c, a pair of arms 12d, 12e, and a pair of legs 12f, 12g. The legs 12f, 12g each comprise an upper section 18, which replicates the thigh of a human, and a lower section 20, which replicates the lower leg of a human. The device 10 may further comprise an outer skin 22 mounted over the body 12 to provide the device 10 with a radar cross-section of a real human being.

[0016] It should be noted that the size of body 12 can vary depending on the desired test conditions. For example, body 12 can be used to replicate children, while body 12 with a rounded torso can be used to replicate overweight individuals. Accordingly, it should be noted that the dimensions shown in the figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the attached claims.

[0017] The arms 12d, 12e can each have an arm joint 24, which is arranged approximately in the middle section of the arms 12d, 12e, to allow the upper section of an arm 12d / 12e to be articulated relative to the lower section 12d / 12e. The arm joint 24 can be designed to attach the upper section of the arm 12d, 12e to the lower section of the arm 12d / 12e. Any arm joint currently known and used in the art can be adapted for the use according to the invention, including, for example, arm joints used in commercially available mannequins. Accordingly, the arms 12d, 12e can be articulated so that they assume different positions relative to the upper body in relation to the bicycle dummy. Likewise, the upper body 12a and the head 12c can be articulated so that they assume a desired riding position.

[0018] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of an upper drive 28 and a lower drive 30. The upper drive 28 operatively connects the upper section 18 of the legs 12f, 12g to a lower section 20 of the upper body 12a (as in Fig. 1 shown). The upper drive 28 is designed such that it pivots the upper section 18 of the legs 12f, 12g around the upper body 12a in the same way as a human thigh moves when cycling.

[0019] The upper drive 28 is shown for illustrative purposes as comprising a first upper drive unit 28a and a second upper drive unit 28b. The first and second upper drive units 28a, 28b are arranged on opposite sides of the lower section 20 of the upper body 12a. The first upper drive unit 28a and the second drive unit 28b each comprise a first and second upper drive shaft 28c, 28d, respectively. The first and second upper drive units 28a, 28b rotate the first and second upper drive shafts 28c, 28d, respectively. The first and second upper drive units 28a, 28b can be electric motors that rotate the first and second upper drive shafts 28c, 28d, respectively.

[0020] Referring back to Fig. 1. The device 10 can have a programmable control unit 32 designed to control the upper and lower drives 28, 30. In some embodiments, the programmable control unit 32 can also be configured to receive a command signal from a remote control 34. The remote control 34 has elements for inputting movement commands for the legs 12f, 12g. The device 10 further includes a battery 36 for powering the upper and lower drives 28, 30. The programmable control unit 32 and the battery 36 are arranged within the padding 16 so that they are protected in the event of an impact from a test vehicle. Alternatively, the device can be controlled by a computer device such as a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like. Accordingly, the device 10 can be remotely controlled to simplify a test condition.

[0021] Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b illustrates the pair of legs 12f, 12g in a joint movement that mimics a cycling motion. The joint movement of legs 12f, 12g is now described with reference to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b explained. The first and second upper drive units 28a, 28b work in a coordinated manner to pivot the upper section 18 of the respective leg 12f, 12g between a first upper position (“1UP”) and a second upper position (“2UP”). The first upper drive unit 28a pivots the upper section 18 of leg 12f by a first degree F1 about a first upper pivot point (“1UPP”) to move leg 12f between the first upper position 1UP and the second upper position 2UP. The first upper pivot point 1UPP can be defined by the first upper drive shaft 28c. Likewise, the second upper drive unit 28b pivots the segment of the upper section 18 of leg 12g by a first degree F2 about a second upper pivot point (“2UPP”) to move leg 12g between the first upper position 1UP and the second upper position 2UP. The first grade F1 is identical to the second grade F2.The second upper pivot point 2UPP can be defined by the second upper drive shaft 28d.

[0022] Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the rotation of the upper section 18 of the legs 12f, 12g about the respective first and second upper pivot points 1UPP, 2UPP. Fig. Figure 4 shows the upper section 18 of legs 12f and 12g rotating independently. The first and second degrees F1 and F2 are generally fifty degrees (50). The rotation of legs 12f and 12g occurs in the same phase, separated by half a wavelength, with one leg 12f / 12g reaching the first upper position 1UP when the other leg 12g / 12f is in the second upper position 2UP.

[0023] The first and second upper drive units 28a, 28b are designed to operate independently of each other. Fig. 3a shows the upper section 18 of leg 12f in the first upper position 1UP and the upper section 18 of leg 12g in the second upper position 2UP. Fig. Figure 3b shows the upper section 18 of leg 12f in the second upper position 2UP and the upper section 18 of leg 12g in the first upper position 1UP. Legs 12f and 12g switch between the first and second upper positions 1UP and 2UP by rotating around the respective 1UPP and 2UPP in the same way as a cyclist's thigh when pedaling.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 also shows an embodiment of the lower drive 30. The lower drive 30 operates in coordination with the upper drive 28 to actuate the legs 12f and 12g in a manner that mimics the pedaling motion of a cyclist. The upper drive 30 operatively connects the upper section 18 of the legs 12f, 12g to the lower section 20 of the legs 12f, 12g. The lower drive is designed to bend the respective lower section 20 of the legs 12f, 12g relative to the upper section 18 of the legs 12f, 12g in the same way that a knee bends the thigh relative to the lower leg.

[0025] The lower drive 30 comprises a first lower drive unit and a second lower drive unit. The first lower drive unit and the second lower drive unit mechanically connect the upper section 18 of the respective leg 12f, 12g to a corresponding lower section 20 of the respective leg 12f, 12g. The first and the second lower drive units can be electric motors. The first and the second lower drive units each comprise a first and second lower drive shaft, respectively.

[0026] The lower section 20 of leg 12f, 12g is pivotable relative to a corresponding upper section 18 between a first lower position (“1LP”) and a second lower position (“2LP”). The first lower drive unit pivots the lower section 20 of leg 12f relative to a corresponding upper section 18 by a third degree F3 around a first lower pivot point (“1LPP”) to move leg 12f between the first lower position (1LP) and the second lower position (2LP). Simultaneously, the second drive unit pivots the lower section 20 of leg 12g relative to a corresponding upper section 18 by a fourth degree F4 around a second lower pivot point (“2LPP”) to move leg 12g between the first and second lower positions.

[0027] The Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b represent the lower drive units that move the lower section 20 of the legs 12f, 12g in relation to the upper section 18. Fig. 3a shows the lower section of leg 12f in the first lower position 1LP, while the lower section of leg 12g is in the second lower position 2LP. Fig. Figure 3b shows the lower section of leg 12f in the second lower position 2LP, while the lower section of leg 12g is in the first lower position 1LP. The upper and lower sections 18, 20 are pivoted around the corresponding first and lower pivot points 1LPP, 2LPP, respectively, when moving between the first and second positions 1LP, 2LP.

[0028] The Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b also shows the feet 12h of the legs 12f, 12g, which are guided in their movements between the first upper position, first lower position, and the second upper position and second lower position along an orbit. In particular, the orbit is generally circular, which is why, when a radar-reflecting outer skin is attached, the movement of the legs 12f, 12g provides a radar signal of a pedaling cyclist. Accordingly, it should be noted that the device is designed such that it pivots the upper section 18 of the legs 12f, 12g relative to the lower section 20 of the legs 12f, 12g in the same way as the joints of a human leg move when pedaling a bicycle.

[0029] Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the rotation of the lower section 20 of the legs 12f, 12g about the respective first and second lower pivot points 1LPP, 2LPP. Fig. Figure 5 shows the lower section 20 of legs 12f and 12g rotating independently. The third and fourth degrees F3 and F4 are generally seventy-five degrees (75°). The rotation of legs 12f and 12g occurs in the same phase, separated by half a wavelength, with one leg 12f / 12g reaching the first lower position 1LP when the other leg 12g / 12f is in the second lower position 2LP.

[0030] Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the rotation of the lower section 20 and the upper section of 12f, 12g. The curve illustrates the pedaling motion of a cyclist in relation to the degree of leg movement 12f, 12g and is not restrictive. For example, the curve shows the knee movement at a frequency of 1.2 seconds, but the frequency can be increased or decreased to simulate a desired cycling speed. Fig. Figure 6 shows how legs 12f and 12g bend independently but work in coordination to create a movement that replicates the pedaling motion of a bicycle. As is also the case in the Fig. 3a and Fig. As shown in Figure 3b, the legs are bent so that the feet move in a general circular path for 12 hours, in the same way as the legs of a human cyclist when pedaling. Unlike a human cyclist on an actual bicycle, no actual pedal is necessary, as such a part could be damaged by the test vehicle.

[0031] During operation, the device 10 can be mounted on the base plate 200. The base plate 200 can be pulled by a drive (not shown) so that the device is moved into the path of a test vehicle (not shown). The test vehicle can be equipped with an active control system, such as an emergency braking system or a collision avoidance system, to evaluate the effectiveness of the active control system.

[0032] The programmable control unit 32 actuates the upper and lower drives 28, 30. The legs 12f, 12g are moved to simulate the pedaling motion of a cyclist. The programmable control unit 32 can be configured to receive a command signal from a remote control 34. The programmable control unit 32 can actuate the legs 12f, 12g to move them at different speeds. The legs 12f, 12g are movable between the first upper position 1UP and the second upper position 2UP, as shown in the Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows that the upper sections 18 of the legs 12f, 12g rotate about their respective first and second upper pivot points 1UPP, 2UPP. The lower section 20 of the legs 12f, 12g simultaneously rotates about their respective first and second lower pivot points 1LPP, 2LPP, moving the feet 12h on a generally circular orbit.

[0033] The active control system incorporates sensors designed to detect a cyclist's pedaling motion. Accordingly, device 10 is useful in evaluating the effectiveness of the active control system. In particular, the device is useful in evaluating the effectiveness of the sensors. A sensor usable in active control systems can be, for example, a radar. The radar signals are processed to detect the presence of a cyclist by comparing the radar cross-section with a corresponding reference value for a pedaling cyclist. Since the device provides the pedaling motion of a cyclist and can have a radar-reflecting outer surface, it provides a radar signal representative of a cyclist. This allows the effectiveness of the radar's cyclist detection behavior to be evaluated.

[0034] In another example, the sensor used for active control systems is a camera. The active control system can display sample images of the pedaling motion. A camera processor processes the camera images to detect the presence of a cyclist. The device 10 is designed in the shape of a human body, and the legs 12f, 12g move in the same way as a pedaling cyclist. Accordingly, the device 10 is useful in evaluating the effectiveness of the camera in detecting cyclists.

[0035] The user can easily mount the body 12 onto the support supports 102 by attaching the detachable link 50 to the distal upper end 102a of the support support 102. The device 10' is then ready for the next test run. Accordingly, the device 10' is designed for repeated use in vehicle tests. Furthermore, the device 10' has a simple design, thus reducing the setup time for vehicle testing.

[0036] Referring to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 7 Another exemplary device 10' is provided for repeated use in vehicle tests. The device 10' can be used in a motor vehicle test in which a test vehicle drives onto the device 10. The device 10 is designed to withstand multiple loads from the test vehicle. The device 10 has a bicycle frame 100 mounted on a base plate 200. The base plate 200 can be configured to be pulled by a drive (not shown) or can be stationary, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0037] In the Fig.In the device 10' shown in Figure 7, the body is designed to detach from the bicycle frame 100. The device 10' has a detachable link 50 arranged on the upper body 12a. The detachable link 50 is designed to engage detachably with the bicycle frame 100 and to disengage from the bicycle frame 100 when a predetermined load is applied. Accordingly, the device 10 converts the load emanating from a test vehicle into kinetic energy when the body is decoupled from the bicycle frame. The conversion of the impact into kinetic energy reduces the structural damage to the bicycle frame and helps to keep the device in a suitable condition for repeated use in vehicle tests.

[0038] The bicycle frame 100 can be formed from a plurality of support supports 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112. One of the support supports is a support support 102 with a distal upper end 102a. The distal upper end 102a of the support support 102 can have a bolt 114. The releasable link 50 can be dimensioned such that it releasably connects to the nut. For example, the releasable link 50 can be designed as a bushing 50a that snaps onto the bolt 114.

[0039] During operation, the device 10' can be mounted on the base plate 200. The base plate 200 can be pulled by a drive (not shown) so that the device is moved into the path of a test vehicle (not shown). The test vehicle can be equipped with an active control system, such as an emergency braking system or a collision avoidance system, to evaluate the effectiveness of the active control system. Alternatively, the evaluation can be focused on investigating the impact, with the test vehicle and the device 10' being designed to collide with each other. In the event of a collision between the test vehicle and the device 10', the body 12 is separated from the base plate 200. In particular, the detachable link 50 detaches from the distal upper end 102a of the support 102, converting the impact into kinetic energy and protecting the device 10' for subsequent testing.

[0040] The user can easily mount the body 12 onto the support 102 by attaching the detachable link 50 to the distal upper end 102a of the support 102. The device 10' is then ready for the next test run. Accordingly, the device 10' is designed for repeated use in vehicle tests. Furthermore, the device 10' has a simple design, thus reducing setup time for vehicle testing.

[0041] It should be noted that the embodiments described herein relate to a device designed to provide sensors with a signal that simulates the movement of a cyclist, in order to accurately evaluate an active control system of a motor vehicle, such as an automatic emergency braking system. The device is further designed to withstand a load emanating from a test vehicle by converting the load into kinetic energy, thus providing a suitable state for repeated use in vehicle tests.

[0042] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described here, it is understood that various further modifications and adaptations can be made without altering the essence and scope of the claimed subject matter. Although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described here, such aspects need not necessarily be used in combination. It can therefore be assumed that the appended claims encompass all modifications and adaptations that are inherent in the essence of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

[1] Device (10, 10') for repeated use in vehicle tests, the device (10, 10') comprising: a bicycle frame (100); a body (12) mounted on the bicycle frame (100), the body (12) comprising an upper body (12a) and a pair of legs (12f, 12g), each leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) having an upper portion (18) and a lower portion (20) pivotally connected to each other; characterized by an upper drive (28), the upper drive (28) pivotally driving the upper portion (18) of each leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) about a first pivot point (1UPP), the first pivot point (1UPP) being located at a lower portion of the upper body (12a); and a lower drive (30), the lower drive (30) pivotally driving the upper portion (18) of a respective leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) relative to a corresponding lower portion (20) of that leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g), the upper drive (28) and the lower drive (30) work in concert with one another to move the upper and lower sections (18, 20) of the leg in an articulated manner to move a distal end of each of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) in a circular orbit and thus imitate a kicking movement. [2] The device (10, 10') of claim 1, wherein the body (12) further comprises a neck (12b), a head (12c), and a pair of arms (12d, 12e), the body (12) further comprising a plurality of elongated supports (14), each of the plurality of elongated supports (14) being encapsulated in padding to form the torso (12a), the pair of legs (12f, 12g), the neck (12b), the head (12c), and the pair of arms (12d, 12e). [3] The device (10, 10') of claim 1, further comprising an outer skin (22) mounted over the body (12), the outer skin (22) and the body (12) comprising a radar cross-section of a human body (12). [4] The device (10, 10') of claim 1, wherein the lower drive (30) comprises a first lower drive unit and a second lower drive unit, wherein the first lower drive unit mechanically connects the upper portion (18) of one leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) to the lower portion (20) of the corresponding one leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g), and wherein the second lower drive unit mechanically connects the upper portion (18) of the other leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) to the lower portion (20) of the corresponding other leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g). [5] Device (10, 10') according to claim 4, wherein: the lower portion (20) of each leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) is pivotable relative to a corresponding upper portion (18) of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) between a first lower position (1LP) and a second lower position (2LP); the first lower drive unit pivots the lower portion (20) of one of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) relative to a corresponding upper portion (18) a third degree (F3) about a first lower pivot point (1LPP) and thus moves it between the first lower position (1LP) and the second lower position (2LP); the second lower drive unit pivots the lower portion (20) of the other leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) relative to a corresponding upper portion (18) a fourth degree (F4) about a second lower pivot point (2LPP) and thus moves it between the first and second lower positions (1LP, 2LP); and one of the lower sections (20) of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) moves to the first lower position (1LP) when the other of the lower sections (20) of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) moves to the second lower position (2LP). [6] The device (10, 10') of claim 1, further comprising a programmable control unit (32), wherein the programmable control unit (32) is in communication with both the upper and lower drives (28, 30), wherein the programmable control unit (32) actuates the upper drive (28) and the lower drive (30) to produce a pedaling motion of the two legs (12f, 12g), and wherein the programmable control unit (32) actuates the upper drive (28) and the lower drive (30) to move a distal end of the corresponding lower portions (20) of each leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) in a circular orbit. [7] A device (10, 10') for repeated use in vehicle tests, wherein a test vehicle impacts the device (10, 10') and generates a load on the device (10, 10'), the device (10, 10') comprising: a bicycle frame (100) mounted on a skid frame; a body (12) comprising an upper body (12a) and a pair of legs (12f, 12g), each of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) having an upper portion (18) and a lower portion (20) pivotally connected to one another; and an upper drive (28), the upper drive (28) pivotally driving the upper portion (18) of each leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) about a first pivot point (1UPP), the first pivot point (1UPP) being located at a lower portion of the upper body (12a); a lower drive (30), the lower drive (30) pivotally driving the upper portion (18) of a respective leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) relative to a respective lower portion (20) of that leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g), the upper drive (28) and the lower drive (30) operating in concert with one another to pivotally move the upper and lower portions (18, 20) of the leg to move a distal end of each leg of the pair of legs (12f, 12g) in a circular orbit to simulate a kicking motion; and a detachable member (50) arranged in the upper body (12a), wherein the detachable member (50) is designed to detachably engage the bicycle frame (100) in order to disengage from the bicycle frame (100) upon application of a predetermined load, wherein the device (10, 10') converts the load emanating from a test vehicle into kinetic energy when the body (12) is decoupled from the bicycle frame (100), and the device (10, 10') can accordingly be repeatedly used in vehicle tests, wherein the bicycle frame (100) has a plurality of support posts (102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112) and a bolt (114), wherein one of the plurality of support posts (102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112) a seat support (102) having a distal upper end (102a), wherein the releasable member (50) releasably engages the distal upper end (102a) of the seat support (102), wherein the bolt (114) is mounted on the distal upper end (102a) of the seat support (102),and wherein the detachable member (50) is a bushing (50a) configured to releasably engage the bolt (114).

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