MOTORCYCLE MOTION SIMULATION MODULE
The motorcycle simulation module addresses the lack of realistic turn sensations by incorporating a frame and handlebar mechanism that simulates centrifugal force and gyroscopic effects, providing a more authentic driving experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023007196
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-07-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing motorcycle simulation devices fail to accurately replicate the sensations experienced by a motorcyclist during a turn, particularly due to the absence of centrifugal force simulation, leading to a mismatch between virtual and real-world experiences.
A motorcycle movement simulation module comprising a frame mounted on a base, a handlebar pivotally connected to a movable wedge via connecting rods, and a base that rotates around a longitudinal axis, simulating centrifugal force through counter-steering actions.
The module provides realistic simulations of motorcycle behavior in bends by replicating centrifugal force, gyroscopic effects, and mass transfer during acceleration and braking, enhancing the learning experience.
Smart Images
Figure 00000011_0000 
Figure 00000011_0001 
Figure 00000012_0000
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: MOTORCYCLE MOVEMENT SIMULATION MODULE FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a motorcycle movement simulation module, intended to be implemented by being associated with a video game or capable of being implemented alone, for learning the behavior of a motorcycle when driving, for example. STATE OF THE ART
[0002] In video game rooms, there are motorcycle racing simulators which have screens on which a course scrolls, the screens being associated with motorcycles on which the players are mounted and which can tilt on either side of a horizontal axis (axis on which the motorcycle extends and located at ground level).
[0003] When the player wants to turn right or left on the game path, he tilts the motorcycle to the right or left: this tilting movement of the motorcycle aims to provide sensations to the player, these sensations being close to those felt by a motorcyclist taking a turn.
[0004] However, the sensations felt by the players are different from those actually felt by a motorcyclist actually taking a turn, because the fictitious motorbike is not subject to centrifugal force: when the motorbike tilts, the player only experiences the force of gravity which tends to give him a sensation of falling sideways.
[0005] Document WO2004072927 discloses a driving simulation device allowing a driver to experience the operating state of a motorcycle, more precisely, to experience an operating sensation similar to real braking, in order to be able to change the operating sensation of a maneuvering lever according to the types of transmissions, and to experience the rolling sensation when the motorcycle turns thanks to the tilting of a moving motorcycle body when the device is installed on a pedestal element. To do this, the device is designed to be fixed on a flat support: it comprises a handlebar associated with a mechanism which allows the learner driver to feel the return of the handlebar during braking. Such a device does not reproduce the sensations that a motorcycle driver might feel when taking a turn.
[0006] We also know, from document WO9216267, a bicycle racing simulator, comprising a screen associated with a bicycle equipping a module which allows the player to produce an effort similar to that which he would make if he were actually carrying out the race. To do this, the module comprises a system of sprockets associated with the chain of the bicycle and it is associated with a base which allows the bicycle to tilt back and forth to simulate bumps, climbs, descents, for example.
[0007] Such a system is not applicable to a motorcycle whose elements are much heavier.
[0008] The invention offers a new solution for simulating the position taken by a motorcycle in a bend, which provides the player (or the person learning to drive a motorcycle) with sensations close to those actually felt.
[0009] The invention relates to this end to a module for simulating a movement of a motorcycle in a bend, said module comprising:
[0010] - a saddle mounted on a frame, said frame extending in a longitudinal direction longitudinal and being mounted on a base which extends in a first direction which is perpendicular to said longitudinal direction,
[0011] - a handlebar, comprising a handlebar support on which two handles are fixed, said handlebar being pivotally mounted relative to said frame around an axis which extends in a second direction inclined relative to said longitudinal direction.
[0012] According to the invention, the module is remarkable in that:
[0013] - said frame is mounted to move in rotation on said base around said longitudinal direction,
[0014] - a movable wedge is pivotally mounted on said base, around an axis which extends in a third direction which is perpendicular to the second direction, and - said handlebar is connected to said movable wedge by a connecting device which comprises at least two connecting rods comprising: a first connecting rod end, which is pivotally mounted on said wedge, around an axis which extends in a fourth direction which is parallel to the second direction,
[0015] and at least two second connecting rod ends, which connect the handlebar support to said connecting device in the vicinity of the two handles, said two second connecting rod ends each being pivotally mounted on said handlebar support, each around an axis parallel to said second direction, so that, when the frame pivots around the longitudinal axis in a first direction of rotation, it triggers the rotation of the wedge and the handlebar in the opposite direction, around their respective axis which each extend respectively in the fourth direction and second direction.
[0016] The module according to the invention may also comprise the following characteristics, taken separately or in combination:
[0017] - said base has a lower base part and an upper part base, and said frame is mounted to be movable in rotation around the axis which extends in the longitudinal direction in the upper part of said base,
[0018] - the lower part of the base is fixed relative to a support of the module or well, according to a variant, the lower part of the base is pivotally mounted around of an axis which extends in a plane parallel to the relative to a plane support of the module,
[0019] - the module comprises at least two elastic return means connecting the support plan of the module to said base, capable of bringing said base of said module into a position where the alignment direction of the base is vertical or substantially vertical,
[0020] - said wedge has a plane inclined relative to said base direction and in that said inclined plane supports a mast which extends in said third direction, parallel to said inclined plane of said wedge, mast around which the first end of the connecting rod is pivotally mounted,
[0021] - the two connecting rods of said connecting device form a V or, as a variant of sheave possible connection, the two connecting rods of the connecting device form a T,
[0022] - said frame comprises two footrests, and possibly a ballast device.
[0023] The invention also relates to an installation comprising a module as defined above and an electronic game terminal equipped with a screen and game software, said movement of the module generating the movement of a motorcycle represented on said screen in said electronic game.
[0024] As regards the screen, in the absence of a virtual reality headset, it can be placed in front of the module and mounted on two vertical axes parallel to each other, to maintain its horizontality when the module is inclined by the player or the apprentice pilot relative to the horizontal, so as to always be placed inside the bend where the player or apprentice pilot is looking. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES
[0025] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description of a non-limiting embodiment, and the appended drawings, in which:
[0026] [Fig. 1] is a schematic perspective representation of a module according to a first embodiment according to the invention, in the rest position,
[0027] [Fig.2] is a top view of the module illustrated in [Fig.l], in the rest position,
[0028] [Fig.3] is a side view of the module illustrated in [Fig.l], in the rest position
[0029] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation illustrating the positions taken by a handlebar, a frame and a wedge of the module according to the invention, respectively (from left to right in the figure) when the frame is leaning to the right, when it is in the rest position and when it is leaning to the left,
[0030] [Fig.5] is a front view of the module in the rest position,
[0031] [Fig.6] is a front view of the module when the frame is tilted to the right,
[0032] [Fig.7] illustrates a second embodiment of a module according to the invention, seen in perspective and from the side, the frame being tilted to the left and the handlebars turning towards the right, and
[0033] [Fig-8] illustrates the module of [Fig.7], with the frame leaning to the right and the handlebars turning to the left.
[0034] DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT
[0035] Figures 1 to 6 illustrate a first embodiment of the module according to the invention.
[0036] This is a module which is designed to simulate the movements of a motorcycle: such a module can be implemented in the context of a games room, by being associated with a motorcycle racing game, for example.
[0037] It can also be implemented in the context of learning to drive a motorcycle, to allow drivers / learners to feel the sensations and behavior of a motorcycle, in particular when the motorcycle takes a bend: in fact, the module according to the invention has the primary objective of remaining as faithful as possible to the behavior adopted by the motorcycle when taking a bend.
[0038] Indeed, when actually driving a motorcycle, it is subjected to several forces which act to keep the motorcycle balanced. For example, centrifugal force occurs when a body is in circular motion: it tends to move the body away from the center of curvature of its trajectory.
[0039] In this case of driving a vehicle with only two wheels, centrifugal force allows the driver to remain balanced on the vehicle when turning.
[0040] Gravity (which keeps the vehicle on the ground) and centrifugal force (which tends to take the vehicle towards the outside of the bend) allow for overall balance of the driver.
[0041] Furthermore, when a two-wheeled vehicle leans into a bend, a gyroscopic effect occurs: in fact, above 35 km / h, it is the gyroscopic effect which allows the wheel to be kept in balance - the motorcycle no longer steers, it leans.
[0042] The module according to the invention is designed to simulate the gyroscopic effect: this is mechanically imitated by the module, by producing a counter-steering action of the handlebars when the motorcycle is leaned to one side or the other by the player.
[0043] [Fig.l] shows an example of a frame of a module according to the invention, which will be fitted with real motorcycle parts for example.
[0044] It should be understood that the examples shown and described are not limiting: other embodiments could correspond to the invention.
[0045] In [Fig.l], only the frame is shown to better distinguish the elements of the module as defined by the invention.
[0046] The module comprises a frame 1 which generally has the shape of a rectangle 10 extended by a triangle 11: this frame will for example be covered with a saddle and a motorcycle casing (see illustration in [Fig.2] in dotted lines).
[0047] The rectangular part also carries two footrests 12 and 13, which provide a po- positioning the player (or apprentice pilot) in a forward leaning position.
[0048] Thus designed, the frame extends in a longitudinal direction X which corresponds substantially to a horizontal direction.
[0049] The frame 1 is mounted on a base 2, secured to a flat support 20 (for example to fix the module to the floor of a video game room). The flat support 20 can also be equipped with casters to allow the module to be moved.
[0050] The base 2 extends in a first direction Z which is perpendicular to said longitudinal direction X: the direction Z is a vertical, or substantially vertical, direction.
[0051] A handlebar 3 is mounted at the end of the triangular part 11 of the frame 1: the handlebar comprises a support 30, on which (or to which) two handles 31 and 32 are fixed.
[0052] More specifically, in the context of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the handlebar comprises two triangular plates 33 and 34, parallel and placed one on top of the other, with two handles 31 and 32 fixed to two corners / ends of the two superimposed plates 33 and 34, so that the handles 31 and 32 substantially form, with one side 35 of the two triangular plates, an arc of a circle.
[0053] The two triangular plates 33 and 34 have a third end 36 which is pivotally mounted relative to said frame 1 around an axis which extends in a second direction D2.
[0054] As can be seen in [Fig.l] or 3, the direction D2 is inclined relative to said longitudinal direction X: this is the angle a formed by the steering column of the motorcycle module relative to the vertical.
[0055] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3 and in accordance with the invention, the frame 1 is mounted to be able to rotate about said longitudinal direction X.
[0056] To do this, the rectangular part 10 is pivotally mounted on an axis transverse to the base 2.
[0057] It will also be noted that the pivot axis of the frame 1 is positioned in the upper part of the base, unlike the solutions of the state of the art which often provide a pivot of the motorcycle simulator in the middle part of the base or in the lower part of the base.
[0058] To ensure balance for the player or apprentice pilot, it is also possible to ballast the frame at the rear, between the footrests 12 and 13: [Fig.6] shows a ballast 100 which is positioned between the footrests.
[0059] The realization of the pivot in the upper part of the base allows to use the weight of the player (or of the apprentice pilot) to counterbalance the weight of the inclination that the player will give to the motorcycle: in fact, by positioning the pivot axis of the frame under the saddle and under the tank of the fictitious motorcycle, the weight of the lower body of the pilot (pelvis and legs) can compensate for the inclination of the upper body. It can also be It is advisable to weight the bottom of the module to increase resistance to tilting.
[0060] On the base 2, approximately halfway up (in the context of the illustrated example), we observe that the module includes a wedge 5.
[0061] The wedge 5 is pivotally mounted relative to the base 2 around an axis which extends in a second direction D3 which is perpendicular to the direction D2: to do this, the wedge 5 is pivotally mounted on a surface inclined at the same angle as the angle of inclination a of the direction axis D2 relative to the longitudinal axis X (see [Fig.l]).
[0062] In addition, the handlebar 3 is connected to the movable wedge 5 by a connecting device 4.
[0063] The connecting device 4 is articulated both on the wedge 5 and on the handlebar 3: it comprises at least two connecting rods 40 and 41 which form a V between them in the context of this embodiment.
[0064] The connecting rods 40 and 41 comprise: - a first common connecting rod end 42, which is pivotally mounted on said wedge 5, around an axis which extends in a direction D3, parallel to the second direction D2.
[0065] The connecting rods 40 and 41 also each comprise an end 43 and 44, respectively, which connect the support 30 of the handlebar 3 to said connecting device 4, in the vicinity of the two handles 31 and 32.
[0066] The connecting rod ends 43 and 44 are each pivotally mounted on said support 30, around axes which are parallel to said second direction D2.
[0067] Thus produced, and as can be seen in [Fig.4], when the frame 1 pivots around the axis X in a first direction SI of rotation (the frame leans to the right), it triggers the rotation in the opposite direction of the handlebar 3 around the axis which extends in the second direction D2 and the right handle moves away from the frame 1, the wedge 5 being driven in opposite rotation S2 around the axis XL
[0068] This position is also illustrated in [Fig.6].
[0069] Conversely, when the frame 1 pivots around the axis X in a second direction S2 of rotation (the frame leans to the left), it triggers the rotation in the opposite direction of the handlebar 3 around the axis which extends in the second direction D2 and the left handle moves away from the frame 1, the wedge 5 being driven in opposite rotation SI around the axis XL
[0070] It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific V-shape of the connecting device 4: in fact, depending on the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the connecting device 4 may have a difference in shape without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0071] To do this, we observe that the connecting device 4 comprises an arm 45 which has a curved shape, which is connected to the base 2 by a wedge 5 pivoting around the axis D3: the wedge 5 has a flat surface which slides on the inclined plane of the base 2.
[0072] The curved arm 45 has an opposite end 46 which is formed by a transverse piece 46.
[0073] The part 46 is pivotally mounted in its center around the axis D2 at the end of the arm 45, and it is integral with the handlebar 3.
[0074] Seen from below (or from above), the connecting device has the shape of a T.
[0075] Thanks to the movement returns of the articulated connecting device 4, the module of the embodiment of figures 7 and 8 operates in the same way as the module illustrated in figures 1 to 6: when the frame 4 is rotated to the right or to the left (when the player or apprentice leans to the right or to the left) the handlebars are animated by a counter-steering movement and turn in the opposite direction (i.e. to the left and to the right, respectively).
[0076] To simulate the sensations of the motorcycle during braking or acceleration, the base 2 can be mounted to move around a transverse axis T relative to the base 2, the pivot axis being located in the lower part of the base.
[0077] Elastic return means 21 and 22 are also provided to return the base 2 to a vertical position.
[0078] These elastic return means retain the base 2 on the ground or on the base support 20 at a height hl of the base, the height hl corresponding substantially to half the height of the base 2. The end of the elastic return means is, for example, mounted to move around a second transverse axis Tl parallel to the transverse axis T.
[0079] In [Fig.7], the transverse axis Tl is positioned at a height h2 lower than the height hl of the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.3], h2 being between 1 / 3 and V2 of the height of the base 2.
[0080] The elastic return means 21 and 22 can be produced by pneumatic cylinders in the context of the embodiment shown in [Fig.3], or even by springs as illustrated in figures 7 and 8.
[0081] It should be understood that any other elastic return means could be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0082] Thanks to these elastic return means in the vertical position of the base, it is possible to simulate the sensations felt by a motorcycle rider who accelerates or brakes: in fact; any vehicle which accelerates or brakes sees its attitude change and particularly a two-wheeled vehicle.
[0083] The module rests on an axis reproducing the mass transfers towards the front and rear of the module.
[0084] When the player or apprentice brakes, the module positions itself forward and when the player or apprentice accelerates, the module positions itself backward (cable accelerator control).
[0085] This mobility of the module can also occur in reaction to the position of the player or apprentice on the module: he will thus be able to train himself to take a neutral position (i.e. without consequence on the movement of the motorcycle) in order to ensure optimal centering of the masses on the motorcycle.
[0086] It is understood from the preceding description how the invention makes it possible to simulate the effects that can be felt on a motorcycle when it is in motion, by simulating effects which aim to reproduce forces which only exist during the movement of the motorcycle and only from the moment when the motorcycle has reached a minimum speed.
[0087] The invention extends to the implementation of any technical means equivalent to those illustrated in the figures and described previously.
Claims
Claims
1. Module for simulating a movement of a motorcycle in a bend, said module comprising: - a saddle mounted on a frame (1), said frame (1) extending in a longitudinal direction (X) and being mounted on a base (2) which extends in a first direction (Z) which is perpendicular to said longitudinal direction (X), - a handlebar (3), comprising a handlebar support (33, 34) on which two handles (31, 32) are fixed, said handlebar (3) being pivotally mounted relative to said frame (1) around an axis which extends in a second direction (D2) inclined relative to said longitudinal direction (X), said module being characterized: - in that said frame (1) is mounted so as to be able to rotate on said base (2) around said longitudinal direction (X), - in that a movable wedge (5) is mounted so as to pivot on said base (2), around an axis which extends in a third direction (D3) which is perpendicular to the second direction (D2), and - in that said handlebar (3) is connected to said movable wedge (5) by a connecting device (4), said connecting device comprising at least two connecting rods (40, 41) comprising: a first connecting rod end (42), which is pivotally mounted on said wedge (5), around an axis which extends in a fourth direction (D1) which is parallel to the second direction (D2), and at least two second connecting rod ends (43, 44), which connect the handlebar support (33, 34) to said connecting device (4) in the vicinity of the two handles (31, 32), said two second connecting rod ends (43, 44) each being pivotally mounted on said handlebar support (33, 34), each around an axis parallel to said second direction (D2), so that, when the frame (1) pivots around the longitudinal axis (X) in a first direction (SI) of rotation, it triggers the rotation of the wedge (5) and the handlebar (3) in opposite directions, around their respective axes which each extend respectively in the fourth direction (D1) and second direction (D2).
2. Module according to claim 1, characterized in that said base (2) has a lower base part and an upper base part, and in that said frame (1) is mounted to be movable in rotation. around the axis which extends in the longitudinal direction (X) in the upper part of said base (2).
3. Module according to claim 2, characterized in that the lower part of the base is fixed relative to a support (20) of the module.
4. Module according to claim 2, characterized in that the lower part of the base is pivotally mounted around an axis (Tl) which extends in a plane parallel to a flat support of the module.
5. Module according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises at least two elastic return means (21, 22) connecting the flat support (20) of the module to said base (2), capable of returning said base (2) of said module to a position where the alignment direction (Z) of the base is vertical or substantially vertical.
6. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said wedge (5) has a plane inclined relative to said base direction (Z) and in that said inclined plane supports a mast which extends in said third direction (D3), parallel to said inclined plane of said wedge, mast around which the first end (42) of the connecting rod is pivotally mounted.
7. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the two connecting rods (40, 41) of said connecting device (4) form a v
8. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the two connecting rods (45, 46) of the connecting device (4) form a T.
9. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said frame (1) comprises two footrests (12, 13), and possibly a ballast device.
10. Installation comprising a module according to any one of the preceding claims and an electronic game terminal equipped with a screen and game software, said movement of the module generating the movement of a motorcycle represented on said screen in said electronic game.