Roadway simulator with limited energized operating state

Abstract

To provide equipment and methods used during laboratory tests of objects moving over surfaces.SOLUTION: A roadway simulator comprises: a restraint couplable to a vehicle so as to limit movement of the vehicle, where the restraint includes a first actuator to position an end of the restraint proximate to a portion of the vehicle and / or a second actuator to couple the restraint to the portion of the vehicle; and a controller. The controller is operable to: configure the roadway simulator in a lockout state, in which the power is isolated from the roadway simulator so as to inhibit operation for conducting a test isolating the power from a rotatable drive assembly and isolating the power from an actuator drive assembly; and configure the roadway simulator in a limited energized state, in which the test of the vehicle is inhibited because of continued isolation of the power to the rotatable drive assembly, and the power to the actuator drive assembly is restored.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 619,627, filed on January 10, 2024, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0002] The following discussion is provided only for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0003] Aspects of the present invention relate to devices and methods used during laboratory testing of objects moving on a surface, such as, but not limited to, all types of vehicles traveling on a road.

[0004] Referring to vehicles such as automobiles as an example, the use of simulated roads has become important in the development of vehicle design. These road simulators generally include one or more individual endless belts that are attached under the vehicle, engage one or more wheels, and / or are positioned under other body panels of the vehicle. The belts are driven to simulate the operation of the vehicle on a roadway. Some road simulators are disposed in a wind tunnel to measure aerodynamic characteristics.

[0005] The vehicle is generally constrained with respect to the simulated road through one or more restraints that restrain the vehicle from movement in the longitudinal (front - to - rear), lateral (left - to - right), and / or yaw (steering motion) directions. Generally, the vehicle restraints are passive restraints that do not affect the mechanics of the vehicle but can be used to measure loads in different restraint directions as needed.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] This summary and abstract in this specification are provided to introduce in a simplified form selected concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary and abstract are not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor are they intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages described in the background art.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a method for testing a vehicle on a road simulator having at least one rotating assembly for rotating at least one wheel of the vehicle, the method comprising positioning the vehicle on the at least one rotating assembly; coupling a restraint to the vehicle so as to restrict longitudinal and / or lateral movement of the vehicle on the at least one rotating assembly, the coupling comprising controlling a first actuator to position an end portion of the restraint proximate to a portion of the vehicle and / or controlling a second actuator to couple the restraint to a portion of the vehicle; driving the at least one rotating assembly to rotate at least one wheel on the vehicle; configuring the road simulator in a lockout state in which operation for conducting a test is blocked by insulating power from the road simulator, the insulating comprising insulating power from a rotational drive assembly for the at least one rotating assembly and insulating power from an actuator drive assembly for the first actuator and / or the second actuator; configuring the road simulator in a limited energized state in which testing of the vehicle is blocked due to continued insulation of power to the rotational drive assembly and power is restored to the actuator drive assembly for the first actuator and / or the second actuator; and controlling the first actuator to position the end portion of the restraint remotely from the vehicle to enable the vehicle to be removed from the at least one rotating assembly and / or controlling the second actuator to disconnect the restraint from a portion of the vehicle.

[0008] The implementation can include one or more of the following features. The road simulator can be provided with a designated control for configuring the road simulator to a limited power-on state, and configuring the road simulator to a limited power-on state includes providing a control signal from the designated control to energize a circuit for the first actuator and / or the second actuator. In one embodiment, the designated control can be remote from a user interface for operating the road simulator to perform a vehicle test by controlling at least one rotational assembly. In another embodiment, the designated control can be part of a user interface for operating the road simulator to perform a vehicle test by controlling at least one rotational assembly. Optionally, the designated control is not configured to operate a switch that provides power to the rotational drive assembly.

[0009] Providing the control signal can include providing the control signal to a first control switch and operating the first control switch to provide power to an actuator drive assembly for the first actuator and / or the second actuator. The actuator drive assembly can include an actuator power supply that provides power to the first actuator and / or the second actuator, and an actuator control module connected to the actuator power supply and configured to control the operation of the actuator power supply.

[0010] The power switch can selectively provide power to the actuator power supply, and the control module switch can selectively provide power to the actuator control module and provide a control signal. This causes the power switch to operate to provide power to the actuator power supply and the control module switch to operate to provide power to the actuator control module. The power switch can selectively provide power to another part of the road simulator that is different from the actuator power supply. Another part of the road simulator has another control module that is different from the actuator control module, and providing a control signal does not provide power to the other control module.

[0011] The road simulator can include a positioner for controlling the position of the elements of the road simulator. Configuring the road simulator in a locked-out state can include insulating the power to the positioner drive assembly of the positioner. Configuring the road simulator in a limited power-on state can include restoring power to the positioner drive assembly. The positioner positions the elements at a selected position to enable removal of the vehicle from the road simulator.

[0012] The road simulator can include a turntable for supporting the vehicle at a selected angular position, and the positioner drive assembly rotates the turntable. The positioner is coupled to at least one rotation assembly. The positioner drive assembly can include a positioner power supply that provides power to the positioner and a positioner control module that is connected to the positioner power supply and configured to control the operation of the positioner power supply.

[0013] The positioner power switch can selectively provide power to the positioner power supply, and the positioner control module switch can selectively provide power to the positioner control module and provide a control signal, which operates the positioner power switch to provide power to the positioner power supply and operates the positioner control module switch to provide power to the positioner control module.

[0014] Coupling the restraint to the vehicle can include coupling the restraint to the side of the vehicle. The first actuator adjusts the position of the end of the restraint, and the second actuator operates a coupler that couples the restraint to the vehicle. Coupling the restraint to the vehicle can include coupling the restraint to the end of the vehicle. Coupling the restraint to the vehicle can include coupling the restraint to the top of the vehicle.

[0015] At least one rotary assembly can include a single belt that supports and rotationally drives each wheel of the vehicle. At least one rotary assembly can include a plurality of separate rotary assemblies, and each separate rotary assembly rotationally drives at least one wheel of the vehicle. At least one rotary assembly can include a plurality of separate rotary assemblies, and each separate rotary assembly rotationally drives one wheel of the vehicle.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is a road simulator, comprising at least one rotation assembly for rotating at least one wheel of a vehicle, and a restraint connectable to the vehicle so as to limit longitudinal and / or lateral movement of the vehicle on the at least one rotation assembly, the restraint including a first actuator for positioning an end of the restraint in proximity to a part of the vehicle, and / or a second actuator for coupling the restraint to a part of the vehicle; a controller operable to configure the road simulator in a locked-out state, in which operation for conducting a test is prevented by insulating power from the road simulator, the insulating including insulating power from a rotation drive assembly for the at least one rotation assembly and insulating power from an actuator drive assembly for the first actuator and / or the second actuator, and operable to configure the road simulator in a limited power-on state, in which a test of the vehicle is prevented due to continuous insulation of power to the rotation drive assembly, and power to the actuator drive assembly for the first actuator and / or the second actuator is restored.

[0017] The implementation can include one or more of the following features. The road simulator can comprise a designated control for configuring the road simulator in a limited power-on state, the designated control providing a control signal to energize a circuit for the first actuator and / or the second actuator. In one embodiment, the designated control can be remote from a user interface for operating the road simulator to conduct a test of the vehicle by controlling at least one rotation assembly. In another embodiment, the designated control can be part of a user interface for operating the road simulator to execute a test of the vehicle by controlling at least one rotation assembly.

[0018]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

[0020]

Figure 2

[0021]

Figure 3

[0022]

Figure 4

[0023]

Figure 5

[0024]

Figure 6

[0025]

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary vehicle restraint 9 and a road simulator 10 having one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. In the illustrated embodiment, vehicle 13 is an automobile, but it should be understood that this is only an example of a vehicle that can benefit from the aspects of the present invention. Further, any type of test article that is restrained against a moving surface provided by an endless belt or drum can benefit from one or more aspects of the present invention, but certain advantages are realized for a vehicle moving on a road surface.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the simulator 10 has a support base 11, which can generally comprise a large concrete structure with pits generally indicated by reference numeral 12, within which a main road mechanism 14 is provided such that the vehicle 13 to be tested is positioned at the height of the surface surrounding the pit 12. Often, the simulator 10 forms part of a wind tunnel having a fan represented by arrow 17, although not shown in the figures. The vehicle 13 and the main road mechanism 14 can include a platform 16, which in the illustrated embodiment is a turntable that enables selective positioning of the vehicle 13 with respect to the air flow 17 generated by the fan.

[0028] The platform 16 and the main road mechanism 14, although not essential, can be attached to a balance assembly generally indicated by 20 that can measure various forces exerted on the vehicle 13. Such balance assemblies can take many forms and are known in the art and need not be further described for the purposes of this application.

[0029] It should also be noted that the road mechanism 14 shown in FIG. 1 includes a single endless belt 22 that supports the vehicle 13. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention can be applied to road mechanisms that comprise two or more belts used to support the vehicle 13 and / or are positioned under or in proximity to various parts or panels of the vehicle 13. If two or more belts are present, all belts are driven by suitable motors and rollers, the details of which are known and not necessary for understanding the aspects of the present invention.

[0030] Referring now to the vehicle restraint 9, in one form, the vehicle restraint 9 can restrain the vehicle 13 on the belt(s) 22 and control its position, and in particular, can control the vertical position of the vehicle and / or measure the load or force on the vehicle 13. The restraint 9 can have the ability to lift the vehicle 13 upward relative to the platform 16 or the belt 22 to perform work on the vehicle 13, such as accessing the underside of the vehicle 13 to replace components. The restraint 9 should have the least possible impact on the air flow around the vehicle 13 during testing. Accordingly, supports 30 are provided that extend over portions of the belt 22 from the "stationary" portions of the platform 16 (relative to the movement of the belt 22) on both sides of the vehicle 13. The supports 30 are rigid or stiff in the axial direction (along their longitudinal length) to minimize air flow turbulence and are generally aerodynamically applied (e.g., an elongated and / or streamlined shape).

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the coupler 32 is coupled to the attachment point 31 of the vehicle 13, which may already be available or may require minor modification, such as providing a suitable flange, thereby allowing the vehicle to be rolled onto the belt 22 and quickly secured. In many cases, each coupler 32 includes an actuator 32A that can be selectively operated to operate the coupler to couple and disconnect the coupler 32 to a portion of the attachment point 31 of the vehicle 13. The actuator 32A can comprise an electric mechanism, a pneumatic mechanism, or a hydraulic mechanism, as is known in the art.

[0032] Generally, each of the couplers 32 is joined to the actuator assembly 34 via its respective support 30. The actuator assembly 34 enables the remote end of the support 30 to be positioned proximate to a portion of the vehicle 13 to which the coupler 32 is attached. Optionally, by selectively controlling each of the actuators 34, an operator can obtain desired characteristics of the vehicle 13 such as the position of the vehicle, ride height, etc., which can be further adjusted while the vehicle 13 is rolling on the belt 22. Further, optionally, the actuator 34 can be controlled to lift the vehicle 13 completely off the belt 22.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, each support 30 is pivotally coupled to a support fixture 56, and the end of each support 30 located farther away when viewed from the vehicle 13 is coupled to a lift actuator 34. Considering that each support pivots at or on the support fixture 56, it may be necessary to provide lateral compensation. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the compensation is provided by a lateral positioner 58 that can carry the lift actuator 34 and the support fixture 56, as well as a load cell 54 that measures a horizontal load (substantially lateral and / or parallel to the simulated vehicle movement), and a load cell 55 that measures a vertical load (substantially orthogonal to the simulated vehicle movement). The positioner 58 can take many forms, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Generally, the positioner 58 includes two elements that move via a guide track under the control of an actuator having a suitable sensor that returns position information to the controller. In a further embodiment, the lateral positioner 58 is also supported on the platform 16 by a vertical positioner 59. Similar to the lateral positioner 58, the vertical positioner 59 can take many forms, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Generally, the positioner 59 includes two elements that move via a guide track under the control of an actuator having a suitable sensor that returns position information to the controller. The vertical positioner 59 enables the vertical positioning of each corresponding support 30. Optionally, as is known in the art, suitable couplers can be provided at the ends of each support 30 to connect the support 30 to the wheel hub 29 (FIG. 2).

[0034] Figures 4 and 5 show another embodiment of the restraint system 109, which includes spaced-apart restraints 111 attached to a support structure such as a platform 16 directly below a portion of the vehicle 13 to which it is coupled. In this embodiment, the road simulator 10 includes a plurality of rotary assemblies 108, with a separate rotary assembly 108 provided for each wheel of the vehicle 13. Each rotary assembly 108 can include one or more rollers that contact each tire of the vehicle 13, while in another embodiment, each rotary assembly 108 includes an endless belt 110 driven by a roller 112, as is known in the art. The central belt or endless member 22 can be disposed between the rotary assemblies 108 and, while not contacting the vehicle 13, can simulate the movement of the vehicle 13 across the central portion of the roadway. Each rotary assembly 108 can be mounted so as to remain stationary in its relative position with respect to the platform 16 while rotating each corresponding wheel 29 of the vehicle 13. However, in another embodiment, a positioner 114 (shown schematically) can be provided to support each rotary assembly 108 while allowing the overall position of the rotary assemblies 108 to move in the longitudinal, lateral, and / or vertical directions, and thus apply forces and / or displacements to each wheel of the vehicle 13 to emulate driving on a roadway that is not always flat. The positioner 114 for the rotary assemblies 114 includes suitable actuators and guide structures (similar to those of the positioners 58 and 59) and is well known in the art.

[0035] The restraint device 111 includes a coupler 32, an actuator 32A, and an actuator 34 that is directly coupled to the platform 16 under the coupler in this specification. The actuator rod 34A extends through an opening 16A in the platform 16. The operation of the actuator 34 positions the coupler 32 relative to the vehicle 13 and enables the actuator 32A to operate to couple or disconnect the vehicle 13 to or from the platform 16. Preferably, the actuator 34 and the coupler 32 are configured such that when fully retracted, the coupler 32 is positioned at or under the platform 16, such that the vehicle 13 can travel over the restraint device 111 without difficulty, thereby enabling the vehicle 13 to be moved onto or from the platform 16 when necessary.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the restraint device 111 can include an additional actuator 32B that is spaced apart from the actuator 32A and is disposed closer to the platform 16 in this specification. The operation of both actuators 32A and 32B to disconnect the vehicle 13 from the actuator 34 enables most of the restraint device 111 to drop away from both the vehicle 13 and the actuator 34, and thus enables the vehicle 13 to be moved without being blocked by the restraint device 111. By adding the actuator 32B, the actuator 34 does not need to be operated to retract its actuator rod 34A within the opening 16A and below the platform 16.

[0037] At this point, it should be noted that an alternative restraint system can be used and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Referring again to FIG. 1, in yet another restraint system, the restraint arm or support 120 can include an actuator 122A that selectively couples the coupler 122 to the front of the vehicle 13, and thus includes a coupler 122 that is functionally similar to the coupler 32, while, if desired, similar supports and couplers can be provided at the rear of the vehicle 13. Although shown as an arm, it should be noted that the support can be a forwardly extending cable, strap, etc. that operates under tension to hold the position of the vehicle 13 on the simulator 10.

[0038] Similarly, a support 130 having a coupler 132 with an actuator 132A selectively coupled to the upper portion of the vehicle 134 can be provided from above. A suitable positioner (not shown) can be coupled to the support 122, the support 130, or the ends of the cable or strap, enabling positioning of the attached coupler and / or providing restraint, and can also include one or more actuators to allow some limited movement of the vehicle 13 on the simulator 10. If desired, additional actuators can be included in the support 122 or 130, or other components of the restraint, in a manner such as the actuator 32B having the actuator 32A, such that when it is desired to remove the vehicle 13, the other parts of the restraint can be disengaged, and again, the need to operate the positioning actuator of the restraint to move the restraint out of the way of the vehicle after the operation of the actuator that separates the restraint from the vehicle can be avoided.

[0039] FIG. 6 schematically shows an electrical cabinet and power lines for supplying power to various systems of the road simulator 10. In FIG. 6, power is from a main power line 200 having switches 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D that control power to individual cabinets 204A, 204B, 204C, and 204D including circuits for various systems of the simulator 10, and the switches 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D are schematically shown to be operated from a switch controller 203. For example, cabinet 204A includes a circuit for an actuator for any of the above-described couplers. Generally, the circuit has an actuator control module 206A used to control the actuator(s) of the coupler(s), and an actuator power supply 206B that provides power for directly powering the actuator(s) when the actuator(s) is / are essentially electrically utilized, such as when the actuator(s) is / are a solenoid actuator, a linear actuator, a rotary electric actuator, or a motor for a screw-type actuator. In an alternative form, the actuator power supply 206B supplies power to a pneumatic pump or a hydraulic pump when the actuator(s) is / are pneumatic or hydraulic. Each of the actuator control module 206A and the actuator power supply 206B is selectively energized by power control switches 208A and 208B. Again, FIG. 6 is schematic in that the actuator control module 206A and the actuator power supply 206B are shown located within the same electrical cabinet, but this may not be the case if power requirements or voltage requirements necessitate that the actuator control module 206A and the actuator power supply 206B be located in separate cabinets. Nevertheless, the actuator control module 206A and the actuator power supply 206B are used together to operate the associated actuator(s), e.g., 32A, 122A, or 132A, to which they are operably connected.

[0040] Similarly, cabinet 204B shows an actuator control module 210A and an actuator power supply 210B of another actuator drive assembly 210 for an actuator, such as 34, used when positioning a support arm, rod, cable or strap. Each of the actuator control module 210A and the actuator power supply 210B is selectively energized by power control switches 212A and 212B. Again, FIG. 6 is schematic in that the actuator control module 210A and the actuator power supply 210B are shown located within the same electrical cabinet, but this may not be the case if the power requirements or voltage requirements necessitate that the actuator control module 210A and the actuator power supply 210B be located in separate cabinets, and yet, the actuator control module 210A and the actuator power supply 210B are used together to operate the actuator(s) to which they are connected.

[0041] Similarly, cabinet 204C shows a positioner control module 214A and a positioner power supply 214B of a positioner drive assembly 214 for any component of simulator 10 that may need to be moved to remove simulator 10 from vehicle 13. For example, such a positioner can be a positioner 114 used to control one of the positions of the rotary assembly 108 so that the rotary assembly 108 can be positioned relative to the surface 16 such that vehicle 13 can be moved along the surface 16. The positioner may be a drive assembly used to rotate the surface 16 if the turntable is provided. The positioner control module 214A and the positioner power supply 214B are selectively energized by power control switches 216A and 216B. Also in this case, FIG. 6 is schematic in that the positioner control module 214A and the positioner power supply 214B are shown located within the same electrical cabinet, but this may not be the case if power requirements or voltage requirements necessitate that the positioner control module 214A and the positioner power supply 214B be located in separate cabinets, and yet the positioner control module 214A and the positioner power supply 214B are used together to operate the positioner to which they are connected.

[0042] Finally, in the schematic diagram of FIG. 6, cabinet 204D shows rotation drive control module 218A and rotation drive power supply 218B of rotation drive assembly 218 for the rotation assembly 108 of simulator 10. Rotation drive control module 218A and rotation drive power supply 214B are selectively energized by power control switches 220A and 220B. Again, FIG. 6 is schematic in that rotation drive control module 218A and rotation drive power supply 218B are shown located within the same electrical cabinet, but this may not be the case if power requirements or voltage requirements necessitate that rotation drive control module 218A and rotation drive power supply 218B be located in separate cabinets, and yet rotation drive control module 218A and rotation drive power supply 218B are used together to operate the rotation drive to which they are connected.

[0043] All switches 208A and 208B, 212A and 212B, 216A and 216B, and 220A and 220B are schematically shown as being operated by switch controller 203, but a separate switch controller from switch controller 203 can be used if desired.

[0044] In normal operation, vehicle 13 is positioned on road simulator 10 and coupled to road simulator 10 using a restraint assembly, such as either of the restraint assemblies 9 or 109 described above, or a similar functioning restraint assembly. Controller 250 (FIG. 6) is used to control road simulator 10 as needed to perform the desired tests on vehicle 13. Test controller 250 is operably coupled to the control modules and power supply described above, and control lines are omitted for clarity of the other aspects shown. With respect to the electrical circuit diagram of FIG. 6, switches 202A - 202D, 208A and 208B, 212A and 212B, 216A and 216B, and 220A and 220B are closed as needed to perform the tests. For example, rotational drive assembly 108 operates to simulate the desired driving speed of vehicle 13 along the lane. If provided, positioner 114 can apply force or displacement to individual wheels of vehicle 13 as desired. When located in a wind tunnel, the wind tunnel fan can be operated to generate an air flow over vehicle 13, and the turntable 16, if also provided, can vary the angular position of vehicle 13 relative to the air flow 17.

[0045] However, during or otherwise, there may be a need for vehicle 13 to be removed from simulator 10, such as when vehicle 13 could be on fire during a test and its presence on simulator 10 could cause significant damage to simulator 10. The electrical circuitry and switch controls shown in FIG. 6 enable the safe removal of vehicle 13 from simulator 10 when such a situation exists.

[0046] FIG. 7 shows a method 300 for testing vehicle 13 on road simulator 10 having at least one rotational assembly 108 for rotating at least one wheel of vehicle 13. Method 300 includes, at step 302, positioning vehicle 13 on at least one rotational assembly 108.

[0047] In step 304, a restraint, e.g., 9, 109, is coupled to the vehicle 13 so as to limit longitudinal and / or lateral movement of the vehicle 13 on at least one rotational assembly 108. Coupling includes controlling a first actuator, e.g., 34, to position an end of the restraint 9, 109 near a portion of the vehicle 13, and / or controlling actuators, e.g., 32A, 122A, 132A, to couple the restraint to a portion of the vehicle 13.

[0048] In step 306, at least one rotational assembly 108 is driven to rotate at least one wheel on the vehicle 13 during a normal test that is desired to be performed on the vehicle 13. Typically, this includes operating most, if not all, of the desired subassemblies or mechanisms of the provided road simulator 10 and powering all of the cabinets, such as cabinets 204A - 204D shown in FIG. 6, among many other things not shown, since they are related to the normal operation of the test.

[0049] During the operation of the test, or typically just prior to conducting the test, the operator becomes aware of a problem with the vehicle 13 under test and requests that it be removed from the road simulator 10 as soon as possible. Usually, the operator initiates an emergency stop or the like via the test controller 250 or other suitable switch, thereby removing most, if not all, of the power supplied to the road simulator 10 via the electrical cabinets 204A - 204D schematically shown in FIG. 6. For example, an emergency stop generally opens many, if not all, of the control switches 202A - 202D and / or switches 208A and 208B, 212A and 212B, 216A and 216B, and 220A and 220B to remove power from the cabinets 204A - 204D. As used herein, the road simulator 10 is currently in a "locked - out state" where power is isolated from the components of the road simulator 10 and thus, when such power is removed, it prevents the operation for conducting the test. The "locked - out state" includes isolating power from any rotational drive assembly 218 for the rotating assembly 108. The "locked - out state" also isolates power from the actuators and drive assemblies 208, 206 for the actuators 34 and / or actuators 32A, 32B, 122A, 132A. The "locked - out state" typically also operates the control switches 220A and 220B for the rotational drive assembly 218.

[0050] As described above, in this situation, it is desirable to remove the vehicle 13 from the road simulator 10, and to that end, one aspect of the present invention enables selective energization of the components necessary to disconnect the vehicle 13 from the road simulator 10. In step 310, the road simulator 10 is configured in a "limited energization state", which, as used herein, involves preventing the testing of the vehicle 13 due to continuous insulation of power to the rotary drive assembly 218, and the power is restored to the actuator drive assemblies 206, 210 for the actuators 34 and / or actuators 32A, 32B, 122A, 132A. The "limited energization state" is achieved, as necessary, by providing control signals that operate each of the control switches 208A and 208B, 212A and 212B, and 216A and 216B. However, again in this case, power is not provided to many other components of the road simulator 10 that are not required to remove the vehicle 13 from the simulator 10, such as the rotary drive assembly 218.

[0051] At this point, it should be noted that the simulator does not need to include all switches 208A and 208B, 212A and 212B, 216A and 216B, and 220A and 220B as shown in order to achieve the lockout state and the limited power-on state. Optionally, these states can be achieved by controlling switches 202A - 202D for each of cabinets 204A - 204D, and a single control switch can also selectively supply power to two or more cabinets. To achieve the limited power-on state, switches 202A - 202C are selectively operated to supply power to the control module and power source necessary for the operation of the actuator to release the restraint and move the restraint to move vehicle 13. In some cases, the cabinet can include other modules, power sources, circuits, etc. as shown at 207 in FIG. 6, and these can be powered on together with the control module and power source necessary for the operation of the actuator to release the restraint and move the restraint to move vehicle 13, but since the power-on is only temporary to the extent necessary to remove vehicle 13, this is usually not a problem.

[0052] In step 312, with the simulator 10 powered in the limited power-on state, an actuator, such as 34, is controlled to position the end of the restraint remotely from vehicle 13 and / or actuators 32A, 32B, 122A, 132A are controlled to disconnect the restraint from a portion of vehicle 13 in order to enable vehicle 13 to be removed from at least one rotating assembly 108.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows a designated control or controller 260 operated by an operator to place the simulator in a limited power-on state, with at least actuator drive assemblies 206 and / or 210 powered on, and the actuators thereby powered and controlled being operable as desired to disconnect the vehicle 13 from the simulator 10 and / or to reposition the restraints out of the way. In one embodiment, the designated control 260 is remote from a user interface for operating the road simulator to perform a vehicle test by controlling at least one rotary assembly so that inadvertent operation of the designated control 260 is prevented. For example, the designated control 260 can be located on a panel separate from the user interface for the controller 250 used to conduct the test. The designated control 260 may involve using a key to operate the control 260 or otherwise accessing the control 260.

[0054] In another embodiment, the designated control 260 can be part of the user interface used to conduct the test, but access to the designated control 260 may in some cases involve switching to a different screen rendered on the user interface or otherwise require a specific action such as pressing a button on the rendered screen to gain access to the designated control 260.

[0055] In FIG. 6, the designated controller 260 is operably coupled to the switch controller 203 to provide command signals to operate switches 208A and 208B and switches 212A and 212B as needed. However, it should be understood that the designated controller 260 can be operably connected to switches 208A and 208B and switches 212A and 212B without using the switch controller 203 if desired.

[0056] Although detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative examples of the present invention and can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the present invention in any suitable detailed structure that may be contemplated. In particular, the features presented and described in the separate dependent claims may be applied in combination, and any advantageous combination of such claims is disclosed herein.

[0057] Furthermore, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather are intended to provide an understandable description of the present invention. The term "a" or "an" as used herein is defined as one or more. As used herein, the term "plurality" is defined as two or more. The term "another" as used herein is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and / or "having" as used herein are defined as "comprising" (i.e., an open language). The term "coupled" as used herein is defined as "connected", although not necessarily directly.

[0058] While the aspects of the present invention have been described in this manner, it is obvious that the present invention can be modified in many ways. Such modifications should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of testing a vehicle on a road simulator having at least one rotary assembly for rotating at least one wheel of the vehicle, comprising: positioning the vehicle on the at least one rotary assembly; coupling a restraint to the vehicle so as to limit longitudinal and / or lateral movement of the vehicle on the at least one rotary assembly, the coupling comprising controlling a first actuator to position an end of the restraint adjacent to a portion of the vehicle and / or controlling a second actuator to couple the restraint to the portion of the vehicle; driving the at least one rotary assembly to rotate the at least one wheel on the vehicle; configuring the road simulator in a lockout state, in which operation for conducting a test is blocked by insulating power from the road simulator, the insulating comprising insulating power from a rotary drive assembly for the at least one rotary assembly and insulating power from an actuator drive assembly for the first actuator and / or the second actuator; configuring the road simulator in a limited power-on state, in which testing of the vehicle is blocked due to continued insulation of power to the rotary drive assembly and power is restored to the actuator drive assembly for the first actuator and / or the second actuator; controlling the first actuator to position the end of the restraint remotely from the vehicle to enable removal of the vehicle from the at least one rotary assembly and / or controlling the second actuator to disconnect the restraint from the portion of the vehicle; A method as described above.

2. The road simulator includes a designated control for configuring the road simulator in the limited power-on state. Configuring the road simulator in the limited power-on state includes providing a control signal from the designated control to energize a circuit for the first actuator and / or the second actuator. In one embodiment, the designated control is remote from a user interface for operating the road simulator to perform the test of the vehicle by controlling the at least one rotary assembly. In another embodiment, the designated control is part of a user interface for operating the road simulator to perform the test of the vehicle by controlling the at least one rotary assembly. The method according to claim 1.

3. Providing the control signal includes operating a first control switch to provide a control signal to the actuator drive assembly for the first actuator and / or the second actuator to provide power thereto. In one embodiment, the designated control is not configured to operate a switch that provides power to the rotary drive assembly. The method according to claim 2.

4. The actuator drive assembly includes an actuator power source that provides power to the first actuator and / or the second actuator, and an actuator control module connected to the actuator power source and configured to control the operation of the actuator power source. In one embodiment, a power switch selectively provides power to the actuator power source, and a control module switch selectively provides power to the actuator control module. Providing the control signal includes operating the power switch to provide power to the actuator power source and operating the control module switch to provide power to the actuator control module. In a further embodiment, the power switch selectively provides power to another part of the road simulator different from the actuator power source, and the another part of the road simulator has another control module different from the actuator control module. Providing the control signal does not include providing power to the another control module. The method according to claim 2.

5. The road simulator includes a positioner for controlling the position of an element of the road simulator. Configuring the road simulator in the locked-out state includes insulating power to the positioner drive assembly of the positioner. Configuring the road simulator in the limited power-on state includes restoring power to the positioner drive assembly. In one embodiment, the positioner positions the element at a selected position to enable removal of the vehicle from the road simulator. In another embodiment, the road simulator includes a turntable for supporting the vehicle at a selected angular position, the positioner drive assembly rotates the turntable, or the positioner is coupled to the at least one rotary assembly, or the positioner drive assembly includes a positioner power source that provides power to the positioner and a positioner control module connected to the positioner power source and configured to control the operation of the positioner power source. The method according to claim 2.

6. The positioner power switch selectively provides power to the positioner power supply, and the positioner control module switch selectively provides power to the positioner control module. Providing the control signal operates the positioner power switch to provide power to the positioner power supply and operates the positioner control module switch to provide power to the positioner control module. The method according to claim 5.

7. Coupling the restraint to the vehicle includes coupling the restraint to a side of the vehicle, or an end of the vehicle, or an upper portion of the vehicle. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first actuator adjusts the position of the end of the restraint, and the second actuator operates a coupler that couples the restraint to the vehicle. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The at least one rotary assembly includes a single belt that supports and rotationally drives each wheel of the vehicle, or separate rotary assemblies that rotationally drive at least one wheel of the vehicle. Each separate rotary assembly rotationally drives one wheel of the vehicle. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A road simulator, At least one rotary assembly for rotating at least one wheel of a vehicle, A restraint couplable to the vehicle to limit longitudinal and / or lateral movement of the vehicle on the at least one rotary assembly. The restraint includes a first actuator that positions an end of the restraint proximate to a portion of the vehicle, and / or a second actuator that couples the restraint to the portion of the vehicle. A restraint Configuring the road simulator to a locked-out state, in which state, by insulating power from the road simulator, operations for conducting tests are blocked. Insulating power includes insulating power from the rotational drive assembly for the at least one rotational assembly and insulating power from the actuator drive assembly for the first actuator and / or the second actuator. The road simulator is operable to be configured to a limited power-on state, in which state, due to continuous insulation of power to the rotational drive assembly, testing of the vehicle is blocked, and power to the actuator drive assembly for the first actuator and / or the second actuator is restored. A controller, A road simulator comprising the same.

11. The road simulator according to claim 10, further comprising designated control for configuring the road simulator to the limited power-on state, wherein the designated control provides a control signal for energizing a circuit for the first actuator and / or the second actuator.

12. The road simulator according to claim 11, wherein the designated control is remote from a user interface for operating the road simulator to perform the test of the vehicle by controlling the at least one rotational assembly.

13. The road simulator according to claim 11, wherein the designated control is part of a user interface for operating the road simulator to perform the test of the vehicle by controlling the at least one rotational assembly.

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