Delta wing flight simulator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a delta wing flight simulator that comprises a structure (1) with a base (41) and two collapsible arches (42, 43) that can be collapsed by means of actuators hinged on the base (41), according to perpendicular axes that are coplanar and perpendicular to each other, and joined by a sliding crosshead (44), located at the intersection of both arches (42, 43); a pilot support (2) joined to the crosshead (44); a delta wing bar (3) or triangle joined to the crosshead (44) that is located in front of the support (2); a sensor controller (4) for controlling movement of the support (2); a control system (6) that acts on the digital simulation and operates the actuators based on the simulated flight parameters and the pilot's movements detected by the controller (4); and a display system for the pilot.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Hang gliding flight simulator

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] This application relates to a motorized or non-motorized hang-gliding flight simulator, as a learning or entertainment aid, pilotable by young people and adults.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] The use of flight simulators for learning or entertainment is known in the art. These simulators consist of screens and controls that simulate an airplane cockpit. Some of these simulators use virtual reality to immerse the pilot in the simulation. There are also some attempts to simulate unpowered flight, such as hang-gliding. However, these simulators fail to adequately simulate the pilot's physical interaction in the form of sensations and movements.

[0007] The applicant does not know of any solution to these problems similar to the invention.

[0008] BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention relates to a hang-gliding flight simulator according to the claims and whose embodiments improve and solve the problems of the art.

[0010] The goal is to recreate the experience of flying a hang glider in computer-generated virtual environments, offering the pilot an experience that involves physical sensations and actions (visual, auditory, proprioceptive, and movement) very similar to those of real-life hang gliding.

[0011] A hang glider is an aerodynamic glider with a rigid tube structure. Flight control is achieved by the pilot utilizing the displacement caused by their body weight, as well as the surrounding aerothermal currents. The pilot can take off and land standing up using their leg power. To be considered a hang glider, a device must take off and land completely safely and with a headwind speed of less than or equal to 1 meter per second. The invention integrates several elements. On the one hand, a structure that incorporates moving elements that allow the pilot to perform the movements required in a flight situation. Among the moving parts is the pilot's support element, which is suspended from the structure at the point that allows it to maintain the prone position of a hang glider.On the other hand, there is a controller or a series of sensor devices that record the movements made by the pilot and transfer them to a control system for processing.

[0012] The structure consists of a base, preferably circular, on which two semicircular arches are fixed. These arches can perform folding movements on two horizontal support axes that are coplanar and perpendicular to each other. The movements are assisted by electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuators. One arch is located below the other, and a crosspiece is located at the point where the arches intersect. The crosspiece is connected to each arch by sliding means, so that when the arches move, the crosspiece remains at the intersection.

[0013] The control system is responsible for calculating the appropriate response to a virtual environment and the actuators that control the moving elements that allow the flight to be simulated. The devices for displaying the virtual environment consist of virtual reality headsets or, alternatively, digital screens located in front of or to the sides of the pilot. Other elements can be added to enhance the flight experience, as indicated in the report.

[0014] Other variants are indicated in the rest of the report.

[0015] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] For a better understanding of the invention, the following figures are included, listing the structural elements that make up the invention.

[0017] Figure 1: Diagram of an example of implementation.

[0018] Figure 2: Diagram of the simulator's structure-support assembly (side view). Figure 3: Diagram of the simulator's structure-support assembly (top view). EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Below, a brief description is given of an embodiment of the invention, as an illustrative and non-limiting example thereof.

[0020] The realization of the figures comprises a structure (1 ) formed by a fixed part or base (41 ) preferably circular, and a mobile part composed of two articulated arches (42, 43) attached to the base by means of fixings located on coplanar perpendicular axes on which the arches can be folded with the help of actuators. The union of the arches (42, 43) to the base (41 ) is carried out by four articulated fixings that define the respective axes.

[0021] The arches (42,43) have a substantially semicircular shape. A smaller arch (43) fits under a larger arch (42) and at the intersection point of both there is a crosshead (44) whose connection with both arches (42,43) is sliding, such that when the arches move the crosshead remains at the intersection. Fixed to the crosshead (44) is the support (2) for holding and suspending a pilot, together with a bar (3) or delta wing triangle that is located in front of the pilot and to which he holds on to perform flight maneuvers. The crosshead (44) is formed by two tubular sections, each one exterior to one of the two arches (42,43), and joined together. The support (2) is suspended from the crosspiece (44) at the top of the structure (1) where the intersection point of the arches (42,43) is located so that the pilot's suspension is that of a real hang-glider.The support (2) is suspended several centimetres from the ground to simulate the sensation of flying at altitude. The support (2) consists of a harness or bag, which may be a real hang-gliding harness or, failing that, another similar secure fastening element, which conforms to the flight realism parameters of the invention. The support (2) and the bar (3) are fixed to the crosshead (44) with hooks that allow their position to be modified to adapt to the pilot's height.

[0022] The support (2) and the bar (3) allow the movement of the pilot in the lateral and frontal directions, not the vertical one, keeping the pilot within the arches (42,43). The crosshead (44) is slidable with respect to the two arches (42,43). This allows the movement of the crosshead (44) along them. When one arch (42,43) moves, it pushes the crosshead (44) along the other. The position of the crosshead (44) is thus always defined by the intersection of the two arches (42,43), that is, by the angle at which each arch (42,43) is rotating. In this way, the movement of each arch (42,43) exerts a force on the crosshead (44) that produces the relative movement of this one with respect to the other arch (42,43). The combination of the movement of the two arches (42,43) is what allows the pilot to move. The movement is performed without the pilot having to apply excessive force as it is assisted by the actuators.

[0023] In order to realistically simulate the inertial forces through small inclinations of the support (2), there are a series of elastic fasteners (52) connected to the support (2) and to the fixed structure by means of joints (51) which can be hooks or posts (Figure 3 shows an example with four elastic fasteners and joints). When the support (2) moves due to the movement of the arches towards a certain position, the pilot will feel that one or several forces pull the support as if it were the force of inertia.

[0024] The position of the pilot within the support (2) in the three-dimensional space inside the arches is obtained by means of a sensor controller (4) that is fixed to the bottom of the support (2) at the height of the pilot's chest. The controller (4) may be a virtual reality controller, a gyroscopic sensor or an accelerometer, and may use infrared light, radio waves, etc. The controller (4) may also be complemented by sensors in fixed base stations located around the fixed structure (1), in a similar way to position sensor controllers for virtual reality.

[0025] The control system (6) receives the movement signals from the controller (4) and generates instructions for the actuators responsible for creating the movement of one or both arcs (42,43). Said system may be formed by several computer equipments that execute a software that generates the instructions according to the response of the pilot together with the simulation parameters such as the altitude, the wind speed, the humidity, the weight and the height of the pilot, the length of his arms, the shape and size of the hang glider, etc. The use of the simulator may require a calibration phase and configuration of the flight parameters. The simulator can offer the pilot a training phase or a learning phase in how to fly, with explanations of the operation of the simulator, etc.

[0026] The pilot views the flight using virtual reality glasses (7) or, failing that, using a system of digital screens in front of the pilot and / or to the sides of the pilot. The virtual reality glasses (7) may be any type capable of performing the functions required for recreating a digital scenario, and are preferably wireless to avoid cables. If cables are present, they must be connected to the virtual reality glasses (7) within the smaller arc (43). Depending on the movements of the control (4) and the parameters of the simulated flight, the control system (6) coherently modifies the inclination of the arcs (42,43) as well as the images displayed by the glasses (7) so that they correspond to the pilot's response during the flight.

[0027] At one or more points of the connection support (2) - arches (42,43) - base (41) there may be dampers, such as springs, which reduce the power that the actuators need to make to reduce vibrations or rebound movements (for example, braking) and thus be able to adjust to the objective of realism.

[0028] The simulator is likely to incorporate other elements that facilitate the pilot's immersive sensation, such as a fan system with a fixed base that simulates the wind, tracking of the position of the hands on the bar (3) that allows the control system (6) to represent the pilot's hands within the virtual environment, as well as other support systems for the actuators responsible for moving the mobile part of the structure. A locking system for one of the arches (42,43) may also be provided to restrict movements in flight scenarios where such movements are not necessary.

Claims

CLAIMS 1- Delta wing flight simulator, comprising a structure (1) with a base (41) and two folding arches (42,43) by means of actuators articulated in the base (41), along horizontal, coplanar and perpendicular axes between them, and joined by a sliding crosspiece (44), located at the intersection of both arches (42,43); a support (2) for a pilot attached to the crosspiece (44); a bar (3) or delta wing triangle attached to the crosspiece (44) remaining in front of the support (2); a control (4) that sensors the movement of the support (2); a control system (6) that, depending on the simulated flight parameters and the pilot's movements detected by the control (4), acts on the digital simulation and operates the actuators, and a display system for the pilot. 2- Hang-gliding flight simulator, according to claim 1, characterized in that the display system consists of virtual reality glasses (7). 3- Delta wing flight simulator, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a series of elastic fasteners (52) attached to the support (2) and the base (41). 4- Hang-gliding flight simulator, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support (2) is a harness or a bag. 5- Hang-gliding flight simulator, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises sensors for tracking the position of the hands on the bar (3), and the control system (6) is configured to represent the pilot's hands within the virtual environment. 6- Delta wing flight simulator, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises fixed base fans on the perimeter of the base (41).

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