Active Belt System for Vehicle Simulator Inertial Load Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle simulator systems struggle to effectively transmit static and low-frequency inertial loads, particularly in the lateral direction, due to limitations in force transmission and tactile feedback, leading to an inconsistent and less immersive simulation experience.
Innovation Solution
An active belt system comprising upper, central, and lower belts, along with a connection system and an actuation system, which allows for the independent modulation of belt lengths to apply forces with vertical, longitudinal, and lateral components, enhancing the simulation's fidelity and immersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If robotic systems are used to transmit inertial loads, then the transmission of accelerations for prolonged periods is achieved, but the devices become cumbersome and require high-power systems at high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active force transmission function from complex robotic systems and concentrates it into a single active belt that applies forces directly to the driver's torso. This eliminates the need for cumbersome robotic mechanisms while maintaining the ability to transmit inertial loads for prolonged periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical robotic systems with a simpler belt-based system that uses active tensioning mechanisms. The active belt system substitutes elaborate robotic structures with a more efficient direct-force application method, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining performance.
2Force
If pneumatic cushions are used in seats to transmit forces, then forces can be transferred to the driver's body, but the response times are limited and modulation of forces is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pneumatic cushion systems with an active belt system that uses mechanical tensioning mechanisms. This substitution provides faster response times and better force modulation capability, as the belt system can be actively adjusted in real-time without the limitations of pneumatic response characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an actively controllable belt system that can dynamically adjust tension and length in real-time. This dynamic control mechanism enables rapid response to changing simulation conditions and precise modulation of applied forces, overcoming the static and slow-response nature of pneumatic cushions.
3Device complexity
If motorsport safety belts are used as active belt systems, then the system is simpler, but the contact surface with the driver is extremely small resulting in non-homogeneous pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the belt system into multiple functional zones including upper belts, lower belts, and lateral belts that contact different regions of the driver's body. This segmentation distributes the contact surface across multiple areas, creating more homogeneous pressure distribution while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different belt configurations and tensioning characteristics to different body regions. By tailoring the contact characteristics locally to match the driver's anatomy and force transmission requirements, the system achieves homogeneous pressure distribution without increasing overall complexity.
4Force
If active devices in seats are used to transmit loads, then forces can be transferred in certain directions, but the points of contact do not reflect what the driver perceives during actual driving
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the seat actively push the driver in simulated force directions, the patent uses belts that replicate the passive restraint and active force application characteristics of actual vehicle safety belts. This inverted approach, where belts rather than seats provide primary force transmission, creates more realistic tactile feedback that matches driver perception during actual driving.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The active belt system significantly improves the simulation's ability to replicate the tactile experience of real vehicle dynamics, providing a more immersive and realistic transfer of inertial loads, including static and low-frequency forces, while maintaining adaptability to different seat configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation system (8) suitable for controlling a load on the first and/or second upper belts (21, 22) and on the connection system (6), wherein the actuation system (8) comprises adjustment elements (80) and active means (81) suitable for actuating the adjustment elements (80), so as to actively modify the length of the first upper belt (21) and/or the second upper belt (22) and of the connection system (6)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an active belt system for transmitting loads onto a driver during simulation of a vehicle in a simulator having a first upper belt and a second upper belt embracing the driver, a closing mechanism constraining the first and second upper belts, and a connection system provided with a rear belt element having a right end engageable with the first upper belt, and a left end engageable with the second upper belt, so that the rear belt element embraces the driver passing from the driver's back. Side belts are joined to the rear belt element. An actuation system applies a controllable load to the first and second upper belts and to the connecting system to actively modify length of the first and/or second upper belts and the connection system, modifying accordingly loads transmitted to the driver. A simulator comprising a frame, a seat and the active belt system is also provided.