Apparatus to simulate driving and corresponding method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current land vehicle driving simulators are unable to replicate sustained accelerations, leading to a disconnect between the real and virtual driving experiences, causing discomfort in untrained drivers due to their physical-mechanical limitations and design differences from aeronautical simulators.
Innovation Solution
A simulation apparatus featuring a mobile platform with movement devices and inflatable pads connected to a pumping unit, controlled by a coupling algorithm that coordinates dynamic stresses and tactile pressure stresses to simulate realistic driving experiences, including sustained accelerations, by integrating vestibular and somatosensory stimuli.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If dynamic simulators use mobile platforms with movement devices to reproduce transient phenomena, then the simulation of lateral displacement, acceleration/deceleration and swerving is improved, but the ability to provide sustained accelerations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mobile platform with movement devices for dynamic simulation and a fixed platform with inflatable pads for sustained acceleration simulation. This merging allows the system to provide both transient phenomena reproduction and sustained accelerations, resolving the contradiction between duration and realism by integrating two complementary simulation approaches into one unified system.
2Stress or pressure
If aeronautical simulators use fixed seating planes with inflatable pads to induce stresses, then the simulation of acceleration/deceleration and rolling is improved, but the adaptability to land vehicle driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different simulation qualities to different parts of the system: the mobile platform provides dynamic movement suitable for transient phenomena, while the fixed platform with inflatable pads provides sustained pressure stresses. This local differentiation of simulation characteristics allows each component to optimize for its specific function while collectively achieving adaptability to land vehicle driving conditions.
3Measurement precision
If simulators provide realistic dynamic stresses to reproduce driving conditions, then the fidelity of vestibular stimulation is improved, but the exposure time to accelerations deteriorates due to physical-mechanical limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable pads act as an intermediary mechanism that can sustain acceleration simulation indefinitely, unlike the movement devices which are limited by physical-mechanical constraints. The pads provide a mediating tactile feedback that maintains high fidelity vestibular stimulation while extending exposure time beyond the limitations of pure mechanical movement systems.
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 apparatus effectively replicates the dynamics of land vehicle driving, reducing driver malaise by providing a more realistic simulation of accelerations and decelerations, increasing exposure to simulation stresses, and improving the accuracy of drive simulation through coordinated movement and tactile feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a pumping unit fluidically connected to the inflatable pads and configured to control the pressure of a gas inside the inflatable pads
Implementation Method 2
movement devices configured to move the mobile platform with respect to a support plane and to induce dynamic stresses on the driver which involve for example his/her somatosensory apparatuses and in particular his/her vestibular apparatus
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Apparatus to simulate driving land vehicles comprising a mobile platform (30); a seat (11) installed on the mobile platform (30) and provided with contact surfaces (14) on which, during use, a driver (C) is positioned; driving command members (27, 28, 29, 34) which can be actuated by the driver (C) to simulate a driving action; movement devices (31) configured to move the mobile platform (30) with respect to a support plane (35) and to induce dynamic stresses on the driver (C); and a driving control unit (32) connected to the driving command members (27, 28, 29, 34) and to the movement devices (31) and configured to command the drive of the movement members (31) as a function of the actions of the driver (C) on the driving command members (27, 28, 29, 34).