Motion Generator Using Belt Drive Rockers for High Bandwidth Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motion systems, particularly those used in driving and flight simulators, face limitations in bandwidth, responsiveness, and complexity, leading to less natural motion simulation experiences due to high friction, inertia, and mechanical resonance, which are costly and require extensive maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A motion generator design featuring elongate rigid struts connected to rockers with horizontal pivot axes, utilizing belt, cable, or rope drives for actuation, which minimizes friction and inertia, allowing for high bandwidth and responsive motion in six degrees of freedom with improved excursion characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional Stewart platform motion generators are used, then six degrees of freedom motion is achieved, but bandwidth is limited to up to 20 Hz due to high friction and inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems (ball screws, belts, pulleys) with a direct-drive modular actuator design that eliminates intermediate mechanical transmission components. This substitution reduces friction and inertia while increasing bandwidth from 20 Hz to potentially higher frequencies, directly resolving the contradiction between speed performance and mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion generator is divided into six independent modular actuators, each responsible for one degree of freedom. This segmentation allows each actuator to be optimized independently for high bandwidth performance while simplifying the overall system architecture, reducing mechanical complexity through standardization and modularity.
2Manufacturing precision
If precision-machined custom components are used, then motion precision is improved, but cost and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the design parameters from precision-machined custom components to modular actuators with standardized dimensions and off-the-shelf components. This parameter change maintains motion precision through controlled geometric relationships while dramatically reducing manufacturing cost and simplifying production.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular actuator design uses inexpensive, easily replaceable components rather than expensive precision-machined parts. If a component wears or fails, it can be quickly replaced without requiring precision machining, reducing both initial manufacturing cost and ongoing maintenance expenses.
3Volume of moving object
If series manipulator configuration is used, then structural compactness is achieved, but friction and inertia increase reducing responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the six modular actuators in a parallel configuration around the perimeter of the moving platform, utilizing the available spatial dimensions efficiently. This parallel architecture provides direct force application to the payload while maintaining a compact footprint, avoiding the series configuration that would increase friction and reduce responsiveness.
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 solution provides significantly improved horizontal and vertical excursion capabilities with low latency and high bandwidth, making it suitable for driving and vehicle simulation applications, reducing the need for precision-machined components and complex setups.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate belt, cable, or rope drive which is connected by either end thereof to an associated rocker to apply a force to a point on the associated rocker away from the pivot axis of the rocker
Implementation Method 2
the actuator being in the form of, or comprising, an elongate belt, cable, or rope drive which is connected by either end thereof to an associated rocker to apply a force to a point on the associated rocker away from the pivot axis of the rocker
Implementation Method 3
each rocker comprising a rocker arm and having a rocker pivot axis which is generally parallel with the surface, such that the movement of a rocker about the pivot axis leads to movement of the effector
Implementation Method 4
such that the movement of a rocker about the pivot axis leads to movement of the effector, and forces applied to a rocker lead to forces being applied to the effector
Implementation Method 5
the motion generator further including means for applying tension to the associated elongate belt, cable, or rope drive to maintain tension in the belt, cable, or rope drive during the motion of the associated rocker
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a motion generator comprising an effector for applying forces, moments and movements to an effector pay load relative to a surface connected to one or more elongate rigid struts, each strut being connected at one end thereof by a first joint to the effector and being connected at its other end by a second joint to an associated rocker, the rocker comprising a rocker arm and having a pivot axis which is generally parallel with the surface, such that the movement of the rocker arm through a generally vertical are about the pivot axis leads to movement of the effector, and forces applied to an associated rocker lead to forces being applied to the effector, in which the movement of a rocker and forces applied by the rocker are controlled by an actuator, the actuator being in the form of, or comprising an elongate belt, cable, or rope drive which is connected by either end thereof to an associated rocker to apply a force to a point on the associated rocker away from the pivot axis of the rocker, the motion generator further comprising means for applying tension to the belt, cable or rope drive during movement of an associated rocker.