Cable-Driven Motion Platform for High-Fidelity Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion platforms, such as the Stewart Platform, have limited range of motion in translational degrees of freedom and restricted rotational capabilities, which restricts the fidelity of motion simulations, especially in applications like vehicle simulators.
Innovation Solution
A motion system comprising a primary cable-driven carriage system that allows translation in multiple degrees of freedom and a secondary linear actuator system for additional degrees of freedom, enabling the payload to move with six degrees of freedom, including rotational capabilities through a combination of cable drives and linear actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Stewart Platform with linear actuators is used, then the payload can be moved in six degrees of freedom, but the range of motion in translational degrees of freedom is restricted by the size of the linear actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical linear actuators with a cable-driven system. The cable drives can be arranged around the working volume and use flexible cables to pull the carriage, eliminating the need for large linear actuators physically extending between base and payload. This substitution allows for greater range of motion while reducing the physical footprint of the actuation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a direct linear actuation approach to a cable-driven system where cables can wrap around the carriage in rotational directions. This adds a dimensional aspect to the cable routing, allowing the same cable length to achieve both translational and rotational motion of the carriage, thereby increasing the effective range of motion without proportionally increasing actuator size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a Stewart Platform is used, then the payload can be moved in six degrees of freedom, but the range of rotation about an axis perpendicular to the base is inherently restricted to around +/−25° by the potential for clashing between the linear actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical linear actuators with a cable-driven system. The flexible cables can accommodate larger rotational movements without the physical interference and clashing that occurs between rigid linear actuators. The cables can freely route around the carriage and change directions without mechanical collision, enabling rotation ranges significantly exceeding the ±25° limitation of traditional Stewart Platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible cables instead of rigid linear actuators. These flexible elements can bend, wrap, and route around the carriage structure without rigid contact or clashing. The flexibility of the cables allows them to accommodate the full range of rotational motion of the carriage without interference, solving the clashing problem inherent in rigid actuator systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional horizontally directed linear actuators are used to drive the hexapod horizontally, then additional lateral motion is provided, but the system becomes bulky and limits its ability to impose high-frequency accelerations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces additional horizontally directed linear actuators with a cable-driven carriage system. The cable drives are disposed around the working volume and use flexible cables to pull the carriage horizontally, eliminating the need for bulky horizontal linear actuators. This substitution provides the same lateral motion capability while significantly reducing the overall bulk and mass of the system, thereby enabling high-frequency accelerations.
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
This configuration enhances the range and fidelity of motion simulations by allowing greater translational and rotational freedom without the need for bulky structures, enabling more realistic vehicle simulations and other applications with reduced inertia and increased motion fidelity.
Implementation Method 1
a primary motion system comprising a plurality of cable drives disposed around the working volume, there being a flexible cable extending from each cable drive to the carriage
Data Source
AI summary
A motion system comprising: a carriage disposed in a working volume; a primary motion system comprising a plurality of cable drives disposed around the working volume, there being a flexible cable extending from each cable drive to the carriage, whereby the carriage can be caused to translate in two degrees of freedom with respect to a reference frame; and a secondary motion system extending between the carriage and the payload to support the payload with respect to the carriage, whereby the payload can be caused to move in a further degree of freedom with respect to the reference frame.