Compact Motion Simulator With Three Tilting Feet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motion simulators are bulky, complex, and limited in motion generation, making them unsuitable for small spaces and unable to simulate comprehensive vehicle movements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact motion simulator with a chair attached to a lower platform via three tilting feet with rolling linear guides, actuated by ball screws and servomotors, allowing for three-dimensional movement controlled by a computer program based on game or training telemetry data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hexapod suspensions are used to enable motion in all six degrees of freedom, then motion capability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motion simulator is divided into three independent tilting feet instead of using a complete hexapod suspension system. Each foot handles specific motion axes, segmenting the complexity while maintaining essential motion capabilities. This reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes unnecessary components from the traditional hexapod suspension system. By eliminating redundant structural elements and focusing only on the essential tilting motions needed for driving simulation, the design achieves motion capability with reduced complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hexapod suspensions are used to provide comprehensive motion, then motion capability is improved, but the support surface area and entrance height increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is segmented into three compact tilting feet rather than a large hexapod platform. This segmentation allows the motion function to be distributed across smaller, space-efficient components that occupy less floor area while maintaining the required motion degrees of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes vertical tilting motion of the feet to achieve motion simulation without requiring large horizontal support surfaces. By transitioning from a horizontally-expanding hexapod structure to a vertically-oriented tilting mechanism, the design reduces the footprint area.
3Device complexity
If pneumatic hydraulic cylinders are used for actuation, then motion generation is simplified, but motion versatility is limited to lateral and forward/backward tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces pneumatic hydraulic cylinders with an electric actuation system using ball screws and servomotors. This substitution enables more versatile and precise motion control while maintaining actuation simplicity. The electric system can generate complex motion patterns including lateral, longitudinal, and diagonal tilting that hydraulic systems cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system uses variable pitch ball screws with different lead angles to enable different types of tilting motion from the same linear actuator. By changing the mechanical parameters of the screw threads, the system can generate lateral tilting, longitudinal tilting, or diagonal motion, greatly expanding motion versatility without increasing system complexity.
4Area of stationary object
If a compact design is implemented to fit small spaces, then space utilization is improved, but motion generation capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting feet are designed with dynamic adjustment capability through variable pitch ball screws, allowing the compact structure to generate diverse motion patterns. The dynamic reconfiguration of the screw pitch enables the same compact mechanism to produce different tilting motions, maintaining motion simulation capability while minimizing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Each tilting foot is designed as a multi-functional component that can generate multiple types of motion (lateral, longitudinal, diagonal) through parameter changes in the ball screw mechanism. This universality allows a compact three-foot design to replace larger multi-component systems, achieving full motion simulation capability in a small footprint.
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
Provides a cost-effective, versatile solution for simulating various vehicle movements in small spaces, offering realistic three-dimensional motion experiences for both gaming and training.
Implementation Method 1
each of said guides comprises an actuator element, preferably a ball screw, and an actuated element, preferably a rolling linear guide
Implementation Method 2
each of which is in turn attached to a respective rolling linear guide
Implementation Method 3
A lower end of the foot has a second joint, preferably a ball joint, which is attached by means of securing to the rolling linear guide thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to the technical field of teaching or training simulators, more specifically the field of those especially designed for providing instruction on driving vehicles or other means of transport, and it particularly refers to a compact motion simulator for creating motion in three directions.