Driving Simulator Braking Signal Integration with Dynamometer Test Bench
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current driving simulators struggle to realistically simulate the braking behavior of vehicles due to the complexity of frictional forces and external influences, making it difficult to accurately replicate the handling and braking experience.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that integrate a test bench with a dynamometer to simulate the braking behavior of a vehicle's drivetrain, including axle sections and brakes, by transmitting braking signals and measuring actual wheel speed and torque, while also accounting for environmental conditions like airflow and climatic factors, to enhance the realism of the driving experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a driving simulator uses virtual reality techniques to simulate vehicle surroundings, then the realism of the driving experience is improved, but the accuracy of braking behavior simulation deteriorates due to the complexity of frictional forces and external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a test bench with a dynamometer as an intermediary device between the virtual simulator and the actual vehicle braking system. This intermediary physically measures braking parameters (wheel speed, torque) under controlled conditions and feeds real data back to the simulation, bridging the gap between virtual realism and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely software-based braking simulation with a physical test bench that uses a dynamometer to mechanically measure actual braking behavior. This substitution of mechanical measurement for computational simulation resolves the contradiction by providing accurate empirical data while maintaining the virtual reality experience.
2Measurement precision
If a test bench with dynamometer is used to measure actual braking parameters, then the measurement precision of braking behavior is improved, but the device complexity increases due to integration of test bench and driving simulator
Solution Approach 1:
The test bench is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a measurement device for braking parameters and as a control system for regulating wheel speed and torque. This universal device reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where measured braking parameters are continuously fed back to adjust and regulate the test conditions. This automated feedback mechanism reduces operational complexity by eliminating manual measurement and adjustment processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drivetrain is rotated at wheel speeds corresponding to predefined vehicle speeds, then the adaptability of the simulation to various driving conditions is improved, but the loss of time increases due to speed regulation and measurement processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acceleration of the drivetrain to predefined wheel speeds before initiating braking tests. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly reach test conditions without repeated speed adjustments during actual measurement, reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The drivetrain rotation and speed measurement processes run continuously throughout the test sequence, maintaining constant motion and data collection. This continuous operation eliminates idle time and repeated start-stop cycles, improving efficiency while maintaining adaptability to various speed conditions.
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 approach allows for a more realistic simulation of braking behavior, reducing the need for physical testing and enabling the evaluation of vehicle handling and driveability under various conditions, thereby improving the accuracy and effectiveness of virtual driving experiences.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the actual wheel speed at a predefined torque or the actual torque at a predefined wheel speed
Implementation Method 2
actuating the at least one brake of the vehicle on the basis of the at least one braking signal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a driving simulator having the following steps: detecting a braking request in the driving simulator, in particular on the basis of actuation of a brake actuator; converting the detected braking request into at least one braking signal suitable for characterising the braking request; transmitting the at least one braking signal from the driving stimulator to a test bench on which are mounted at least part of a drivetrain with at least one axle section of a vehicle, in particular an axle half, and at least one brake associated with the at least one axle section; rotating the at least one axle section at a wheel speed which corresponds to a predefined speed of the vehicle; actuating the at least one brake of the vehicle on the basis of the at least one braking signal; setting a predefined torque or a predefined wheel speed of at least one axle section of the at least one dynamometer on the basis of properties of at least one component of the vehicle, in particular of the drivetrain, of the vehicle and/or of the entire vehicle, wherein the properties are at least partially simulated; detecting the actual wheel speed at a predefined torque or the actual torque at a predefined wheel speed; and outputting the actual wheel speed or the actual torque to the driving simulator.