Driving Simulator Platform with Reduced Actuator Kinematics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driving simulators are complex, costly, and lack compactness and simplicity, failing to accurately simulate variable driving situations with high fidelity and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A driving simulator apparatus with a mobile platform that translates and rotates in two perpendicular directions and an additional system providing movements in three more directions, allowing overall movement in nine degrees of freedom, utilizing sliding and cable-based mechanisms for enhanced control and redundancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional hexapod kinematic structures with multiple actuators are used, then the simulation fidelity and movement accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation fidelityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates redundant actuators from the traditional hexapod structure. By removing two of the six actuators, the system achieves the same 6-degree-of-freedom movement capability with fewer components, directly reducing structural complexity while maintaining simulation fidelity through the remaining strategically positioned actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The remaining actuators in the patent are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. Each actuator not only provides linear movement but also contributes to rotational movements through coordinated action, allowing the reduced number of actuators to maintain full 6-DOF simulation capability without requiring additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple linear actuators are used to achieve six degrees of freedom, then the movement accuracy is improved, but the weight and size of the apparatus increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement accuracyVSAvoidapparatus weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes redundant actuators from the system, directly reducing the total weight. By achieving 6-DOF movement with fewer actuators through coordinated control, the system eliminates the weight of unnecessary components while maintaining movement accuracy through the remaining actuators working in coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple actuators into fewer components. The remaining actuators are controlled to perform both linear and rotational movements simultaneously, allowing a single actuator to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate actuators, thereby reducing overall apparatus weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed platform with mobile platform and multiple actuators is used, then the simulation capability is improved, but the apparatus becomes less compact and more expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes redundant components from the traditional simulator structure. By eliminating unnecessary actuators and simplifying the kinematic chain, the system maintains full simulation capability while reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained, directly lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the remaining actuators and platform to perform multiple simulation functions simultaneously. The simplified structure can still reproduce various driving conditions and vehicle movements through coordinated control of the reduced actuator set, maintaining adaptability while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4179516B1Apparatus for simulating driving a land vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 VI GRADE
  • EP4179516B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP4179516B1 patent drawingFigure 2~6
  • EP4179516B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Apparatus for simulating driving a land vehicle, comprising: a base (11) provided with a flat support surface (12) on which a mobile platform (13) is positioned, first means (16) for moving the mobile platform (13), a driving position (26) associated with the mobile platform (13), and second means (27) for moving the driving position (26) with respect to the mobile platform (13).