Expandable Seat Support Frame for Compact Motion Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion simulators for home use are bulky, heavy, and invasive, limiting their placement and design flexibility to match home decor, and they do not provide a seamless integration with existing home systems.
Innovation Solution
An expandable/retractable actuated support frame with actuators that can be sized to fit various seats and synchronized with video output signals to provide motion feedback, allowing for adjustable and discreet placement and integration with existing seating systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional force feedback interfaces are used to provide motion feedback, then the feel and immersion of the video experience is improved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy, requiring significant floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The motion simulator is divided into separate modular components: an actuated support frame with actuators that can be detached from the seating portion. This allows the motion feedback mechanism to be installed independently without requiring a complete dedicated motion simulator system, thereby reducing the overall space requirement while maintaining motion feedback capability
Solution Approach 2:
The actuated support frame is designed to be compatible with various existing seating portions and can be integrated into different home environments. The frame serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling motion feedback through actuators, and adapting to different seat configurations, thus eliminating the need for specialized bulky equipment
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional motion simulators are installed to provide immersive experience, then the video feedback quality is improved, but the device becomes invasive and difficult to displace
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the actuated support frame from the seating portion, the system becomes easily relocatable. The modular design allows users to displace and reposition the motion simulator in different locations within the home without permanent installation requirements, enhancing operational flexibility while maintaining video feedback quality
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable and retractable frame structure allows the motion simulator to dynamically adjust its configuration. The frame can be expanded during operation to provide full motion range and contracted when not in use to minimize space occupation and facilitate easy displacement, thus improving ease of operation
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed design motion simulator is used, then the motion feedback is provided, but the device cannot match existing home decoration styles
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable and retractable frame provides dynamic adaptability in both function and appearance. When contracted, the frame has a compact profile that can be concealed or matched to various decor styles. When expanded, it provides full motion feedback functionality. This dynamic characteristic allows the device to adapt to different home decoration styles while maintaining its core function
Solution Approach 2:
The actuated support frame is designed as a universal component that can be integrated with various seating portions and aesthetic configurations. The frame's ability to adapt to different seat types and its compact when contracted make it suitable for diverse home environments and decoration styles, enhancing design flexibility
4Ease of manufacture
If an integral motion simulator system is purchased, then the motion feedback is provided, but the consumer is restricted to specific designs
Solution Approach 1:
By offering the actuated support frame as a separate purchasable component independent of the seating portion, consumers gain the freedom to choose different frame configurations and seating options that match their preferences and home decor, eliminating the restriction of pre-packaged integral systems while maintaining full motion feedback functionality
Data Source
AI summary
An actuated support frame for transmitting motion to a seat with respect to a ground as a function of motion signals associated with video output, comprises a frame. The frame is expandable/retractable along translational degrees of freedom. Support surfaces are provided on the frame. The support surfaces are displaceable with respect to one another by expansion/retraction of the frame so as to be sized to support a seat. Actuators are provided between the frame and the ground. The actuators receive signals and selectively displace the frame with respect to the ground in synchronization with a video output, whereby a seat supported on the frame is displaceable within the frame. A method for installing a seating system of a motion simulator system is also provided.