Motion Base Actuator Control for Precise Six-DOF Ride Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motion simulators in amusement park rides lack precise control over abrupt movements in six degrees of freedom, which are essential for creating realistic and exciting experiences for riders, often relying on visual and auditory stimuli rather than true kinesthetic feedback.

Innovation Solution

A motion base system with a configuration of actuators and stabilizers that allow for independent movement in three dimensions, using linear screw-type actuators and feedback control loops to precisely control the motion platform's attitude and length, enabling coordinated movements in pitch, roll, yaw, surge, heave, and sway.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If motion bases use simple transportation vehicles, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to create realistic motion experiences and engage rider startle response is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to create realistic motion experiencesVSAvoidvehicle complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motion base system is segmented into multiple independent actuators (at least three actuators with different axes of motion) that can be controlled independently. Each actuator handles specific degrees of freedom, allowing complex motion experiences to be constructed from simpler individual components, thus improving adaptability while managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic control of actuator motion to create realistic experiences. The actuators can vary their motion characteristics in real-time, adjusting speed, direction, and magnitude to match desired ride scenarios, enabling the system to adapt to different experience requirements without requiring a completely different vehicle design for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If motion bases rely on visual and auditory stimuli, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of rider motion perception is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekinesthetic feedback precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback control loops that monitor actuator position and motion characteristics. This feedback mechanism ensures precise control of the motion platform's movement, allowing the system to accurately deliver intended kinesthetic feedback to riders. The feedback system compensates for deviations and maintains measurement precision without requiring overly complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If motion bases use multiple actuators for six degrees of freedom, then the precision of abrupt movement control is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion control precisionVSAvoidactuator configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different actuators are assigned specific functions based on their capabilities and positioning. Each actuator is optimized for its particular role in controlling specific degrees of freedom, with at least three actuators having different axes of motion. This local optimization allows precise control of abrupt movements in each degree of freedom while avoiding the complexity of having all actuators perform all functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The system provides a more immersive and realistic experience by enabling precise control over the motion base's movements, enhancing the thrill factor by simulating abrupt changes in orientation and position, thereby engaging the rider's startle response effectively.

Implementation Method 1

using linear screw-type actuators and feedback control loops to precisely control the motion platform's attitude and length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3080792B1Motion base with controlled actuators
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP3080792B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3080792B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3080792B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A motion base comprises lower and upper plates, a plurality of lateral stabilizers coupled in-between and connected to the lower and upper plates, a plurality of actuators, and one or more associated active controllers which typically comprise a body connected to the upper and lower plates, a rod movably disposed at least partially within the body; and a controllable rod extender configured to selectively extend the rod out from and retract the rod into the body. After determining a desired parameter value and an actual parameter value for each of the plurality of actuators, a control signal is sent to each controllable rod extender as needed to change the current effective state of that parameter by moving each such actuator's extendable rod into or out from each such actuator's body.