Motion Platform System Actuator Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion simulators are complex, costly to maintain, and consume excessive power due to the need for multiple high-power actuators to achieve six degrees of freedom, leading to inefficient power usage and high operating costs.
Innovation Solution
A motion platform system with a base frame, middle frame, centre column, and top frame connected by actuators that allow independent control of each degree of freedom, using extendable linear actuators and resilient biased forces to reduce power consumption and share loads, enabling six degrees of freedom with minimal actuator activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple high-power actuators are used to achieve six degrees of freedom in conventional motion simulators, then the motion capability and freedom of movement are improved, but the power consumption and operating costs increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The motion platform is divided into multiple independent degrees of freedom, each controlled by a dedicated low-power actuator. Instead of using multiple high-power actuators to control all movements simultaneously, the system segments the control functions so that only the specific degree of freedom requiring motion is activated at any given time, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining full six-DOF capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically activates or deactivates actuators based on the required motion. The control system determines which degrees of freedom need to be moved and activates only those actuators, making the power consumption dynamic rather than static. This allows the system to adapt power usage to the actual motion requirements, avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure.
2Ease of operation
If all actuators are operated simultaneously to achieve any movement in conventional motion simulators, then the motion control is simplified, but the device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each degree of freedom has its own dedicated actuator and control circuitry, segmenting the control system into independent modules. This modular approach simplifies control logic because each actuator can be controlled independently without complex coordination algorithms, while the segmented architecture actually reduces overall system complexity compared to coordinating multiple high-power actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically determines which actuators need to be activated based on the desired motion trajectory, eliminating the need for complex external coordination. Each actuator serves itself by being activated only when its specific degree of freedom requires motion, reducing the complexity of overall system control.
3Force
If high power rating actuators are employed in conventional motion simulators, then the load capacity and motion range are improved, but the operating costs and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load capacity requirement is segmented across multiple low-power actuators, each responsible for a specific degree of freedom. Instead of using one or few high-power actuators that are expensive and require extensive maintenance, the system uses multiple low-power actuators that are cheaper and easier to maintain, with each handling a portion of the total load capacity requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
Each actuator is sized appropriately for its specific degree of freedom rather than being oversized to handle all possible loads. This partial action approach means each actuator operates within optimal parameters for its specific function, reducing wear and tear, extending lifespan, and lowering maintenance costs while collectively providing the necessary total load capacity.
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 achieves efficient power usage by activating only necessary actuators for specific motions, reducing power consumption and extending actuator lifespan, while maintaining flexibility and motion range.
Implementation Method 1
resilient biased forces like springs to share loads
Data Source
AI summary
A motion platform system for displacing the top frame in three degrees of translational freedom and three degrees of rotational freedom along and about the three axes comprising a base frame, a middle frame, a center column and six actuators and; wherein said base frame is connected to said middle frame by three links capable of providing translational freedom to the said middle frame, said center column and said top frame along the X-axis and Y-axis and sway actuator and surge actuator to control the said translational freedom; said middle frame is connected to said center column by a cylindrical joint capable of providing translational and rotational freedom to the said center column and said top frame along and about the Z-axis and heave actuator and yaw actuator to control the said translational and rotational freedom; said center column is connected to said top frame by a joint capable of providing rotational freedom to the said top frame about the X-axis and Y-axis and pitch actuator and roll actuator to control the said rotational freedom.