Motion Simulation Seat With Linked Back Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion simulation apparatuses are complex, expensive, and limited in dynamics, with simpler systems either lacking in motion cueing or increasing complexity and cost with additional components to enhance cueing.
Innovation Solution
A motion simulation apparatus with a pivotable seat and linked seat back flaps to the base, allowing independent movement of left and right flaps to enhance motion cueing, and optional actuators for controlling roll, pitch, and lift, reducing the need for external motors and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Steward Platform with six jacks is used to provide full six degrees of freedom, then motion simulation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into separate components: a seat base, a seat back, and a seat pan, each capable of independent movement. The seat back can pivot about roll and pitch axes independently, while the seat pan can tilt independently. This segmentation allows complex motion to be achieved through simpler, independent components rather than a single complex six-DOF platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the motion simulation function with the seating structure itself. The seat back and seat pan are integrated with the mounting mechanism to the base, creating a unified structure that performs both seating and motion simulation functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex motion platforms.
2Device complexity
If simpler systems with fewer degrees of freedom are used, then device complexity is reduced, but motion simulation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back and seat pan are designed with dynamic characteristics that enable them to respond to motion cues. The seat back can pivot about roll and pitch axes, while the seat pan can tilt, creating dynamic motion simulation effects. This dynamics approach allows simpler mechanical structures to achieve complex motion perception through controlled movements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If motion cueing is enhanced with multiple inflatable pads, then motion simulation quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motion cueing function from complex inflatable pad systems and implements it through the mechanical movement of the seat back and seat pan. The flaps on the seat back and the tilting seat pan provide motion cues through their physical movement, eliminating the need for multiple inflatable pads while achieving similar or superior motion simulation quality.
4Device complexity
If the number of inflatable pads is reduced for simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but motion simulation quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic inflatable pad system with a mechanical movement system. The seat back pivots about roll and pitch axes, and the seat pan tilts, providing motion cues through mechanical movement rather than pneumatic pressure changes. This substitution achieves motion simulation quality with simpler mechanical components.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed subject matter relates to an apparatus for simulating motion, comprising: a base; a seat with a seat pan and seat back, the seat having a roll axis and, orthogonal thereto, a pitch axis; a mount mounting the seat to the base at least pivotably about said roll axis and said pitch axis; a left seat back flap and a right seat back flap each of which being pivotably attached to a respective side of the seat back; and a linkage linking said seat back flaps to the base so that, when any one of the sides of the seat back is moved towards the base, the respective seat back flap is pivoted inwards and, when said side of the seat back is moved away from the base, said seat back flap is pivoted outwards.