Motion Simulator Segmented Platform Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion simulators, such as the Steward platform, are complex and expensive due to their reliance on multiple telescoping actuators, making it difficult to control desired motions and limiting the range of simulated experiences, while simplified platforms struggle to replicate realistic motions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A motion simulator design featuring a base, a motion platform, a carrying platform, a support assembly with actuators and support tubes, and a driver assembly that allows for independent control of motion, enabling the simulation of various motions like pitch, roll, and yaw with a simpler structure and reduced cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Steward platform with six telescoping actuators is used, then various motions can be simulated, but the structure complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The motion simulation system is divided into two independent platforms: a motion platform for simulating vehicle body motions (pitch, roll, yaw) and a carrying platform for holding the passenger. This segmentation allows each platform to be controlled independently by separate actuators, reducing the overall complexity compared to a single six-actuator system while maintaining full motion simulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion platform is designed to perform multiple functions using a reduced number of actuators. By strategically positioning three actuators on the motion platform, the system can simulate all three rotational motions (pitch, roll, yaw) that were previously required six actuators to achieve, thereby achieving multi-functionality with fewer components.
2Device complexity
If the number of actuators is reduced to simplify the structure, then cost and control complexity decrease, but the range of simulated motions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from controlling all motions through a single complex platform to a two-dimensional control approach: the motion platform handles rotational motions (pitch, roll, yaw) while the carrying platform handles positional movements. This dimensional separation allows three actuators on the motion platform to achieve full rotational motion coverage without limiting the overall motion range of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly incorporating telescoping actuators provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the carrying platform to move relative to the motion platform in addition to the motion platform's rotational movements. This dynamic configuration enables the system to achieve a comprehensive range of motions with fewer actuators by utilizing combined movements from both platforms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If six telescoping actuators are used for full motion simulation, then motion versatility is achieved, but the control difficulty increases due to interdependence of actuator movements
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent control loops: one for the motion platform controlling rotational motions and another for the carrying platform controlling positional movements. This segmentation eliminates the interdependence problem where movement of one actuator affected others, making control simpler and more straightforward while maintaining full motion simulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion platform serves as an intermediary between the base and the carrying platform, decoupling the control requirements. The three actuators on the motion platform handle rotational control independently, while the support assembly actuators handle carrying platform positioning independently, acting as intermediaries that separate the control functions and reduce overall control complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A motion simulator comprises a base, a motion platform, a carrying platform, a support assembly and a driver assembly for simulating different motions. The motion platform is movably connected to the base, the carrying platform comprises a carrier arranged on the carrying platform, the support assembly is movably connected to the motion platform and the carrying platform, and the driver assembly drives the motion platform to move relative to the base and drives the actuator to actuate the carrying platform to move relative to the motion platform. The support assembly further includes an actuator and a support tube that are movably connected between the motion platform and the carrying platform, respectively.