Integrated Motion Vibration Cuing System for Flight Simulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current full flight simulators are excessively large and costly, requiring significant space and resources for installation, due to their complex size and the need for extensive facilities to accommodate six-degree-of-freedom motion platforms and separate vibration platforms.
Innovation Solution
A motion and vibration cuing system that integrates a frame assembly with six degrees-of-freedom motion capabilities, supported by frame actuators and motion seats, which replicates aircraft movements and external forces, allowing for compact and cost-effective simulation by combining the motion and vibration cues in a single system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motion platform with six hydraulic or electric jacks and a separate vibration platform are used to simulate aircraft flight, then the simulation accuracy and realism are improved, but the physical size and installation space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motion platform and vibration platform into a single integrated unit. The motion seats are directly mounted on the motion platform, eliminating the need for a separate vibration platform. This integration maintains the ability to provide both six degrees-of-freedom motion and vibration simulation while significantly reducing the overall physical footprint and simplifying the facility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion platform is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both the six degrees-of-freedom motion simulation and the vibration simulation that previously required a separate platform. The motion seats mounted on the platform can deliver both types of simulation cues, making the system more versatile and space-efficient.
2Reliability
If full flight simulators with motion platforms and vibration platforms are configured to meet Level D standards, then the simulation capability is improved, but the system cost and complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motion platform and vibration platform into one integrated system. The motion seats are directly mounted on the motion platform, combining what were previously two separate systems into one. This reduces the overall system complexity, fewer components need to be coordinated, and the facility requirements are simplified while maintaining Level D simulation capabilities.
3Length of moving object
If six hydraulic or electric jacks with limited travel are used for motion simulation, then the motion range is constrained, but onset cuing technique can still provide realistic acceleration sensations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vibration mechanisms integrated into the motion seats to enhance the motion sensation. The vibration platform (now integrated with the motion platform) provides high-frequency vibrations that simulate aircraft vibrations from various sources. This combination of limited-range mechanical motion with vibration cues maintains realistic motion sensations despite the constrained jack travel range.
Data Source
AI summary
A motion and vibration cuing system for use with a motion simulator provides vibratory, impulse, onset and sustained motion cuing, independently or simultaneously, by operation of a frame assembly capable of producing vibration and six degrees-of-freedom of motion in coordination with one or more motion seats, mounted to the frame assembly, which produce surge, sway, heave and roll motions.