Motorcycle Simulator Dual-Movement Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorcycle simulation apparatuses have limitations in replicating realistic driving stresses and movements, failing to adequately subject drivers to the inertial environments experienced during actual motorcycle riding, which restricts the fidelity of simulation and increases the risk of injury.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus combines a first movement unit with linear actuators to simulate roll, pitch, and yaw, and a second movement unit with wearable cables and drive members to induce realistic acceleration and deceleration forces on the driver, allowing for a synergistic combination of stresses and increased range of motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hexapod structure with linear actuators is used to move the support body, then roll, pitch and yaw can be simulated, but the range of movement is limited and insufficient stresses are applied to the driver

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of movementVSAvoidsimulation fidelity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movement unit is divided into two independent units: a first movement unit (hexapod structure) that moves the support body, and a second movement unit that directly applies stresses to the driver. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function optimally, with the second unit providing the necessary stresses without being constrained by the movement capabilities of the first unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The driver becomes an intermediary element between the two movement units. The second movement unit applies forces through the driver, who is seated on the support body moved by the first unit. This allows the stresses to be transmitted directly to the driver while maintaining the independence of the two movement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the second movement unit is integral with the support body, then driving stresses can be applied, but the forces are dependent on support body movements and the simulation is not realistic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation realismVSAvoidsystem independence
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the second movement unit from the support body, making them independent components. The second movement unit is connected to the support base rather than the support body, allowing it to generate forces independently of the support body's position and orientation. This enables realistic stress application regardless of the support body's movement state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If traditional simulation apparatuses are used, then basic motorcycle movements can be simulated, but the driver is not exposed to sufficient accelerations and the inertial environment is not realistically reproduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinertial environment reproductionVSAvoidexposure time to accelerations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The driver serves as the intermediary through which the second movement unit applies inertial stresses. By directly acting on the driver rather than only moving the support body, the system can expose the driver to sustained accelerations and realistically reproduce the inertial environment of actual motorcycle riding for extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This combination enhances the realism of the driving simulation, allowing for more extensive and safe exposure to accelerations, thereby providing a more faithful reproduction of the inertial environment, improving simulation efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a first movement unit (16) connected to the support body (12) and to the support base (11) and configured to move the support body (12) in space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear actuator mechanism: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 2

a second movement unit (23) connectable, during use, on one side to the driver (C) to induce drive simulation stresses on the latter, and on the other side to the support base (11)... a plurality of cables (25, 26) connected to the wearable device (24), and a plurality of drive members (27) associated with the support base (11) and connected to the cables (25, 26)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCable-driven mechanism: Pulley

Data Source

PatentEP3803835B1Apparatus to simulate driving a motorcycle and corresponding method
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 VI GRADE
  • EP3803835B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3803835B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3803835B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Apparatus to simulate driving a motorcycle which comprises a support base (11), a support body (12) provided with a driving position (13) on which a driver (C) can take his place, and with command members (15) configured to supply driving commands, a first movement unit (16) connected to the support body (12) and to the support base (11) and configured to move the support body (12) in space as a function of the driving signals.