Parallel Motion Generator Using Direct-Drive Linear Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion simulators, particularly those for driving and flying, suffer from low bandwidth, mechanical complexity, high cost, and limited responsiveness due to indirect load paths and friction in ball screw actuators, leading to suboptimal user experiences and high installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A primary motion generator using a parallel manipulator with transversely arranged elongate linear guides and actuators, eliminating complex planar bearings and incorporating low-friction linear actuators, allowing for higher bandwidth and lower latency, and when combined with a secondary motion generator, provides enhanced freedom and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If ball screw actuators are used in motion generators, then mechanical force transmission is achieved, but friction increases and bandwidth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ball screw actuators with direct-drive linear motors that eliminate mechanical transmission components. The linear motor directly generates linear motion through electromagnetic forces, removing the ball screw mechanism that causes friction and limits bandwidth. This substitution maintains force transmission capability while dramatically improving responsiveness and reducing mechanical complexity.
2Weight of moving object
If complex planar bearings are used to support heavy payloads, then load capacity increases, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex planar bearing system from the motion generator design. Instead of using traditional planar bearings to support heavy payloads, the invention employs a simplified structure where linear guides and direct-drive linear motors work together to support and move the payload, eliminating the need for complex planar bearing assemblies and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear motor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both the driving force and the supporting structure for the payload. The linear motor assembly integrates actuation and support functions that were previously separated into distinct components (bearings and actuators), simplifying the overall system while maintaining payload capacity.
3Force
If indirect load paths are used in motion transmission, then mechanical advantage is achieved, but latency increases and responsiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical transmission paths with direct electromagnetic actuation. The linear motor creates motion directly through electromagnetic forces without requiring intermediate mechanical transmission elements, eliminating the time delays and latency associated with indirect load paths while maintaining the ability to generate sufficient force for payload movement.
4Reliability
If high bandwidth actuators are used, then responsiveness increases, but mechanical complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses direct-drive linear motors that inherently provide high bandwidth and responsiveness without requiring complex mechanical transmission systems. The electromagnetic actuation mechanism naturally achieves high-frequency response capabilities while maintaining simpler construction compared to traditional high-performance mechanical actuators, thus improving responsiveness without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of motion systems especially for simulating motion such as driving or flying. In particular, though not exclusively, the invention relates to motion generators, and to systems including such motion generators, and to methods of using motion generators and motion systems for example as vehicle simulators. One aspect of the invention relates to a primary motion generator (10, 82, 102) for use in a motion simulator for moving a primary payload (14) of 80 kg or more above a surface (12), the primary motion generator (10, 82, 102) being a parallel manipulator comprising: a primary frame or platform (11) for supporting the primary pay load of 80 kg or more (14), three elongate linear guides (21, 22, 23) arranged transversely to each other below the frame in a planar array, at least one actuator (31, 32, 33) arranged per linear guide (21, 22, 23) above the surface, and controllable to move the linear guides (21, 22, 23) whereby the primary payload of 80 kg or more is movable in at least three degrees of freedom.