Pneumatic Supports for Motion Platform Center of Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion platforms face inefficiencies in simulating vehicle motion due to the need to react to the weight of a simulator cockpit's offset center of gravity, which reduces the force-providing capacity of electric motors and requires additional support mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A motion platform apparatus with configurable pneumatic supports that adjust independently to compensate for the weight and offset center of gravity of the payload, allowing for real-time force adjustments to enhance motor efficiency and reduce the overall material requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If electric motors are used to apply vertical forces through linkages to control heave, pitch and roll position, then the payload platform can be dynamically positioned, but the force-providing capacity of the motors is reduced due to the need to continually react the cockpit weight and offset center of gravity moments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by introducing pneumatic supports that generate upward force to counterbalance the weight of the cockpit and its offset center of gravity. The pneumatic supports act as counterbalancing elements that continuously react the gravitational force on the payload, freeing the electric motors from this continuous force reaction task and allowing them to dedicate their full force capacity to dynamic motion control.
2Force
If a central spring is provided beneath the payload platform to support the cockpit weight, then some vertical force is provided, but the offset center of gravity causing pitch and roll moments is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support function by distributing multiple pneumatic supports at different locations on the payload platform rather than using a single central spring. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each support's force, enabling the system to simultaneously provide vertical support and counteract pitch and roll moments caused by the offset center of gravity through differential force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality principle by allowing each pneumatic support to be independently adjustable in terms of force magnitude and location. This enables different regions of the payload platform to have different support characteristics, with supports positioned and adjusted to specifically address the local gravitational effects and moment requirements at each location, thereby compensating for the offset center of gravity.
3Reliability
If the force-providing capacity of motors is reduced by needing to react cockpit weight, then larger motors are required, but this increases the overall system size and bill of materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pneumatic supports as an alternative force-providing mechanism to supplement or replace the mechanical force capacity of electric motors. By using pneumatic pressure to generate support forces, the system reduces the burden on electric motors, allowing for smaller, more compact motor selection while maintaining the required force capacity for dynamic motion control, thereby reducing overall system size and bill of materials.
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 solution improves the force-providing capacity of electric motors, enables the use of more compact motors, and reduces the overall bill of materials by effectively addressing pitch and roll moments, thereby enhancing the simulation's dynamic acceleration capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of configurable pneumatic supports respectively configured to adjust pressurisation independently of one another, thereby providing support to the payload platform
Data Source
AI summary
A motion platform apparatus (100) for vehicle simulation comprises: a payload platform (134) having peripheral elevation sites (136, 138, 140). The apparatus also comprises a base stage (102) having peripheral anchoring sites. A plurality of linkages (110, 112, 114) of the apparatus (100) is configured to couple the peripheral anchoring sites to the peripheral elevation sites (136, 138, 140), respectively. Each linkage of the plurality of linkages (110, 112, 114) is configured to vary elevation of a respective elevation site (136, 138, 140) of the payload platform (134). The apparatus (100) further comprises a plurality of configurable pneumatic supports (204, 206, 208) respectively configured to adjust pressurisation independently of one another, thereby providing support to the payload platform (134).