Portable Stewart Platform Motion Simulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional full-size flight simulators are large, permanent, and costly, making them impractical for relocation and maintenance, as they require extensive facilities and are not portable due to their size and weight.
Innovation Solution
A miniature, portable motion platform with a base, seat frame, and six actuators arranged in a Stewart platform configuration, allowing for six degrees of freedom, which is designed to fit through standard doorways and can be easily relocated and maintained, featuring a compact design with detachable wheels for mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a full-size flight simulator is used, then flight simulation capability is provided, but the device becomes too large and heavy to relocate
Solution Approach 1:
The flight simulator is divided into modular components including a motion platform, seat assembly, control systems, and display elements that can be independently removed and transported. This segmentation allows the simulator to be disassembled into manageable sections for relocation while maintaining full functionality upon reassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulator employs a dynamic design where the motion platform can be selectively coupled to and decoupled from the seat assembly. This dynamic configuration allows the system to transition between a fixed installed state and a portable relocated state, enabling easy movement while preserving simulation capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If a full-size flight simulator is installed, then flight training function is provided, but extensive maintenance facilities and manpower are required
Solution Approach 1:
The simulator system is segmented into independent functional modules that can be maintained separately. This allows maintenance to be performed on individual components in smaller spaces rather than requiring the entire large facility to be accessible, reducing the facility area needed for maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables certain maintenance tasks to be performed by operators themselves without requiring specialized facility infrastructure. Quick-connect interfaces and standardized components allow for user-friendly maintenance and troubleshooting that reduces dependency on extensive maintenance facilities and specialized manpower.
3Ease of manufacture
If a full-size flight simulator is produced, then flight simulation capability is achieved, but production cost reaches tens of millions of dollars
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the simulator into standardized modular components, the production process can be optimized through serial manufacturing of identical parts. This reduces material waste, enables economies of scale, and lowers overall production costs compared to building monolithic full-size simulators.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized specifications that allow the same parts to be used across multiple simulator units. This multi-functionality reduces the total quantity of unique materials and components needed, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining simulation capability.
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
Enables cost-effective and efficient relocation and maintenance of flight simulators, reducing the need for large facilities and manpower, while providing a portable solution for simulating flight movements with a compact footprint.
Implementation Method 1
the actuators are arranged in a Stewart platform configuration. In some disclosed examples, the actuators are to move the seat frame relative to the base with six degrees of freedom
Data Source
AI summary
Miniature, portable motion platforms for simulating flight movements are described. Example portable motion platforms includes a base, a seat frame, and six actuators. The seat frame is configured to support a seat. The actuators are arranged in a Stewart platform configuration and are to move the seat frame relative to the base with six degrees of freedom. Each one of the actuators has a corresponding first end coupled to the base and a corresponding second end coupled to the seat frame.