Full Motion Racing Simulator Actuating System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional video game racing simulators lack a realistic virtual reality experience due to their stationary nature and failure to mimic the movement and dynamics of a real vehicle, resulting in an incomplete immersive experience for users.
Innovation Solution
A full motion racing simulator is created by using an actual motor vehicle, with an actuating system comprising electric linear actuators, rocker arms, and connecting structures to move and tilt the vehicle frame, replicating the movements and vibrations of a real car, thereby enhancing the user's virtual driving experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an actual motor vehicle is used in the simulator, then the virtual reality experience is enhanced, but the weight of the vehicle frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle frame is segmented into a base frame and side frames that can move independently. The base frame contains the driver's seat and instrument panel, while side frames extend upward to form the car body. This segmentation allows selective movement of different frame components to simulate driving dynamics while managing the overall weight distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulator transforms the static vehicle frame into a dynamic structure where the base frame and side frames can move and tilt relative to each other. This dynamic capability allows the heavy vehicle frame to simulate realistic driving movements such as acceleration, braking, and cornering, enhancing the virtual reality experience despite the increased weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If four electric linear actuators are used to move the vehicle frame, then full motion capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating system is segmented into four independent electric linear actuators, with two actuators controlling the base frame movement and two actuators controlling the side frame movement. Each actuator is independently controlled to provide precise control over the motion of specific frame components, achieving full motion capability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle frame is moved and tilted to simulate driving dynamics, then user immersion is improved, but the force required to move the heavy frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic movement of the base frame and side frames to simulate driving dynamics. The base frame can move forward and backward while the side frames tilt relative to the base frame, creating realistic acceleration and cornering forces. This dynamic approach enhances user immersion by providing tactile feedback that matches the virtual driving experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric linear actuators are positioned and configured to counterbalance the weight of the vehicle frame during movement. By strategically placing actuators at key pivot points and using controlled force application, the system offsets the gravitational force on the heavy frame, enabling smooth movement and tilting with reduced force requirements compared to moving a static heavy object.
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
The solution provides a significantly enhanced virtual reality experience by allowing the entire vehicle frame to move and tilt, accurately simulating the dynamics of driving a real car, thus improving user immersion and engagement in video game racing simulations.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating system comprising electric linear actuators, rocker arms, and connecting structures to move and tilt the vehicle frame
Implementation Method 2
a rocker arm rotatably mounted to the frame and pivotably connected to the push element and the actuator. Upon actuation of the actuator, the actuator causes the rocker arm to rotate relative to the frame such that the rocker arm pushes the push element
Implementation Method 3
a connecting structure pivotably connected to the vehicle frame and the support structure. the push element moves the vehicle frame through the connecting structure
Data Source
AI summary
A full motion racing simulator is configured based on a real motor vehicle and includes wheels, a vehicle frame, and an actuating system for pivotably supporting the vehicle frame on the wheels. The actuating system includes a plurality of actuating assemblies each including a connecting structure pivotably connecting the vehicle frame to a corresponding one of the wheels, an actuator pivotably mounted to the vehicle frame, a push element pivotably connected to the connecting structure, and a rocker arm rotatably mounted to the vehicle frame and pivotably connected to the actuator and the push element. Upon actuation of the actuator, the actuator causes the rocker arm to rotate relative to the vehicle frame and to push the push element such that the push element causes the connecting structure to pivot relative to the wheels and to move the vehicle frame.