Vehicle Simulator Moving System Using Tensioned Ropes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle simulators have complex, bulky, and expensive moving systems that are difficult to make simple, light, and compact while still allowing for quick and wide movements, which limits their effectiveness in providing a realistic driving experience.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle simulator with a moving system that includes a mobile platform supported by flexible thread-like elements and actuator devices, allowing for precise control of the platform's movement and orientation using a control unit that maintains tension in the elements to prevent resonance, enabling quick and wide movements with a lightweight and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional moving system is used to support the pilot's cabin, then the cabin can be moved, but the system becomes complicated, bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The moving system is segmented into multiple independent actuator devices (at least two), each responsible for controlling specific degrees of freedom of the mobile platform. This segmentation allows each actuator to be simpler and more specialized, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise control capability through coordinated operation of the segmented components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional complex mechanical support structures with a system based on flexible thread-like elements (ropes, cables, belts) combined with actuator devices. This substitution eliminates bulky mechanical linkages and rigid support structures, achieving a simpler, more compact system that maintains precision through tension control and geometric arrangement of the flexible elements.
2Weight of moving object
If a simple and compact moving system is used, then the device is lighter and cheaper, but it cannot allow quick and wide movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic control of the flexible thread-like elements through actuator devices that can rapidly adjust tension and length. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the mobile platform to achieve quick movements despite the lightweight construction, as the actuators can rapidly change the geometric configuration and tension distribution of the flexible elements to produce accelerated motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the moving system by using flexible thread-like elements with high strength-to-weight ratio and actuators with high power-to-weight ratio. These parameter changes enable the system to be lightweight while maintaining the capability for quick and wide movements, as the selected materials and components provide sufficient force and stiffness despite their reduced mass.
3Device complexity
If flexible thread-like elements are used to support the mobile platform, then the system is lighter and simpler, but resonance may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control through the actuator devices that continuously monitor and adjust the tension and position of the flexible thread-like elements. This feedback mechanism detects and counteracts resonant vibrations by making real-time adjustments to the actuator output, damping oscillations and maintaining stable operation despite the use of flexible elements that are prone to resonance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-tensioning the flexible thread-like elements and designing the actuator control system to anticipate and counteract resonant conditions. The control system is configured to detect approaching resonant frequencies and adjust actuator commands to avoid excitation of resonant modes, preventing resonance before it occurs rather than merely reacting to it.
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 allows for precise and realistic simulation of vehicle movements, improving the driving experience while reducing the complexity and cost of the moving system, making it suitable for various vehicles and environments.
Implementation Method 1
Each actuator device (7) comprises at least one flexible thread-like element (8)... mechanically connected to the mobile platform (6)... suited to apply a pulling force to the mobile platform (6)
Implementation Method 2
The control unit (13) controls the actuator devices (7) so as to always keep all flexible thread-like elements (8) in tension
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle simulator having a pilot's cabin, a screen, and a moving system, which is suited to move the pilot's cabin in the space. The moving system has a fixed base arranged horizontally, a mobile platform which supports the pilot's cabin and rests on the fixed base so as to freely slide on the fixed base itself, and at least one actuator device, which is mechanically connected to the mobile platform. The actuator device has at least one flexible thread-like element which is mechanically connected to the mobile platform, and a motorized mechanism, which is suited to apply a pulling force to the flexible thread-like element, so as to always keep the flexible thread-like element in tension and, when needed, pull the mobile platform towards an edge of the fixed base.