Abstract A motion system for a vehicle simulator, or the like, of the type wherein independent, extensible actuators are provided for moving the motion platform in each single axis of freedom relative to a fixed base. The present invention provides such a system with greatly improved excursion limits and simultaneous motion in more than one axis (by simultaneous movement of more than one actuator) by erecting the platform and linkage from a settled to a reference position through the use of an additional actuator which is not used for movement of the platform during operation of the system. The arrangement also allows actuator power to be turned off with the platform in a level, settled position without the use of gates or blocks normally required in motion systems of the independent type.
A motion simulator comprising: a. a platform movable between operative and inoperative positions; b. a pivot point at which said platform is supported and about which it is rotatable in at least two axes of freedom when in said operative position; c. independently operable, extensible and retractable actuators for imparting said rotation about said pivot point in each of said two axes of freedom; and d. a hydraulic cylinder linked to said platform at said pivot point and movable between extended and retracted positions for moving said pivot point between a first position to place said platform in said operative position, wherein said actuators may be extended and retracted to impart controlled motion to said platform, and a second position to place said platform in said inoperative position, wherein said actuators are all fully retracted and said platform is in a desired orientation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A motion simulator comprising: a. a platform movable between operative and inoperative positions; b. a pivot point at which said platform is supported and about which it is rotatable in at least two axes of freedom when in said operative position; c. independently operable, extensible and retractable actuators for imparting said rotation about said pivot point in each of said two axes of freedom; and d. a hydraulic cylinder linked to said platform at said pivot point and movable between extended and retracted positions for moving said pivot point between a first position to place said platform in said operative position, wherein said actuators may be extended and retracted to impart controlled motion to said platform, and a second position to place said platform in said inoperative position, wherein said actuators are all fully retracted and said platform is in a desired orientation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein said actuators comprise a pair of hydraulic cylinders each linked to said platform at points spaced from said pivot point and lying on perpendicular axes which intersect at said pivot point.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein said desired orientation comprises a substantially level, horizontal position of said platform.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention according to claim 3 wherein said platform, when in said operative position, may be placed in a substantially level, horizontal position parallel to and elevated from said desired orientation when in said inoperative position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention according to claim 4 and further including additional extensible and retractable actuator means operative to move said platform in a third, vertical translation, axis of freedom with said hydraulic cylinder in said extended position.