GB2262922A

GB2262922A - Vehicle driving simulator.

Info

Publication number: GB2262922A
Application number: GB9124169A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Murley Jones
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-11-14
Filing date: 1991-11-14
Publication date: 1993-07-07
Also published as: GB9124169D0

Abstract

The simulator uses all or part of a real vehicle (including a truck or motorcycle) anchored by a pivot (4) with the wheels resting on dish bearings (3) or other simulated road so that the vehicle can be driven and steered without travelling. Sensors, eg at the wheel hubs and brakes (2), are connected to a computerised communications system and information may be presented to the driver on a static or mobile video or film screen (1). The simulator is for use in training, leisure, education or vehicle testing. <IMAGE>

Description

THE ALLDRIVE This invention relates to a road and driving or riding simulator.

There are already in being a number of different types of rolling road. These take the form of rollers set in a frame which are used for testing vehicles as especially those for the M.O.T test for brakes on cars.

Driver training is provided using vehicles on the road with instructions for all types of vehicles including trucks and motorcycles.

Diagnostics to vehicles is usually carried out on the road (other than engine tuning).

Rolling roads do to a certain extent give some of the effects of a road but do not simulate the many conditions that a road can provide nor are they used to simulate steering characteristics and the effect of different conditions of the road to drivers nor are they used to train drivers to handle vehicles or react to hazards and statutory requirements.

The principle of the Alldrive is that the wheels of the vehicle can be placed on the simulator and the driver can drive at any speed and steer in any direction whilst the vehicle remains stationery. This can be achieved in a number of different ways each having a different use for which development is required. The complete developed unit would include, audio visual units to provide additional simulation and feed back information and can also include sensors connected to computers to add to effective information gathering.

Driver training, leisure, motor trade and testing stations are probable users of this device.

Development is required: A. Using the front half of a front wheel drive vehicle only with a pivot at the rear (or middle of a complete vehicle) the front wheels placed on a dish bearing (as described later) or other simulated road so that the vehicle can be driven and steered whilst remaining stationery. Sensors for recording or transferring information possibly via a computer can be connected to any appropriate part. Additional dish bearings or other simulated road surface can be used for multiple or rear wheel drive vehicles.

B. As above but the front wheels would be removed and connection to a device to provide simulated conditions yet to be developed would be used. I.E a limited slip hub and or differential unit.

C. This principle is different to A & B above as it uses a complete vehicle front or rear wheel drive and is a rolling road or circular dish bearing on which a vehicle is placed and driven even through 360 degrees if required.

On all the above communication link ups would be incorporated.

ALLDRIVE BEARING The invention comprises a dish with another dish inside it which is in fact a dish bearing. This dish bearing has ball bearings set into it so that they can move freely in any direction. The combination of the two is a device that can contain a liquid if necessary to provide a slippery surface as on a skid pan or can be dry. Additional features such as sensors can be connected to the dish bearing to give any reading required ie friction, heat, speed etc and also controls to provide braking to simulate slopes etc. The primary function is to provide driver training without going onto the public road for all types of vehicles, even trucks, buses and motor cycles or mopeds although the device will have many other uses such as connecting two halves of an articulated vehicle or as a single unit for each wheel etc.

KEY TO MAIN COMPONENTS IN THE DRAWINGS 1. VIDEO AND FILM SCREEN STATIC OR UP TO 3600 2. HUBS AND BRAKES CONNECTED TO COMMUNICATIONS 3. ROLLER OR DISH BEARING AS A PAD OR UP TO 360t 4. REAR OR CENTRE PIVOT 5. THE VEHICLE 6. "ROAD" STRIP 7. ROLLER DISH OR TROUGH DEVICE 8. MEZZANINE FLOOR - STRUCTURAL FRAME UNDER 9. COMMUNICATIONS SCREEN 10. LIMITED SLIP LIQUID 11. DISH BALL OR ROLLER BEARING 12. LIMITED SLIP DEVICE 13. LIMITED SLIP HUB AND DIFFERENTIAL

Claims

CLAIMS.

1. The Alldrive simulator combining the anchoring of a road vehicle be it moped, motorcyle, truck or specialy made or adapted vehicle combined with a suitable static 'road' with surfaces anchorages and retaining devices or combined with Information Technology existing or to be developed with this concept providing all or some of the simulations of a vehicle on the road as would be necessary to provide a static simulator for use in driver training, vehicle test running, leisure and pleasure or other uses as an alternative to the vehicle being on a road or track during the process required.

Connection as required to communications, recording and analytical or display systems existing or to be developed for this purpose or purposes involving this concept.

2. The Alldrive simulator above on a 'road' combined in claim 1 above requiring the characteristics of a road but used in a static mode and thereby not an inconvenience to other road users thereby allowing experimentation and training or practice with the vehicle or vehicles which may not be permisssable on the public highway.

3. The Alldrive simulator in claims 1 & 2 above combined with the anchorage and retaining system securely and safely anchoring the vehicle to be anchored on the Alldrive simulator road.

4. The Alldrive simulator and 'road' in 1, 2, or 3 above combined with such Information Technology as is necessary to provide the information records and display as required by the user be they driver, instructor, analyst or technician combined or individually.

5. The Alldrive simulator in 1 above including Information Technology existing or to be developed for The Alldrive simulator specifically including or replacing the 'road' to meet all the usage requirements in 1 above as immediate or long term development.

6. The Alldrive simulator where a vehicle is anchored and driven or run to provide simulated conditions as laid out in and for the purposes of 1.

7. The Alldrive simulator as contained in pages 1 and 2 of the description and drawings attached pages 3 and 4 including combining 'road' surfaces existing or to be developed for this purpose or purposes involving the Alldrive concept.