All advanced modern simulators feature a motion system reproducing the effects of movement. These effects and the feelings they induce have a significant influence on the operator’s (i.e. driver’s or pilot’s) decision making, especially in emergency and other non-standard situations.
Traditionally, motion platforms with six degrees of freedom have been used for most simulation technology applications as they allow to reproduce a broad range of movement effects. Earlier, most solutions used a hydraulic system. Recent years, however, have seen a trend of replacing these systems with electrical actuators, which provide better dynamic properties, are easier to install and ensure both clean operation and higher energy efficiency. The downsides of electrical systems include shorter life and a steeper output-price curve.
Some less advanced or specialised simulators do not require a motion platform with six degrees of freedom. In these cases, we help our customers to reduce their costs by offering motion platforms with three or two degrees of freedom.
Hydraulic systems with six degrees of freedom are intended for professional, semi-professional and entertainment simulators.
They are robust, boast a long life, do not require maintenance during operation, and are capable of withstanding high loads. Hydraulic systems are well suited both for indoor and outdoor use, for instance in entertainment simulators.
Our customers can choose from a wide range of hydraulic platforms with six degrees of freedom and different maximum load levels (from 2,000 kg to 10,000 kg).
The kinematic and dynamic properties can be modified upon customer request. * Applies for the 2,000 kg platform (left image). ** Applies for the 10,000 kg platform (right image).
Electrical platforms with six degrees of freedom are state-of-the-art systems developed by our company for use in professional vehicle and aircraft simulators.
The linear actuator used in these systems converts rotary motion to linear motion using a ball screw. Ball screws provide high efficiency, stiffness and great accuracy, making the electrical platform suitable for applications requiring exact object positioning, for instance in various testing facilities.
The system is powered by an electric servo drive with permanent magnets. Control functions are provided by six servo inverters connected with a DC link, providing energy regeneration functionality between system axes. This ensures very high efficiency with low energy consumption.
The kinematic and dynamic properties can be modified upon customer request.
Electrical platforms with three degrees of freedom are often used as compromise solutions. They allow movement along the three main axes used in the algorithm employed in motion simulators (a.k.a. washout algorithm): pitch, roll and heave. Three-degree-of-freedom electrical platforms are suitable for semi-professional vehicle and plane simulators and entertainment industry applications.
The platform features three synchronous servo drives and a crank gear translating rotary motion to linear motion.
Electrical platforms with two degrees of freedom are an economical option suitable in particular in applications not requiring exact simulation of movement effects, such as basic training simulators for driving schools.
The platform features two servomotors capable of tilting it along two axes (pitch and roll) using a crank gear. This basic solution is sufficient to simulate longer accelerations, such as car start and breaking, but cannot be used for short-term accelerations involved during various emergency situations, crashes, etc.