Configuration Design and Parameter Optimization of a Decoupled Hybrid Driving Simulator with Primary and Secondary Motions

doi:10.3901/JME.2025.21.302

Abstract

Abstract: To address the limitations in performance of the primary motion (which critically influences somatosensory perception) and the redundancy in the secondary motion (characterized by somatosensory insensitivity) in a simulated driving environment, this study investigates the configuration design and parameter optimization of a driving simulator based on the decoupling of primary and secondary motions. This investigation takes into account the impact of human perception simulation mechanisms on the physical effectiveness of the driving simulator's configuration design. Firstly, the theory of human perception simulation is introduced, proposing two key characteristics in driving simulation: “decoupling of primary and secondary motions” and “series-parallel hybrid connection”. This allows the parallel mechanism to leverage its advantages as the main motion influencing somatosensory actions, thereby achieving superior kinematic and dynamic performance. The secondary auxiliary motion is executed through a series mechanism to enhance real-time performance and working space. Secondly, based on the cross-allocation of degrees of freedom and the decoupling strategy for primary and secondary motions, a hybrid synthesis criterion considering the coincidence principle of the motion perception center is established, leading to the proposal of a hybrid configuration synthesis method for decoupling primary and secondary motions. Thirdly, synthesizing from three basic combination types—“tandem main and secondary” “parallel main and secondary mixed” and “primary and secondary mixed”—the hybrid configurations of different types of driving simulators are developed, with the P+P+R+3-RPS configuration selected after comparative analysis. Subsequently, based on kinematic solutions and parameter optimization, a 6-DOF modular hybrid driving simulator is constructed, and analyses of workspace, intensity, and modal behavior are conducted. Finally, by comparing the error range before and after compensation in prototype experiments, the advantages of the decoupling feature in error compensation, motion control, and somatosensory simulation are verified. This research provides new models and optimization strategies to enhance the driving simulation experience.

Key words: driving simulator, primary and secondary motion decoupling, hybrid mechanism, configuration design, parameter optimization

CLC Number:

TP242

LU Wenjuan, WU Meiqi, SUN Sihan, ZENG Jiahao, ZENG Daxing. Configuration Design and Parameter Optimization of a Decoupled Hybrid Driving Simulator with Primary and Secondary Motions[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2025, 61(21): 302-317.

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