VEHICLE VIBRATION SIMULATOR AND METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING AND USING SAME

摘要

"VEHICLE VIBRATION SIMULATOR AND METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING AND USING SAME" A method of programming a vehicle simulator to provide an operator of the simulator with exertional and vibrational responses substantially the same as the driver of an actual vehicle would experience when driving the vehicle has been provided. The simulator comprises a frame supporting a vehicle seat from which the operator operates a gear shift, an accelerator pedal, brake pedal, clutch pedal and steering wheel. Inflatable pods are provided under each corner of the simulator to simulate road conditions and turning of the vehicle by selectively deflating them. Each of these controls selectively provides one or more signals to a programmed logic controller (PLC) which provides suitable signals to devices for controlling movement of the simulator to closely simulate movement of a vehicle under similar circumstances. The simulator can be used to determine the tolerance level of a person to the exertional and vibrational levels of a simulated vehicle over a given time period. Thus, the ability of the person to perform the tasks required under normal conditions can be evaluated to determine if the person is employable as a driver of the actual vehicle, or has been rehabilitated following injury to the point of returning to their former job as a driver of the actual vehicle.