Abstract: A vehicle vibration simulator to simulate occupant exposure to vibration in a motor vehicle includes a reaction mass, a seat portion, a seat actuator between the reaction mass and the seat portion for providing at least one degree of vibration freedom, a steering column portion, a steering column actuator between the reaction mass and the steering column portion for providing at least one degree of vibration freedom, a floorpan portion, a floorpan actuator between the reaction mass and the floorpan portion for providing one degree of vibration freedom, the seat actuator, steering column actuator and floorpan actuator being actuated independently and/or simultaneously to simulate occupant exposure to vehicle vibration.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 5, 1995
Date of Patent:
April 8, 1997
Assignee:
Ford Motor Company
Inventors:
Norman C. Otto, William J. Pielemeier, Raymond C. Meier, Jr.