Abstract: A wheel system adapted for use with a guided soft target (GST) is disclosed. The GST includes a soft body that is removably attachable to a dynamic motion element (DME). The wheel system has an axle connected to the soft body and to a tire body rotatably connected to the axle. The tire body has an outer surface concentric with the axle and encircling the axle with a ground-contacting tire ridge extending from and encircling the outer surface. The ridge is constructed to contact the ground when the soft body is attached to a DME. The ridge is comprised of a ridge material and has a ridge width, both of which are selected to (1) permit the tire body to slide in a direction parallel to the axle when the tire body is subjected to a lateral force; and to (2) rotate the tire body as the DME moves.

Abstract: A soft body system adapted to form the body and exterior surface of a Guided Soft Target for testing crash avoidance technologies in a subject vehicle is disclosed. The soft body system is adapted to be mounted atop a motorized Dynamic Motion Element (DME), and when so mounted, is adapted to collide with the subject vehicle while the DME is moving. The soft body system includes a semi-rigid form with an exterior surface. The form is sufficiently yielding so as to impart a minimal force to the subject vehicle upon impact. The form may be shaped like a vehicle or a part of a vehicle. The exterior surface includes a side skirt made of radar absorptive material (RAM), radar reflective material (RRM), or a combination of both, which is positioned adjacent to the ground and is constructed to prevent radar waves from entering into the soft body system.

Abstract: A Dynamic Motion Element (DME) is disclosed that includes a platform, and a pair of foot movement mechanisms. The foot movement mechanisms each include a drive pulley connected to at least one wheel of the DME, a second pulley and a foot drive belt that has a foot connection structure constructed to detachably connect to the foot of the mannequin. The foot connection structure is constructed to move about each pulley. The first and second foot movement mechanisms are constructed such that when the DME moves in a longitudinal direction relative to the ground, the foot connection structure of the first foot movement mechanism remains in substantially the same longitudinal position relative to the ground while the foot connection structure of the second foot movement mechanism moves in the same longitudinal direction as the DME. When a mannequin is connected to the foot connection structures, the DME produces a more natural looking gait.

Abstract: A Dynamic Motion Element for use in testing crash avoidance technologies in a subject vehicle is disclosed. The Dynamic Motion Element includes a body comprising an upper surface wherein the upper surface is adapted to support a soft-body having the size and shape of a vehicle. The body has at least one tapered side so as to allow the subject vehicle to drive up to and on the upper surface with minimal to no damage to the subject vehicle or the Dynamic Motion Element. The body is supported by at least two rotational structures, including at least one driven rotational structure coupled with an electronically-controlled power source. The electronically-controlled braking system applies braking force to at least one of the rotational structures.

Abstract: A Guided Soft Target System is disclosed that includes a subject vehicle and a dynamic motion element (DME). The subject vehicle may be accelerated at an arbitrary rate to a speed corresponding to the speed in its own predetermined trajectory. Each of the DME vehicles computes its target speed as a ratio of the subject vehicle's speed at each waypoint location, and modulates its speed control to achieve this target speed. To further compensate for timing differences along the target path, each DME computes its longitudinal error along the path relative to its target position, as dictated by the position of the subject vehicle within its own trajectory, and each DME's target speed is modulated in order to minimize the longitudinal error along the predetermined trajectory.

Abstract: A Guided Soft Target System is disclosed that includes a subject vehicle and a dynamic motion element (DME). The subject vehicle may be accelerated at an arbitrary rate to a speed corresponding to the speed in its own predetermined trajectory. Each of the DME vehicles computes its target speed as a ratio of the subject vehicle's speed at each waypoint location, and modulates its speed control to achieve this target speed. To further compensate for timing differences along the target path, each DME computes its longitudinal error along the path relative to its target position, as dictated by the position of the subject vehicle within its own trajectory, and each DME's target speed is modulated in order to minimize the longitudinal error along the predetermined trajectory.

Abstract: A cam actuated hydraulic brake system and an in plane tensioner pulley belt drive system may be used on autonomous vehicles, such as dynamic motion elements for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. The brake system utilizes a cam driven by a servo to push the piston push rod of a hydraulic master brake cylinder, thus distributing pressurized brake fluid throughout the brake system. The pulley drive system uses an articulating arm for the driven pulley, and that arm may also have connected to it one or two tension pulleys, each of which is in contact with the belt. Because the drive pulley and the tensioner pulleys pivot about the same pivot axis, the needed belt length remains nearly constant across the entire range of the articulating arm.

Abstract: A cam actuated hydraulic brake system and an in plane tensioner pulley belt drive system may be used on autonomous vehicles, such as dynamic motion elements for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. The brake system utilizes a cam driven by a servo to push the piston push rod of a hydraulic master brake cylinder, thus distributing pressurized brake fluid throughout the brake system. The pulley drive system uses an articulating arm for the driven pulley, and that arm may also have connected to it one or two tension pulleys, each of which is in contact with the belt. Because the drive pulley and the tensioner pulleys pivot about the same pivot axis, the needed belt length remains nearly constant across the entire range of the articulating arm.

Abstract: A cam actuated hydraulic brake system and an in plane tensioner pulley belt drive system may be used on autonomous vehicles, such as dynamic motion elements for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. The brake system utilizes a cam driven by a servo to push the piston push rod of a hydraulic master brake cylinder, thus distributing pressurized brake fluid throughout the brake system. The pulley drive system uses an articulating arm for the driven pulley, and that arm may also have connected to it one or two tension pulleys, each of which is in contact with the belt. Because the drive pulley and the tensioner pulleys pivot about the same pivot axis, the needed belt length remains nearly constant across the entire range of the articulating arm.

Abstract: A Guided Soft Target System is disclosed that includes a subject vehicle and a dynamic motion element (DME). The subject vehicle may be accelerated at an arbitrary rate to a speed corresponding to the speed in its own predetermined trajectory. Each of the DME vehicles computes its target speed as a ratio of the subject vehicle's speed at each waypoint location, and modulates its speed control to achieve this target speed. To further compensate for timing differences along the target path, each DME computes its longitudinal error along the path relative to its target position, as dictated by the position of the subject vehicle within its own trajectory, and each DME's target speed is modulated in order to minimize the longitudinal error along the predetermined trajectory.

Abstract: A cam actuated hydraulic brake system and an in plane tensioner pulley belt drive system may be used on autonomous vehicles, such as dynamic motion elements for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. The brake system utilizes a cam driven by a servo to push the piston push rod of a hydraulic master brake cylinder, thus distributing pressurized brake fluid throughout the brake system. The pulley drive system uses an articulating arm for the driven pulley, and that arm may also have connected to it one or two tension pulleys, each of which is in contact with the belt. Because the drive pulley and the tensioner pulleys pivot about the same pivot axis, the needed belt length remains nearly constant across the entire range of the articulating arm.

Abstract: A cam actuated hydraulic brake system and an in plane tensioner pulley belt drive system may be used on autonomous vehicles, such as dynamic motion elements for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. The brake system utilizes a cam driven by a servo to push the piston push rod of a hydraulic master brake cylinder, thus distributing pressurized brake fluid throughout the brake system. The pulley drive system uses an articulating arm for the driven pulley, and that arm may also have connected to it one or two tension pulleys, each of which is in contact with the belt. Because the drive pulley and the tensioner pulleys pivot about the same pivot axis, the needed belt length remains nearly constant across the entire range of the articulating arm.

Abstract: A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing radar and other sensor signatures substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network operating on a plurality of complimentary communication networks. Specific DME geometries are provided to minimize ride disturbance and observability by radar and other sensors. Computer controlled DME braking systems are disclosed as well as break-away and retractable antenna systems.

Abstract: A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing radar and other sensor signatures substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network operating on a plurality of complimentary communication networks. Specific DME geometries are provided to minimize ride disturbance and observability by radar and other sensors. Computer controlled DME braking systems are disclosed as well as break-away and retractable antenna systems.

Abstract: A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing radar and other sensor signatures substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network operating on a plurality of complimentary communication networks. Specific DME geometries are provided to minimize ride disturbance and observability by radar and other sensors. Computer controlled DME braking systems are disclosed as well as break-away and retractable antenna systems.

Abstract: A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing a sensor signature substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network. Specific geometries for the DME have been discovered that minimize the risk of the DME flipping up and hitting or otherwise damaging or disrupting the ride of typical test vehicles during impact of the test vehicles with the GST, all while minimizing the effect of the DME on the sensor signature of the GST.

Abstract: A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing radar and other sensor signatures substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network operating on a plurality of complimentary communication networks. Specific DME geometries are provided to minimize ride disturbance and observability by radar and other sensors. Computer controlled DME braking systems are disclosed as well as break-away and retractable antenna systems.

Abstract: A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing radar and other sensor signatures substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network operating on a plurality of complimentary communication networks. Specific DME geometries are provided to minimize ride disturbance and observability by radar and other sensors. Computer controlled DME braking systems are disclosed as well as break-away and retractable antenna systems.

Abstract: An improved arrow and sliding stabilizer therefor are provided. The sliding stabilizer is used for stabilizing arrow flight, instead of fixed or glued tail feathers, vanes or other fletching. The invention improves current projectile technology with reduced assembly labor cost, the elimination of bow clearance issues, improved accuracy with the consistent production of the sliding stabilizer, easy replacement of the stabilizer in the field, and improved arrow storage. A sliding stabilizer is designed to slide along the shaft of an arrow and comprises an annular wing and a plurality of fins. In use, the stabilizer is positioned at the front of the arrow prior to launch, and the arrow slides quickly through the stabilizer until secured at a stop position at or near the trailing end of the arrow.

Abstract: An improved arrow and sliding stabilizer therefor are provided. The sliding stabilizer is used instead of fixed or glued tail feathers, vanes or other fletching as a means for stabilizing arrow flight. The invention improves current projectile technology with reduced assembly labor cost, the elimination of bow clearance issues, improved accuracy with the consistent production of the sliding stabilizer, easy replacement of the stabilizer in the field, and improved arrow storage. A sliding stabilizer is designed to slide along the shaft of an arrow and comprises an annular wing and a plurality of fins. In use, the stabilizer is positioned at the front of the arrow prior to launch, and the arrow slides quickly through the stabilizer until secured at a stop position at or near the trailing end of the arrow.