Inflatable motion base

Abstract

The invention regards an inflatable motion base for moving one or more loads, such as objects or riders, through various degrees of freedom, and a simulator employing the motion base. The invention includes a plurality of modular, inflatable cells on a foundation that serves as a structure to provide reaction forces, the cells being adjacent to each other and joined along their load-bearing surfaces with interlaced bungee cords. Each cell is connected to a high volume manifold through an inlet. The inlets each include an actuator controlling a butterfly valve to control the airflow into the cell. A plurality of pumps maintain the manifold pressure. Each cell is also provided with an exhaust passage, which includes an actuator controlling a butterfly valve to control the airflow out of the cell. The exhaust passages connect to tubes that direct the exhaust to blow on the cell load-bearing surfaces. The foundation houses manifolds, inlets, exhaust passages, pumps, and sound dampening material. An automated control system, including positional feedback, controls the cell inlets and exhaust passages, as well as devices to provide an active visual and audio presentation, water spray, scents, moving light beams, and induced vibrations.