Powersoft has linked up with VI-grade, a global provider of real-time simulation and professional driving simulators, to integrate its Mover haptic transducer into VI-grade’s Compact FSS simulator.
VI-grade is a provider of software products and services, professional driving simulators and hardware-in-the-loop solutions that accelerate product development across the transportation industry. The company needed to upgrade the existing technology in its Compact FSS simulator with one that would be both more effective, powerful and realistic. The Compact FSS simulator, tailored for automotive OEMs, replicates a real-life vehicle behaviour and provides full-spectrum sound from 0.5Hz to 20kHz. Part of its intended purpose is to allow vehicle development without the need for prototyping.
‘The haptic feedback provided by Mover is fundamental to completing the simulation experience, blending its vibrational contributions with those of the other shakers to cover the full range of frequencies, in all depths of field, at which the vehicle is moving,’ explains VI-grade Marketing Director, Gabriele Ferrarotti.
Powersoft’s Mover was chosen for its compact and robust design, ensuring its ability to perform when mounted on moving/vibrating supports within the simulator. Its high force density surpasses that of bulkier traditional shakers.
The compact nature and power-to-size prowess means that Mover can be easily integrated into limited spaces, without orientation limits, and to provide a very high ratio between moving mass and total mass which greatly improves the overall efficiency and real-life haptic feedback of the final product.
VI-grade’s internal technical team, responsible for designing, testing and certifying the simulators, first tested Powersoft’s Mover on a static version of the simulator. Their positive experience during this phase solidified their decision to integrate Mover into the new simulator model.
‘We are thrilled with the finished product and the feedback from users during our demos has been overwhelmingly positive,’ states Ferrarotti. ‘The integration of Mover onto our Compact FSS simulator allows to evaluate the entire frequency spectrum on a single simulator from handling to noise.
‘The Compact FSS excels in assessing ride comfort by combining motion, vibration and sound to create an overall driver and passenger experience. It is also suitable for seat evaluations, as any seat can be placed on the Compact FSS, with motion and vibration delivered to the seat’s rail attachment points.’
The partnership between Powersoft and VI-grade involved dedicated support from Powersoft’s team, who addressed challenges including space constraints in integrating Mover into Compact FSS. Along with the integration of Mover, the simulator now also benefits from two new energy efficient Powersoft Mezzo amplifiers, replacing an old eight-channel amplifier.
‘We are particularly thrilled about this collaboration with VI-grade,’ says Powersoft Key Account Professional Leader, Francesca Cenni. ‘We have taken innovative steps in partnering with automotive manufacturers, and we’re rapidly solidifying our commitment to this sector. This partnership has been an exciting journey, showcasing Mover’s relevance within the automotive industry and the capabilities it brings to our partners.’
More: www.powersoft.com
