WO2000041155A1

WO2000041155A1 - Apparatus for the simulation and measurement of one or more operation characteristics of a device

Info

Publication number: WO2000041155A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/000028
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sidney Edward Fisher; Axel Fauveau
Original assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems (Uk) Limited
Priority date: 1999-01-08
Filing date: 2000-01-07
Publication date: 2000-07-13
Also published as: AU1884100A; WO2000040940A1; AU1884200A

Abstract

A simulation apparatus (82, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100) which simulates movement signatures of a manually operated control mechanism of an automotive vehicle, the control mechanism having a user-operated control mechanism having a movable member movable from a first position to a second position, and the apparatus comprising means for providing a predetermined movement signature, control means (102) for using the movement signature and generating therefrom control signals, and simulation means adapted to be in contact with the movable member of the control mechanism which receives the control signals and produces forces on the movable member dependent on the position of the movable member. The mechanism may be a door latch mechanism of a vehicle.

Description

APPARATUS FOR THE SIMULATION AND MEASUREMENT OF ONE OR MORE OPERATION CHARACTERISTICS OF A DEVICE

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the simulation and measurement of one or more operation characteristics of a device especially, but not exclusively, for the automotive industry, and particularly, but not exclusively, to the measurement and simulation of a user-manipulated force-distance operation characteristic, such as the release signature of automotive vehicle door latch mechanisms.

The invention arose as a result of work in the field of vehicle door latch mechanisms, and will be described in relation to that context, but as will be appreciated, it has much wider applications.

By vehicle door latch mechanism is meant a mechanism for opening/closing a vehicle door and for retaining the door in a closed position, having a manually-operated release handle and a movable latch adapted to cooperate with a latching component on the vehicle frame and a mechanical linkage between the handle and the latch.

There are many applications in the construction of automotive vehicles such as cars, lorries or vans, where it is desirable to simulate/measure one or more operation characteristics of a device of the vehicle. For example, for latch mechanisms of vehicle doors the "feel" of the handle as it is operated is important. Some customers believe that the handle should neither be too loose or too stiff, and the operation thereof should preferably be smooth throughout with no sudden changes of the force necessary to operate the handle and latch mechanism. The feel is at least in part determined by the force that needs to be applied to the handle as a function of the distance the handle is moved from its inoperative position.

This force versus distance curve is known as the release signature curve of the handle. This varies for latch mechanisms for different doors, and from mechanism to mechanism for the same type of door depending on, for example, small changes in the mechanism and/or the pressure exerted by a resilient seal provided at the door of the vehicle.

When designing and manufacturing latch mechanisms for vehicle doors, it is usual for the customer to specify one force versus distance point which the handle must meet: a single point on a force-distance graph. The remainder of the latch mechanism release signature has hitherto not been quantified as such, the operation of the latch mechanism not being metrically defined. The design of latch mechanism is determined by the "feel" of the handle to the customer. This is clearly very subjective, and can be difficult for the manufacturer to reproduce accurately and consistently. The customer's perception of the feel of the handle may also change. Once the design of a door has been finalised it is difficult and expensive to change the door or even the panels of the door. If the door design is changed during development and after modification of the door the feel of the handle, after manufacture and instalment in the door, proves unsatisfactory to the customer, the design of the latch then requires modification which is undesirable for the manufacturer of the latch mechanism.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a simulation apparatus which simulates release signatures of a latch mechanism having a handle movable from an inoperative position to an operative position. The simulation apparatus may comprise simulation means adapted to be in contact with the handle of the latch mechanism and which produces forces on the handle dependent on the position thereof from its inoperative position.

The simulation apparatus may further comprise control means which generate control signals which are sent to the simulation means.

The simulation apparatus may further comprise means for providing a predetermined release signature which is sent to the control means which uses the release signature to generate the control signals.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a simulation apparatus which simulates release signatures of a latch mechanism having a handle movable from an inoperative position to an operative position, the apparatus comprising means for providing a predetermined release signature, control means for receiving the release signature and generating therefrom control signals, and simulation means adapted to be in contact with the handle of the latch mechanism which receives the control signals and produces forces on the handle dependent on the position thereof from its inoperative position.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a measurement apparatus which measures the release signature of a latch mechanism having a handle movable from an inoperative position to an operative position.

The measurement apparatus may comprise measurement means adapted to be connected to the latch mechanism which measures the force on the handle as a function of the position of the handle from its inoperative position.

The measurement apparatus may further comprise means which receive the force and distance measurements and generates a release signature therefrom.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a measurement apparatus which measures the release signature of a latch mechanism having a handle movable from an inoperative position to an operative position, the apparatus comprising measurement means adapted to be connected to the latch mechanism which measures the force on the handle as a function of the position of the handle from its inoperative position, means which receive the force and distance measurements and generates a release signature therefrom.

We have appreciated that it is desirable to be able to more completely quantify the release signature for a latch mechanism, by simulation or measurement, rather than relying on a single point test. If the release signature of a latch mechanism is measured and objectively quantified, it can then be agreed with the customer prior to design and manufacture of the latch mechanism, and latch mechanisms can be checked to ensure that they fall within the customer's requirements. A tolerance band around the agreed curve can also be agreed with the customer.

The means for providing the release signature of the simulation apparatus may comprise a computer such as a personal computer, and preferably a "laptop" computer. This providing means may also be used to modify the predetermined release signature, or to display the release signature or to save the release signature in a memory. The release signature to be simulated may be selected from a number of signatures stored in a memory of the providing means. The release signature to be simulated may be generated by the providing means by a user or memory defining a number of force versus distance points through which the signature must pass, and the providing means calculating the remainder of the points on the signature. The providing means preferably acts as an interface between a user and the control means. The providing means may be capable of initiating and issuing to the control means or simulation means an emergency stop and/or interrupt signals to stop and/or interrupt the action of the control means or simulation means.

The means which receive the force and distance measurements of the measurement apparatus may comprise a computer such as a personal computer, and preferably a "laptop" computer. This receiving means may be used to display the measured release signature or to save the release signature in a memory. The receiving means may be capable of initiating and issuing to the measurement means an emergency stop and/or interrupt signals to stop and/or interrupt the action of the measurement means.

The control means of the simulation apparatus preferably uses a program to produce the control signals for the simulation means. The control means may be capable of initiating and issuing to the simulation means an emergency stop and/or interrupt signals to stop and/or interrupt the action of the simulation means. The control means may receive such signals from the providing means.

The measurement apparatus may further comprise control means used to control the measurement means, and which may receive the force and distance measurements from the measurement means and pass these to the receiving means. The control means may use a program to receive the force and distance measurements from the measurement means. The control means may receive electrical signals from the measurement means representative of the force and distance measurements and may convert these into numerical values of the measurements for sending to the receiving means. The control means may use the program to do this conversion. The control means is preferably capable of initiating and issuing to the measurement means an emergency stop and/or interrupt signals to stop and/or interrupt the action of the measurement means. The control means may receive such signals from the receiving means.

The simulation means, measurement means, or both, may comprise an actuator. The actuator may be an electrical actuator, and is preferably an electrical, solenoid actuator. The actuator is preferably capable of linear operation. The actuator preferably comprises an actuating member, and can preferably generate more than one force at a given stroke of its actuating member. The actuator may incorporate an optical encoder. The encoder may be attached to the actuating member. The encoder may used, in the measurement apparatus, to generate the distance measurements. The actuator may be connected to the control means of the simulation and/or measurement means. In the simulation apparatus, the actuator may be in contact with the handle of the latch mechanism. In the measurement apparatus, the actuator may be in contact with any part of the latch mechanism. It may be directly in contact with the latch mechanism or handle, or may be in contact therewith via a link such as a mechanical link which may be a lever or a cable. In the measurement apparatus, the actuator may be used to measure the force and distance measurements, or just the force measurements or just the distance measurements. When used to measure the distance measurements alone, the measurement means may further comprise a load cell which is used to measure the force measurements. The actuator may use magnetic means to measure the force, a current in the actuator may be representative of the force which may be sent to the control means.

The simulation means may be adapted to be in contact with the handle of the latch mechanism and produce forces on the handle dependent on the position thereof from an inoperative position.

The simulation and measurement apparatus can simulate/measure a release signature assuming that the handle is operated at a constant speed, or assuming that it is operated at a non-constant speed. The time for which a certain force is applied to the handle of a latch mechanism may also be measured. At each distance travelled by the handle, the force on the handle and/or the time from the start of the operation of the handle may be measured.

The handle of the latch mechanism with which the simulation apparatus is in contact for use may comprise a return spring. The simulation means preferably is able to simulate the effect of the spring on the feel of the handle. In use, the simulation apparatus may be attached to an actual vehicle door, or may be attached to a mock-up of such a door which may be designed to look like a normal door. The simulation means and the control means are preferably received within the door or mock-up, leaving only the means for providing the release signature of the apparatus exposed for use by the latch mechanism manufacturer and visible to the customer. The vehicle door may be attached to a vehicle. The manufacturer may then sit in the vehicle or be positioned close to the vehicle and may simulate a number of latch mechanism signatures with the customer present who may operate the handle determining which feel is required/desirable for the vehicle. The customer may be able to select the desired signature from an available menu of signatures, or design their own (possibly there and then at the door/vehicle) .

The measurement apparatus may be used to measure the release signature of manufactured latch mechanisms, to check that these lie within requirements set by the customer. A measurement apparatus may be installed at the end of a production line of the latch mechanisms, so that testing and rejection, if necessary, may take place at that point. The measurement apparatus may also be used to test competitors' latch mechanisms, and this could be useful in determining any flaws in such mechanisms. The measurement apparatus may measure the release signature of a latch mechanism mounted on an actual vehicle door, or mounted on a test rig. The test rig or "mock-up" may be fixed or portable. The measurement apparatus may include a test rig. The test rig may comprise a spring used to simulate the load produced by the seal of a vehicle door. It is preferably possible to change the stiffness of the spring, and hence use the measurement apparatus to measure the effect of changing the seal of a door on the feel generated at the handle of the door. The spring may have its stiffness and/or other characteristics controlled/simulated by the measurement apparatus.

The simulation and measurement apparatus may be used on inside or outside latch mechanisms of a vehicle door or both. Inside and outside handles may be tested. These may have the same or different latch mechanisms.

The simulation and measurement apparatus may also be used to simulate/measure the noise produced on operation of a control mechanism, such as a latch mechanism. Noise producing/detecting means may then be provided. Although the above description has been directed towards simulating/measuring the release signature of a vehicle door latch, the apparatus can be used to measure other operation characteristics of other devices. For example, the apparatus could be used to quantify the feel of steering control (steering wheel) action, a vehicle foot brake pedal, or hand brake, or clutch pedals or accelerator pedal, or transmission (gear lever) action, or of a vehicle boot/hatchback (which can be considered as doors), window movement handle or switch, or a manually operated sunroof opening/closing mechanism, or manually operated switches (for example push, twist, or deflect switches) for, for example, indicator lights, headlights, screen heaters, air conditioning control switch, fan heater/air circulation switch and controls, radio/audio system control switches, seat adjustment switches, bonnet release lever or mechanism, wing mirror control levers or switches, seat adjustment manually operated wheels/controls, glove box latch, fuel flap release assembly. The feel of a steering wheel and steering system response could be simulated. Indeed, the feel (user-device interface and force-distance/movement characteristics of the device) could be simulated for any vehicle manually operated device (including foot operated), or indeed the feel of any manually operated device could be simulated. Instead of/in addition to simulating the feel of a device we could measure its movement, force/distance characteristics (or even force/distance/time - all three) and possibly compare its movement characteristics with a predetermined metrological standard.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an automotive vehicle incorporating a simulation apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention. The simulation apparatus or at least a part thereof is preferably incorporated into the vehicle body such that it is hidden from view, at least when a customer is testing the handle. Preferably the simulation apparatus can be operated to provide a number of release signatures in a matter of seconds/minutes. The customer can then quickly try out a number of different handle feels. For example, a typical desired simulation rate may be 2 simulations per minute, but 1 per minute, 1 every 2 minutes, 1 every 5 minutes, or longer, may be acceptable.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a door incorporating a simulation apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a simulation apparatus for a foot brake assembly.

According to a eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a simulation apparatus for a hand brake assembly.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a simulation apparatus for a clutch pedal assembly.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a simulation apparatus for an accelerator assembly.

According to a eleventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a simulation apparatus for a gear stick/gear mechanism assembly. These apparatus may comprise simulation means, control means, and/or providing means as above.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a simulation apparatus which simulates the force-distance movement characteristics signature of a driver or passenger manipulated movable member, the simulation apparatus having a movable member movable from a first position to a second position, performance means for providing a predetermined movement signature, control means for using the movement signature and generating therefrom control signals, and simulation means adapted to be in contact with the movable member which simulation means receives the control signals and produces forces on the movable member dependent on the position of the movable member.

The first and second positions may be operative and inoperative positions. The movable member may be a control of an automobile or vehicle.

The simulation apparatus may also control the distance/force with time, for example it may allow the movable member to move only at a certain rate at different points in its travel.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a measurement apparatus which measures the movement force-v versus distance characteristic signature mechanism having a movable member movable from a first position to a second position, the apparatus comprising measurement means adapted to be connected to the movable member which measures the force on the movable member as a function of the position of the member and signature means which receive the force and distance measurements and generates a characteristic movement signature therefrom.

The measurement apparatus may measure the force applied to the movable member/its position varies with time during the movement of the movable member. The movable member is preferably an actuator of a mechanism.

According to another aspect the invention comprises software adapted to provide any other aspect of the invention; for example software which when running on a processor is capable of providing movement apparatus, or simulation apparatus, or a method on a production line, in accordance with the invention.

According to another aspect of the invention we provide a method of enabling a person to select a desired force-distance performance for a movable component of an apparatus, the method comprising:

providing a movable component having an actuator acting directly or indirectly on the movable component;

controlling the actuator to have a force-distance signature in accordance with a predetermined force-distance signature;

having the person operate the movable component whilst it has its force-distance signature controlled by the actuator, thereby enabling the person to determine whether the feel of the apparatus is acceptable. Preferably the person manually operates the movable component.

The actuator may control the movable component in accordance with a selected one of a plurality of predetermined force-distance signature. It may be possible to input a new force-distance signature, possibly using a keyboard, or a graphical interface/graphical programmer.

The method may comprise having the person or some other movement means operate the movable component at a predetermined rate of operation or at a rate within acceptable limits thereto or at a predetermined force as a function of time (F(t)) or at a F(t) within acceptable limits thereto. The method may comprise determining whether the movable component is operated at the predetermined rate of operation or at a rate within acceptable limits thereto or at the predetermined force as a function of time (F(t)) , or at a F(t) within acceptable limits thereto.

According to another aspect of the invention we provide user- interface manipulation characteristic selection apparatus comprising a movable component whose user-interface manipulation characteristic is to be selected, movement-controlling means controlling the movement of the movable component, and control means adapted to control the movement- controlling means in accordance with a predetermined user-interface manipulation profile or signature.

The apparatus preferably has selection means adapted to select a chosen profile from a plurality of predetermined profiles. The control means and the selection means may comprise a computer and means to select from a menu of stored/predetermined manipulation profiles. Means to crease a new profile may be provided, such as a keyboard, or graphical programmer. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of offering to manufacturers of automotive assemblies having a manually moveable component having a force/distance moved feel, or reactive feed back, the method comprising providing a demonstration station with a simulator adapted in use to simulate more user-experienced feel of the manually movable component, the simulation having a movable component, or simulated movable component, and movement control means adapted in use to provide the component with a force-distance movement characteristic to simulate the feel of the real movable component in use.

Preferably the method comprises enabling the customer to experience a plurality of different force-distance movement charateristics for a common movable component by changing the way the movement control means controls the movement of the component.

Preferrably the method comprises providing the demonstration station as an automotive vehicle or simulated automotive vehicle, or part thereof. The customer may get into an automotive vehicle or stand by one, and operate one or more movable member of the vehicle, the movable member(s) comprising user-moved control mechanisim(s) of the vehicle and comprising movable components of the simulator.

The aspects of the invention can also be expressed as methods, and we seek protection for methods of simulating/measuring vehicle door latch mechanism release signatures, and simulating foot brake, hand brake, clutch pedal, accelerator and gear stick/ gear mechanism assembly release signatures. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a simulation apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a flow chart showing the operation of the simulation apparatus;

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a measurement apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the measurement apparatus;

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a vehicle door incorporating a simulation apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a vehicle door incorporating two simulation apparatus, one for simulating a release signature on the outer handle of the door, and one for simulating a release signature for the inner handle of the door;

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a vehicle fitted with simulators for driver-experienced operated mechanical components;

Figure 8 shows more detail of a typical door latch mechanism release signature; and Figure 9 shows a design-to-prototype manufacture process which uses the present invention.

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a measurement apparatus according to an eight aspect of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a simulation apparatus comprising simulation means 1 , control means 2 and providing means 3. The simulation means comprises an actuator 4 which is an electrical, solenoid type actuator having an actuating member 5. This is in contact with the handle 6 of the latch mechanism of a vehicle door (not shown) . The actuator is further connected via a cable to the control means 2. The control means is, in turn, connected to the providing means 3. This comprises a laptop computer, which stores a number of latch mechanism release signatures in its memory. The controller is further connected to a release actuator 7 which is in contact with and operates the latch 8 of the latch mechanism.

Figure 2 shows a flow chart of the operation of the simulation apparatus. In use, a user chooses a release signature to simulate from the memory of the computer, or defines a signature to be simulated. This is displayed by the computer. The force versus distance points of the signature are then sent to the control means 2. A program is stored within this, and is used to convert the data from the computer into control signals. These are sent to the actuator 4 and to the actuator 7, starting the simulation of the release signature. The actuator 4 uses the control signals to produce a particular force on the handle 6 of the latch mechanism as a function of the distance of the handle from its inoperative position. When a user operates the latch mechanism, the feel of the handle is determined by the release signature selected or defined. The control signals are also sent to the release actuator 7 which operates to release the latch 8 of the latch mechanism and open the door. The user is not aware that the latch 8 has been released by the release actuator 7, the impression is that operation of the handle 6 has opened the door. When all the control signals have been produced and sent to the actuator, the simulation ends and control of the latch mechanism is returned to the user. A number of signatures can be selected/defined, the user/customer deciding which produces the best feel. This process can take place in a few hours - changing the feel of the latch mechanism can be achieved in seconds - the time the customer takes to make up their mind which they like best/which is acceptable is the limiting factor.

Figure 3 shows a measurement apparatus comprising measurement means 20, control means 21 and receiving means 22. The measurement means comprises an actuator 23 which is an electrical, solenoid type actuator having an actuating member 24. This is in contact with the latch 25 of a latch mechanism of a vehicle door. The actuator 23 is further connected via a cable to the control means 21. The control means is, in turn, connected to the receiving means 22. This comprises a laptop computer, which can store a number of latch release signatures in its memory.

Figure 4 shows a flow chart of the operation of the measurement apparatus. In use, a user inputs parameters for the measurement operation into the computer, e.g. concerning which type of latch mechanism is being tested. These are sent to the control means 21 , and the measurement operation is started. A user or automatic means operates the latch mechanism. The force on this will vary according to the distance of the handle of the mechanism from its inoperative position. The actuator 23 measures the force and distance, and transfers this data to the control means 21. The computer receives the measurements from the control means in real time, and stores the measurements. The control means 21 stops the measurement operation, according to the parameters of the operation input into the computer. The computer then translates the force and distance measurements into a release signature and displays the signature on its screen for analysis. The release signature may be stored for future use.

Figure 5 shows a vehicle door 30 incorporating a simulation apparatus comprising simulation means and control means 31 housed between inner and outer panels 32,33 of the door. The control means 31 is connected to providing means 34 which is external to the door, for access by a user of the apparatus. The simulation means comprises an actuator 35 in contact with the handle 36 of the latch mechanism of the door. A release actuator 37 is also housed within the door, this operates the latch 38 of the latch mechanism. The customer cannot see the apparatus within the door - the door looks as normal. The providing means 34 is a control computer which may communicate with the simulation apparatus via a wired connection, or via electromagnetic, non- wired connection.

Figure 6 shows a vehicle door 40 for use with two simulation apparatus. A first simulation means and a first control means 42 of a first simulation apparatus is housed between outer 43 and inner 44 panels of the door. The control means 42 is connected to a first providing means 45 external to the door for access by a user. The first simulation means comprises an actuator 46 in contact with the outer handle 47 of the door, and the first simulation means simulates release signatures for this handle. A first release actuator 48 is connected to the first control means 42 and operates the latch 49 of the latch mechanism for the outer handle. A second simulation means and a second control means 50 of a second simulation apparatus is housed between the outer and inner panels of the door. The control means 50 is connected to a second providing means 51 external to the door for access by a user. The second simulation means comprises an actuator 52 in contact with the inner handle 53 of the door, and the second simulation means simulates release signatures for this handle. A second release actuator 54 is connected to the second control means 50 and operates the latch 55 of the latch mechanism for the inner handle. Again, the user does not see any of the components housed within the door.

Figure 7 shows a car 80 provided with a simulation apparatus 82 hidden in its door 84. Also shown schematically are simulation apparatus 86 (foot brake) , 88 (hand brake), 90 (steering), 92 (clutch pedal) , 94 (brake pedal) , 96 (accelerator) , 98 (boot catch) and 100 (bonnet catch). We could typically provide the car 80 with only one of the apparatus at one time, but we could provide any two, three, or more of them at the same time, or indeed all of them. The control computer (referenced 102) could be used inside the vehicle, possibly by someone sitting next to the driver/customer (or the customer could operate themselves), or outside the vehicle.

Figure 8 shows more detail of a door latch assembly release signature, including what is happening at various portions of the curve.

Figure 9 shows that after a customer has decided upon a desired release signature we can, if we desire, design on computer the mechanical components of the door handle latch mechanism, and predict what release signature they will have, which we can ensure is close enough to the customer selected/defined release signature to be acceptable within objectively measured limits. We can then, if we wish, have a customer re-test the designed new latch mechanism using the simulation apparatus controlled by the predicted signature of the newly-designed mechanism (or we can omit this stage) . We can then make a latch mechanism and test it/validate it to demonstrate to the customer that it does indeed have the agreed release signature.

It will be appreciated that where a user applies a force to a movable component there will be a "feel" or physical feedback to the user from the resistance to movement of the component. This may feel good, bad, or indifferent to the user, and different users may have different perceptions. By quantifying this resistive feedback (which typically changes with the distance through which the movable component is moved) we allow a more objective setting of the force-distance performance of person-moved movable components to be achieved. By offering the designer of a system having a movable component a chance to try out several user-interface force-distance resistive feedback settings/signatures for a movable component we assist the designer in achieving the best design, and may enable consumer trials to be performed prior to expensive production of prototypes.

Figure 10 shows a measurement apparatus comprising an actuator 100 which is an electrical, solenoid type actuator having an actuating member 101. This is in contact with a lever 102 which is linked via a latch transducer 103 to the latch 104 of a latch mechanism 105 of, for example, a vehicle door. The ratio of lever 102 can be changed to suit different latch mechanisms, to achieve the movement required on the latch of the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is connected to a spring 106 which simulates the seal load on the door. A seal load transducer 107 and measurement device 108 measures this seal load, which is adjustable via a seal load screw 109. The actuator 100 is connected via a cable to control means 110. The latch transducer is also connected to the control means 110. The control means is, in turn, connected to receiving means 111. This comprises a laptop computer. In operation, a seal load on the latch mechanism is set. The latch 104 is operated i.e. moved from its inoperative position to a fully operative position. During movement, the actuator measures the force on the latch as a function of its distance from the inoperative position, and the transducer measures the force on the latch. The force-distance measurements and the force measurements are transferred to the control means 110 and from there to the receiving means. The receiving means uses the force measurements to determine force-time measurements, and a rate of operation of the latch, and uses the force-distance measurements to determine a force-distance signature. Such an apparatus can be used to determine if a movable component, such as a latch, has a desired force-distance signature at a predetermined rate of operation of the component, or predetermined force applied to the handle as a function of time.

Claims

1. A simulation apparatus which simulates movement signatures of a manually operated control mechanism of an automotive vehicle, the control mechanism having a user-operated control mechanism having a movable member movable from a first position to a second position, and the apparatus comprising means for providing a predetermined movement signature, control means for using the movement signature and generating therefrom control signals, and simulation means adapted to be in contact with the movable member of the control mechanism which receives the control signals and produces forces on the movable member dependent on the position of the movable member.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the control mechanism comprises a latch mechanism and the movable member comprises a handle of the latch mechanism, and wherein the first position is an inoperative position of the handle in which the latch mechanism is closed and the second position is an operative position in which the latch mechanism is open, releasing the latch, and wherein the movement signature comprises a latch release signature, the simulation apparatus producing in use forces on the handle dependent upon its position within its range of movement in a latch-opening operation.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the latch mechanism comprises a door latch.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the movable member comprises an element from the group: steering wheel, footbrake pedal, handbrake lever, clutch pedal, accelerator pedal, gear lever, boot, bonnet or hood release mechanism, fuel flap release mechanism, window movement handle or control, sunroof operating mechanism, electrical control switch, control stalk, indicator assembly, glove box latch release member.

5. A simulation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the control means comprises a computer.

6. A simulation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the control means is used to modify the predetermined movement signature.

7. A simulation apparatus according to any preceding claim in wherein the apparatus comprises a signature display and the control means is used to display the movement signature.

8. A simulation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the movement signature to be simulated is selected by a user from a number of signatures stored in a memory of the control means.

9. A simulation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the movement signature to be simulated is generated by the control means by a user or memory defining a number of force versus distance points through which the signature must pass, and the control means calculating the remainder of the points on the signature.

10. A simulation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the control mechanism to be simulated includes a return spring and wherein the simulation means is able to simulate the effect of the spring on the feel of the movable member.

11. A simulation apparatus according to any preceding claim which is attached to a door of a vehicle for use.

12. A simulation apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the simulation means and the control means are received within the door leaving substantially only a user-operable interface of the apparatus exposed for access by a user.

13. A simulation apparatus according to any of preceding claim wherein signature means for providing a predetermined movement signature is provided, said movement signature being sent in use to the control means which in use uses the release signature to generate the control signals.

14. A simulation apparatus according to any preceding claims wherein the movement signature comprises a force-distance movement of the movable member correlation such that the movable member resists movement in its direction of user-manipulated movement with a force that depends upon its position in its range of allowable movements.

15. A simulation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the movement signature comprises a distance-time correlation, assuming at least a force of a predetermined kind is being applied, such that the position of the movable member and/or the reaction/resistance force applied to it depends upon the time for which the force has been applied.

16. A simulation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the movement signature comprises a force-distance-time function such that the user-perceived reaction force experienced when they move the movable member depends upon the position of the movable member in its range of user-manipulated movement, and the force over time applied by the user over the past history of movement (in that manipulation cycle) on the movable member.

17. A simulation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the control means comprises a palmtop computer, a laptop computer or other portable computer.

18. A simulation apparatus according to any preceding claim which also comprises display means adapted to display the movement signature on the display.

19. A simulation apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the control means in use uses force values for different distances of movement from a memory or calculates them using an algorithm.

20. A simulation apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the control means in use is a spring to simulate the load produced by a seal of a vehicle door.

21. A simulation apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the control means is adapted in use to simulate the effect on the movement of the door handle of a plurality of different door seals, selectable by the user and hence enables the apparatus to simulate the effect of changing the seal of a door on the feel generated at the handle of the door.

22. A simulation apparatus according to claim 3 which comprises measurement means adapted to be connected to the latch mechanism which h measures the position of the handle and using a latch release signature creates the appropriate force with distance applied to the handle.

23. A simulation apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 22 wherein the simulation means or the measurement means comprises an actuator.

24. A simulation apparatus according to claim 40 wherein the actuator comprises an electrical solenoid actuator.

25. A simulation apparatus according to claim 23 or claim 24 wherein the actuator comprises an actuating member, and in use can generate more than one force at a given stroke of its actuating member.

26. A simulation apparatus according to any of claims 23 to 25 wherein the actuator incorporates an optical encoder.

27. A simulation apparatus according to any of claims 23 to 26 wherein the actuator is connected to the control means of the simulation means.

28. A simulation apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 27 wherein the actuator is directly or indirectly connected to a latch mechanism or handle of a latch mechanism.

29. A simulation apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 28 wherein the actuator is adapted to measure the distance measurements.

30. A simulation apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 29 which further comprises a load cell which is used to measure the force measurements.

31. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein noise simulation means is provided adapted, in use, to simulate the noise produced on operation of the movable member.

32. A door release latch mechanism simulator comprising an actuator adapted to apply a force to a door handle and control means adapted to control the force applied by the actuator, the control means being adapted to control the force applied by the actuator so as to apply a predetermined and variable force on the handle dependent upon the distance travelled by the handle.

33. An automotive vehicle having a control mechanism with a manual user-operated control movable member and having simulation apparatus according to any preceding claim, connected to the movable member of the manually operated control mechanism.

34. A method of enabling a user to experience the movement characteristic of a manually movable control member of a mechanism, the method comprising having an actuator coupled with the movable member and controlling the forces applied to the movable member by the actuator in accordance with a predetermined movement characteristic signature.

35. A method according to claim 34 wherein a user experiences a plurality of different predetermined movement characteristic signatures for the movable member and can compare how the movable member feels when under the control of the different movement signatures.

36. A method according to claim 35 in which a chosen one of the different movement signatures is selected by electronic selection means.

37. A method according to claims 35 or 36 wherein the user chooses which movement signature to experience.

38. A method according to any one of c claims 34 to 37 wherein the movement characteristic signature is provided by computer control means which controls the operation of the actuator.

39. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 38 wherein the method comprises a method of selecting a desired force-distance movement characteristic for a user-operated manually controlled movable member of an automatic control mechanism and wherein the user experiences the feel of a plurality of different movement signatures of the movable control member and can choose which is preferred.

40. A method according to claim 39 wherein the user chooses a preferred movement signature from a predetermined set of allowable movement signatures.

41. A method according to claim 39 wherein the user creates their own movement signature for the movable member.

42. A method according to claim 41 wherein a user modifies an existing predetermined movement signature to create a new movement signature.

43. A computer product or programme element which when operating on a computer causes the computer to execute procedure to perform a method in accordance with any method claim, or to provide simulation apparatus or measurement apparatus in accordance with any apparatus claim.

44. A method of enabling a person to select a desired force-distance performance for a movable component of an apparatus the method comprising:

having the person operate the movable component whilst it has its force-distanced signature controlled by the actuator, thereby enabling the person to determine whether the feel of the apparatus is acceptable.

45. A method according to claim 44 in which the person manually operates the movable component.

46. A method according to claim 44 or claim 45 in which the actuator controls the movable component in accordance with a selected one of a plurality of predetermined force-distance signatures.

47. A method according to any one of claims 44 to 46 in which the component is moved by the hand or foot.

48. A method according to any one of claims 44 to 47 in which the predetermined force-distance characteristic signature is created by inputting data to a memory using one or more of: a keyboard, a graphic interface, user-manipulated electronic input, uploading of data or is created by measuring an acceptable component as it is moved.

49. A method according to any one of claims 44 to 48 which comprises determining whether a user/driver-operated component meets a predetermined force-distance characteristic.

50. A method according to any one of claims 44 to 49 which is a method of enabling a person to select the user-interface manipulation performance of one or more of the following:

a) a door latch mechanism b) a hand brake mechanism c) a clutch assembly-clutch pedal assembly d) a footbrake assembly/footbrake pedal assembly e) an acceleration pedal assembly f) a gear stick assembly/gearbox assembly g) a sunroof moving mechanism h) a steering wheel i) an indicator assembly j) a switch assembly (e.g. a push switch, lever switch, or twist switch) k) a glove box latch

1) a boot, bonnet or hood release latch assembly m) a fuel flap release assembly.

51. A method according to any of claims 44 to 50 which comprises having the movable component operated at a predetermined rate of operation or at a rate within acceptable limits thereto, or at a predetermined force as a function of time F(t)) or at a F(t) within acceptable limits thereto.

52. A method according to any of claims 44 to 51 which comprises determining whether the movable component is operated at the predetermined rate of operation or force as a function of time (F(t)) or at a rate or F(t) within acceptable limits thereto.

53. User-interface manipulation characteristic selection apparatus comprising a movable component whose user-interface manipulation characteristics is to be selected, movement-controlling means controlling the movement of the movable component, and control means adapted to control the movement-controlling means in accordance with a predetermined user-interface manipulation profile.

54. Apparatus according to claim 53 which comprises selection means adapted to select a chosen profile from a plurality of predetermined profiles.

55. Apparatus according to claim 54 in which the control means and the selection means comprise a computer and means to select from a menu of stored/predetermined manipulation profiles.

56. Apparatus according to any one of claims 53 to 55 which comprises means to input a manipulation profile.