Question Figuring out actuator geometry

I an planning my 6dof Stewart recessed cockpit build - and am sort of lost in all the options..

Noticed that a lot of the kits and 6dof platforms use vertical actuators in different kinds of uneven hexagon setups.

Other DIY design have outwards leaning actuators, and larger sims use inward leaning actuators - but I couldn't find information on why/what the pros and cons were.

I have had to try to get Grok 3 to give me an answer.. but is it accurate or not is the question.



Anyone that have ant knowhow on the subject, or links or data sources on the subject to share?

Thanks.

I did actually read that page.. but math isnt my strong side. ;-)

I went looking for something even more easy to digest, and ended up with this table Grok made.
After going back to the page you linked to and reading more carefully My.stAr's post - I am more confident in my understanding.

Will look closer into a smaller platform with actuators 15-20 degrees inward tilt.
Planning to play primarily space games on mine, so this should be the best configuration for me.

The other options;
-Outward tilting actuators for car games..
-Vertical for maximum heave, but less on all other dof's.

Why are most sims with vertical actuators? Seems weird, when you miss out of performance on every dof except heave?

There are much more parameters to look at, not just the maximum surge, sway, heave and rotation angles. A platform mounted on top of the actuators with equal top and bottom circle diameter gives the best force distribution and doesn't have problems with singularities. (positions where one or more forces of actuators become very high and the whole thing can collapse)

Most "recessed" platforms (where the seat base is below the upper joints of the actuators) have problems with collisions when more than one movement is at maximum (for example pitch down and yaw at the same time -> pedal area hits one of the actuators).

In my experience, there is no such thing as an optimum configuration that fits all requirements. You have to either built a model or play in a CAD or simulation software and try out different configurations until you are happy with the result.

I like using flypt mover to model and animate to understand the design.


PS. IMHO space games would benefit from a gseat first, then chassis motion. Think about it.

Thanks for the tips, will check out flypt for some modeling.

Have you built a g-seat or bought a ready made one? Any suggestions for design?

Check out the thread in my signature

That setup of yours are awesome!

Thanks! I'm working on the evolution of it and it will be even better.

Noice.. I will keep updated on your thread. I have a feeling I will look into my own version once I have my 6dof up and running.