Base plate for robotic system for automated durability road (ADR) facility

• US 5,835,867 A
• Filed: 05/02/1996
• Issued: 11/10/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Chrysler Corporation (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Chrysler Corporation (Stellantis NV)
• Inventors: Zyburt, Jeffrey P., Froelich, Mark A.
• Primary Examiner(s): LOUIS JACQUES, JACQUES H
• Application Number:
  US08/643,101
• Time in Patent Office: 922 Days
• Field of Search: 364/424.01, 296/65.1, 296/68.1, 296/65.02, 296/65.05, 296/65.13, 297/344.1, 297/188.1, 297/195.1, 297/216.19, 280/288.4, 280/748, 701/1, 701/2, 701/36, 701/49, 73/117, 73/132, 318/587, 318/568.1, 901/3
• US Class Current: 701/2
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 17/223 Devices for pressurising brake systems acting on pedal
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/00 Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle

Abstract

A base plate for a robotic system for automated durability road testing of a vehicle includes a seat surface positionable against a seat of the vehicle. A plurality of walls extend upwardly from and bound the surface when the surface is positioned against the seat, and a ballast space is established between the walls.

Claims

1. A device for automatically operating a vehicle, comprising:

a base having a seat surface positionable against a seat of the vehicle, said base further having a plurality of walls extending upwardly from and bounding said seat surface when said base is positioned against said seat of the vehicle, a ballast space for supporting a weight therein being established between said walls; and

a control unit for remotely controlling the vehicle, said control unit being positioned on said base.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a back plate rising upwardly from the seat surface.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of walls extending outwardly from the back plate.

4. The device of claim 3, further comprising a weight disposed in the ballast space.

5. A vehicle, comprising:

a seat having a back support extending upwardly from said seat;

a base formed with a seat surface positionable against said seat;

a back plate extending generally perpendicularly upward from said seat surface;

a control unit for remotely controlling the vehicle, said control unit being positioned on said base; and

a plurality of walls extending upwardly from and bounding said seat surface when said seat surface is positioned against said seat, a ballast space for supporting a weight therein being established between said walls.

6. The vehicle of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of walls extending outwardly from the back plate.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, further comprising a weight disposed in the ballast space.

8. A method for positioning a robot in a vehicle for remote control of the vehicle, comprising the steps of:

providing a base formed with a seat surface, the base including a plurality of walls extending upwardly from and bounding the seat surface, a ballast space for supporting a weight therein being established between said plurality of walls of said base;

positioning the seat surface against a seat of the vehicle in proximity to a control mechanism of the vehicle;

positioning the robot on the base; and

placing a weight in said ballast space.