Adjustable simulator apparatus and method for testing vehicle components

An adjustable simulator apparatus comprising:

• a cylindrical housing having a bore along a generally longitudinal axis;
• an inwardly extending shoulder of the cylindrical housing as a first retainer and a second retainer disposed within the cylindrical housing and spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis, wherein the second retainer is a bolt adjustable in its position along the bore to change the distance between the first retainer and second retainer;
• a spring element having a first end and a second end disposed between the first retainer and the second retainer and compressible along the bore of the cylindrical housing;
• a plate disposed within the bore between the first retainer and the second retainer and between the first retainer and the spring, the plate having a first face and a second face, the second face of the plate in contact with the spring element;
• a mechanical stop disposed longitudinally within the bore of the cylindrical housing and extending through the second end of the spring element, wherein the mechanical stop is a bolt adjustable along the bore and its position is changeable;
• and
• a piston translatable within the bore to come into contact with the first face of the plate.

An adjustable simulator system comprising:

• an adjustable simulator apparatus comprising:
• a cylindrical housing having a bore along a generally longitudinal axis;
• an inwardly extending shoulder of the cylindrical housing as a first retainer and a second retainer disposed within the cylindrical housing and spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis, wherein the second retainer is a bolt adjustable in its position along the bore to change the distance between the first retainer and second retainer;
• a spring element having a first end and a second end disposed between the first retainer and the second retainer and compressible along the bore of the cylindrical housing;
• a plate disposed within the bore between the first retainer and the second retainer and between the first retainer and the spring, the plate having a first face and a second face, the second face of the plate in contact with the spring element;
• a mechanical stop disposed longitudinally within the bore of the cylindrical housing and extending through the second end of the spring element, wherein the mechanical stop is a bolt adjustable along the bore and its position is changeable;
• and
• a piston translatable within the bore to come into contact with the first face of the plate;
• an associated linearly translatable rod operatively connected to the piston;
• and
• an associated slave device integral to the rod.