Surrounding ride system and method
By using independent spoke drive and controller commands in the wraparound ride system, the problems of monotonous motion experience and insufficient integration with the performance set in the ride system have been solved, thus achieving a rich ride experience and entertainment effect.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480037523.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-05-22
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-09
AI Technical Summary
The existing ride facilities system is unable to provide a diverse range of sports experiences and effectively integrate with the performance set design, resulting in insufficient entertainment value.
The system employs a wraparound ride system, which independently drives multiple spokes and the ride vehicle, allowing for angle adjustment and independent driving between adjacent spokes. Combined with commands provided by the ride vehicle controller, the vehicle moves through the performance stage.
It achieves a dynamic integration of the ride-on vehicle with the performance set during movement, providing a richer sports experience and enhanced entertainment effects.
Smart Images

Figure CN121311285A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 471,452, filed June 6, 2023, entitled “ROUND RIDE SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Technology
[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may relate to the various aspects of the present technology described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be read from this perspective and not as an admission of prior art.
[0003] Entertainment venues can include a variety of features to provide unique experiences for visitors. For example, an amusement park can include various attractions such as rides and shows that entertain visitors. Some attractions may include rides that transport visitors along tracks to provide changes in motion to entertain visitors, and some attractions may offer visual and / or auditory effects to entertain visitors. The motion of rides is often combined with performance elements (e.g., visual and / or audio effects) to increase entertainment value. For example, rides may use rides to provide stimulating movement while transporting visitors through scenes or environments that include visual and / or auditory effects. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The following outlines certain embodiments that are proportionate to the scope of the original claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, but are merely intended to provide a brief overview of some of the disclosed embodiments. In fact, this disclosure may cover a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.
[0005] In one embodiment, a wraparound ride system includes a center wheel, a first drive system configured to drive rotation of the center wheel, and a plurality of spokes coupled to the center wheel. The wraparound ride system also includes a plurality of ride vehicles, each of which is coupled to a corresponding spoke among the plurality of spokes. The wraparound ride system further includes a second drive system configured to independently drive each of the plurality of spokes relative to the center wheel in a circumferential direction to adjust corresponding angles defined between corresponding pairs of adjacent spokes among the plurality of spokes.
[0006] In one embodiment, a wraparound ride system includes a center wheel and a first drive system configured to drive rotation of the center wheel. The wraparound ride system further includes: a plurality of spokes coupled to the center wheel; a plurality of ride vehicles coupled to the plurality of spokes; a second drive system configured to drive each of the plurality of spokes independently relative to the center wheel; and a third drive system configured to drive each of the plurality of ride vehicles independently along a corresponding spoke of the plurality of spokes. The wraparound ride system further includes a ride controller configured to provide instructions to the first, second, and third drive systems to move the plurality of ride vehicles through a stage set.
[0007] In one embodiment, a ride-on facility system includes a loading station, a wraparound ride-on facility system, and one or more paths configured to support movement of one or more ride-on facility vehicles from the loading station to the wraparound ride-on facility system. The wraparound ride-on facility system includes a center wheel, a first drive system configured to drive rotation of the center wheel, a plurality of spokes coupled to the center wheel, and a plurality of payload portions, wherein each of the plurality of payload portions is coupled to a corresponding spoke among the plurality of spokes and is configured to receive a corresponding ride-on facility vehicle from the one or more paths. Attached Figure Description
[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar parts throughout the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a wraparound ride system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wraparound ride system including spokes for rotating and lifting the ride vehicle; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a wraparound ride system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wraparound ride system including spokes for rotating and lifting the ride vehicle, wherein the angle between adjacent spokes is adjustable; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a wraparound ride system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wraparound ride system including spokes connected to a ride vehicle, wherein the spokes are supported on an outer ring and the angle between adjacent spokes is adjustable; Figure 4 This is related to the performance set design according to embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3 A top-down view of the wraparound ride system; Figure 5 This is related to the performance set design according to embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3 A perspective view of part of the wraparound seating system; Figure 6 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 2 A side view of part of the wraparound seating system; Figure 7 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 3 A side view of the radial interior portion of the wraparound seating system; Figure 8 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 3 A side view of the radial outer portion of the wraparound seating system; Figure 9 It is possible to implement the embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 3 A side view of the trolley system used in the wraparound ride system; Figure 10 This is a side view of a portion of a ride facility system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ride facility system being configured to pick up ride facility vehicles; Figure 11 This is a side view of a portion of a ride facility system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ride facility system being configured to pick up a ride facility vehicle and support the ride facility vehicle on a platform; and Figure 12 This is a side view of a portion of a ride facility system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ride facility system being configured to pick up a ride facility vehicle from one part of a path and transfer it to another part of the path. Detailed Implementation
[0009] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be noted that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from implementation to implementation. Furthermore, it should be noted that such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, but will remain routine tasks of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure. When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “described” are intended to mean the presence of one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to those listed.
[0010] This disclosure generally relates to a wraparound ride system and method that can be used in any suitable location, such as any suitable entertainment venue (e.g., amusement park, market, shopping mall). As used herein, the term "wraparound ride system" refers to a ride system that causes one or more ride vehicles to rotate about a common central axis (e.g., along a loop path or in a circular motion). A wraparound ride system may include spokes extending outward from a central wheel. For example, each of the spokes may include a corresponding first end (e.g., a first end portion) coupled to the central wheel. Each of the spokes may also be supported or coupled to a corresponding ride vehicle. For example, each of the spokes may include a corresponding second end (e.g., a second end portion) coupled to the corresponding ride vehicle. In operation, the spokes may lift and / or rotate the ride vehicle (e.g., lift relative to the ground surface and / or rotate about the central axis of the central wheel).
[0011] The wraparound ride system may include other features. For example, the wraparound ride system may be able to adjust the angle between adjacent spokes, which can provide a change in the travel speed of the ride vehicle as the spokes rotate. Furthermore, the adjustment of the angle between adjacent spokes facilitates the operation of a combined performance set, because one spoke can hold (e.g., slow down or stop the rotation; rotate at a first rate) at least one ride vehicle within a portion of the performance set for a period of time corresponding to the audio and / or visual performance in that portion of the performance set, even while other spokes continue to rotate (e.g., continue to rotate; rotate at a second rate) other ride vehicles within the ride vehicle.
[0012] Considering the foregoing, Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wraparound ride system 10, which includes spokes 12 extending outward (e.g., radially) from a central wheel 14 (e.g., a hub; a rotatable structure of any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as circular, square, etc.). As shown, the wraparound ride system 10 includes twelve spokes 12; however, it should be appreciated that the wraparound ride system 10 may include any number of spokes 12 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or more). For ease of discussion, the wraparound ride system 10 and its components may be described with reference to the vertical axis or direction 2, the radial or lateral axis or direction 4 and / or the circumferential axis or direction 6.
[0013] As shown, each of the spokes 12 includes a first end 16 (e.g., a first end portion) coupled to the center wheel 14. Furthermore, each of the spokes 12 can be coupled to a corresponding riding vehicle 18 configured to transport one or more passengers. Figure 1 In this embodiment, each of the spokes 12 includes a second end 20 (e.g., a second end portion) coupled to the corresponding ride-on vehicle 18. Specifically, the corresponding ride-on vehicle 18 is suspended from the second end 20. However, it should be appreciated that each of the spokes 12 may include another attachment portion coupled to the corresponding ride-on vehicle 18 (e.g., between the first end 16 and the second end 20). In an embodiment, each of the spokes 12 is slidably coupled to the corresponding ride-on vehicle 18. For example, each of the spokes 12 may include a track 22 that allows the corresponding ride-on vehicle 18 to slide along the track 22 (e.g., sliding back and forth between the first end 16 and the second end 20; via a wheel of the corresponding ride-on vehicle 18). Furthermore, instead of the corresponding ride-on vehicle 18 being suspended from the second end 20, the corresponding ride-on vehicle 18 may be positioned on top of the corresponding spoke 12 or on top of a platform positioned at the second end 20.
[0014] exist Figure 1 Each of the ride-on vehicle 18 includes a load-bearing portion 24 (e.g., a passenger portion (e.g., a seating portion), a seating portion) for accommodating or transporting one or more passengers, and a ride-on vehicle actuator system 26 (e.g., a ride-on vehicle actuator assembly) connecting the load-bearing portion 24 to a corresponding spoke 12. Each ride-on vehicle actuator system 26 may be configured to move the corresponding ride-on vehicle 18 relative to the corresponding spoke 12. For example, each ride-on vehicle actuator system 26 may be configured to rock, pitch (e.g., about a first lateral axis 36), roll (e.g., about a second lateral axis 37 orthogonal to the first lateral axis 36), and / or rotate (e.g., yaw; about a corresponding central axis 38) relative to the corresponding spoke 12.
[0015] Each of the spokes 12 is also coupled to a corresponding spoke actuator system 28 (e.g., one or more spoke actuator assemblies, one or more spoke actuator components, one or more linear actuators). Each spoke actuator system 28 may include a first end 30 (e.g., a first end portion) and a second end 32 (e.g., a second end portion), wherein the first end 30 may be coupled to the center wheel 14, and the second end 32 may be coupled to the corresponding spoke 12. In operation, the spokes 12 and the spoke actuator system 28 are rotatable with the center wheel 14 due to the connections at the first end 16 of the spoke 12 and the first end 30 of the spoke actuator system 28, respectively (e.g., the center wheel 14 may be driven to rotate continuously or intermittently at a fixed or variable rate). The corresponding connection between the first end 16 of the spoke 12 and the center wheel 14 may include a rotatable joint 33 (e.g., a hinged joint) that allows the spoke 12 to be raised relative to the center wheel 14. Therefore, the spoke actuator system 28 can extend and retract to drive the spokes 12 and the ride-on vehicle 18 connected to the spokes 12 to raise and lower relative to the ground surface 34. Specifically, when the center wheel 14, spokes 12, ride-on vehicle 18, and spoke actuator system 28 are rotatable about the central axis 35 of the center wheel 14, the spoke actuator system 28 raises and lowers the spokes 12 and the ride-on vehicle 18 connected to the spokes 12 relative to the ground surface 34. Additionally, the ride-on vehicle actuator system 26 can cause the load-bearing portion 24 of the ride-on vehicle 18 to move relative to the spokes 12 (e.g., rock, pitch, roll, and / or rotate).
[0016] It should be understood that the ride facility controller 40 may instruct any combination of these movements during a ride cycle (e.g., between loading and unloading one or more passengers) according to programmed ride facility settings. Additionally or alternatively, the ride facility controller 40 may be configured to receive one or more inputs from the operator and / or one or more passengers, such as via operator equipment (e.g., tablet; laptop; desktop computer), passenger equipment (e.g., mobile phone), and / or input devices (e.g., user interface; touchscreen; joystick) located in the ride facility vehicle 18. In response to the receipt of one or more inputs, the ride facility controller 40 may accordingly provide and / or regulate these movements. For example, while the ride facility controller 40 maintains the rotation of the center wheel 14, spokes 12, and ride facility vehicle 18 about the central axis 35 of the center wheel 14 according to programmed ride facility settings (e.g., at a constant or variable rate according to programmed ride facility settings), one or more passengers may provide input via input devices located in the respective ride facility vehicle 18 to control the position of the respective spoke actuator system 28, thereby regulating the lifting of the respective ride facility vehicle 18.
[0017] Therefore, in this embodiment, each ride vehicle 18 may experience both passenger-controlled and programmed movements relative to the corresponding spokes 12 during rotation about the central axis 35 of the central wheel 14. As a result, each ride vehicle 18 may be in its lowest position relative to the ground surface 34 (e.g., along platform 48) for a portion of the ride cycle if passenger-controlled movements are disabled or unavailable, and then rise to its highest position relative to the ground surface 34 for another portion of the ride cycle if passenger-controlled movements are enabled or available (e.g., immediately after leaving platform 48), and so on. In such a case, rotation about the central axis 35 of the central wheel 14 and up / down movements applied by the spoke actuator system 28 may cause some consistent aspects of movement for each ride vehicle 18 during the ride cycle according to the programmed ride settings, accompanied by some variable or enhanced movements generated during the ride cycle based on one or more inputs from one or more passengers. It should be recognized that any of the various control schemes or aspects envisioned include complete control via the programmed ride setting (e.g., no input from one or more guests), or enabling one or more guests to provide additional input to control (e.g., instruct) the rotation around the central axis 35 of the center wheel 14 (e.g., maintain rotation, increase rotation rate, decrease rotation rate) and / or upward / downward movement via the spoke actuator system 28. Furthermore, the programmed ride setting may be variable and / or altered based on various factors (e.g., achievements recorded by one or more guests during the interactive experience before and / or during the ride cycle; random selection of available programmed ride settings from the library; visual and / or auditory effects in the performance played during the ride cycle) to provide a more diverse ride experience via the wraparound ride system 10. For ease of discussion, the motor 46 driving the rotation of the center wheel 14, the spoke actuator system 28, and the ride vehicle actuator system 26 can be considered as drive systems (e.g., a first drive system, a second drive system, and a third drive system).
[0018] The ride facility controller 40 (e.g., a control system, control component, control circuitry) may include one or more processors 42 (e.g., a processor system, processor component, processing circuitry) and a memory device 44. The processors 42 may provide control signals (e.g., data, indications) to certain controllable devices and components (e.g., motors, actuators) associated with various drive systems (e.g., center wheel 14, spoke actuator system 28, ride facility vehicle actuator system 26). The memory device 44 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media storing indications executable by the processors 42. For example, the memory device 44 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory (such as flash memory, hard disk drive, optical disk), and / or the like. Furthermore, the processors 42 may include one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the ride facility controller 40 may include individual (or multiple, distributed) controllers. For example, each ride-on vehicle actuator system 26 may have a corresponding dedicated controller that is communicatively coupled to a central controller that controls (e.g., instructs) the movement of the center wheel 14 and / or the spoke actuator system 28. In practice, this embodiment may include a processing system (e.g., processing circuitry) having any number of processors (e.g., including one or more processors 42 and / or one or more additional processors), and this processing system may be configured to perform the operations described herein in any suitable manner (e.g., the operations described herein may be distributed among one or more processors 42 and / or one or more additional processors; one of the one or more processors 42 may perform certain operations, and another of the one or more processors 42 may perform other operations).
[0019] In an embodiment, the wraparound ride system 10 may be associated with platform 48. Platform 48 may be a loading station for loading one or more passengers into ride vehicle 18, an unloading station for unloading one or more passengers from ride vehicle 18, or a combination of both. Platform 48 may include a fixed path or mobile conveyor for transporting and / or guiding one or more passengers. As ride vehicle 18 rotates about the central axis 35 of center wheel 14, as ride vehicle 18 passes platform 48, ride vehicle controller 40 may control (e.g., instruct) ride vehicle actuator system 26 and / or spoke actuator system 28 to position ride vehicle 18 adjacent to platform 48 (e.g., vertically aligned). In this way, ride vehicle 18 may be positioned such that one or more passengers can be efficiently loaded and / or unloaded from ride vehicle 18.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wraparound ride system 100, which includes spokes 102 extending outward (e.g., radially) from a central wheel 104 (e.g., a hub; a rotatable structure of any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as circular, square, etc.). As shown, the wraparound ride system 100 includes twelve spokes 102; however, it should be appreciated that the wraparound ride system 100 may include any number of spokes 12 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or more). For ease of discussion, the wraparound ride system 100 and its components may be described with reference to a vertical axis or direction 2, a radial or lateral axis or direction 4, and / or a circumferential axis or direction 6.
[0021] Each of the spokes 102 includes a first end 106 (e.g., a first end portion) coupled to the center wheel 104. Furthermore, each of the spokes 102 is coupled to a corresponding riding vehicle 108 configured to transport one or more passengers. Figure 1In this embodiment, each of the spokes 102 includes a second end 110 (e.g., a second end portion) that can be coupled to a corresponding ride facility vehicle 108. Specifically, the corresponding ride facility vehicle 108 is suspended from the second end 110. However, it should be appreciated that each of the spokes 102 may include another and / or alternative attachment portion coupled to the corresponding ride facility vehicle 108 (e.g., between the first end 106 and the second end 110). In embodiments, each of the spokes 102 is slidably coupled to the corresponding ride facility vehicle 108 (e.g., via a linear sliding device or roller). For example, each of the spokes 102 may include a track 112 that allows the corresponding ride facility vehicle 108 to slide along the track 112 (e.g., sliding back and forth between the first end 106 and the second end 20). In addition, instead of the corresponding ride-on vehicle 108 suspended from the second end 110, the corresponding ride-on vehicle 108 may be positioned on the top of the corresponding spoke 102 or on the top of the platform positioned at the corresponding second end 110.
[0022] exist Figure 2 Each of the ride-on vehicle 108 includes a load-bearing portion 114 (e.g., a passenger portion (e.g., a seating portion), a seating portion) for accommodating or transporting one or more passengers, and a ride-on vehicle actuator system 116 (e.g., a ride-on vehicle actuator assembly) that connects (e.g., links) the load-bearing portion 114 to a corresponding spoke 102. Each ride-on vehicle actuator system 116 may be configured to move the corresponding ride-on vehicle 108 relative to the corresponding spoke 102. For example, each ride-on vehicle actuator system 116 may be configured to rock, pitch, roll, and / or rotate (e.g., yaw) the corresponding ride-on vehicle 108 relative to the corresponding spoke 102.
[0023] Each of the spokes 102 may also be coupled to a spoke actuator system 115 (e.g., one or more spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118 (e.g., one or more spoke actuator components; one or more spoke linear actuators)). Each spoke actuator assembly 115, 118 includes a first end 120 (e.g., a first end portion) coupled to a center wheel 104 and a second end 122 (e.g., a second end portion) coupled to the corresponding spoke 102. In operation, the first end 106 of the spoke 102 and the first end 120 of the spoke actuator assembly 115, 118 rotate together with the center wheel 104 (e.g., at the same rotational rate as the center wheel 104) due to their respective connections to the center wheel 104. However, the corresponding connection between the first end 106 of the spoke 102 and the center wheel 104 may include one or more movable connectors 138 (e.g., pins, joints (e.g., rotatable joints (e.g., pivot joints, ball joints, universal joints), one or more sliding joints)) that enable the spoke 102 to be lifted and rotated relative to the center wheel 104.
[0024] Specifically, the spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118 can drive the spokes 102 and the ride-on vehicle 108 coupled to the spokes 102 to raise and lower the spokes 102 and / or the ride-on vehicle 108 coupled to the spokes 102 relative to the ground surface 140. When the center wheel 104, the first end 106 of the spokes 102, and the first end 120 of the spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118 rotate about the central axis 142 of the center wheel 104, the spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118 can raise and / or lower the spokes 102 and the ride-on vehicle 108 coupled to the spokes 102 relative to the ground surface 140. Additionally, independent of the rotation of the center wheel 104, the spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118 can drive the position, movement, and / or orientation of one or more spokes 102 and the corresponding riding vehicle 108 coupled to the one or more spokes 102 relative to the center wheel 104 and / or relative to each of the other spokes 102 (e.g., each of the one or more spokes 102 driven independently of the rotation of the center wheel 104 can also be driven independently of the actuation of any or all of the other spokes 102). In this way, the spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118 can cause (e.g., drive) adjustment of the angle 144 between adjacent spokes 102 (e.g., the angle 144 between adjacent spokes 102 from a top or overhead view during rotation of the center wheel 104, during a riding cycle, and the angle 144 between adjacent spokes 102 in a lateral plane). Depending on the position and / or orientation of the spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118, the spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118 can drive the spokes 102 to move along the vertical axis 2 and / or the circumferential axis 6 (e.g., changes in position and / or orientation) (e.g., lifting the spokes 102 upwards (e.g., raising them) and around the center wheel 104, moving the spokes 102 vertically relative to the center wheel 104 (e.g., raising or lowering them) and circumferentially around the center wheel 104, or moving the spokes 102 along an arcuate path). In this way, the spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118 can convert the spokes 102 into rotation about the central axis 142 of the center wheel 104 at the first end 106 of the spokes 102 and rotation relative to the rotation of the center wheel 104, thereby changing the circumferential spacing between the second ends 110 of the spokes 102.
[0025] For ease of discussion, Figure 2This includes references to first spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118A and second spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118B connected to the first spoke 102A. The ride facility controller 150 can control (e.g., instruct the first spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118A and the second spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118B to actuate) in such a way that it causes a change (e.g., an increase or decrease, or a rate of increase or decrease) in a corresponding angle 144 defined between the first spoke 102A and the second spoke 102B adjacent to the first spoke 102A. For example, the ride facility controller 150 can instruct the first spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118A to extend a first distance and instruct the second spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118B to extend a second distance greater than the first distance, to increase the corresponding angle 144 and move the corresponding second end 110A of the first spoke 102A away from the corresponding second end 110B of the second spoke 102B. In this way, the rotational rate of the first ride facility vehicle 108A can be temporarily changed (e.g., decreased) relative to the center wheel 14. The rotational speed is adjusted to provide an enhanced motion experience and / or facilitate loading and / or unloading at the first passenger vehicle 108A via platform 160. Additionally, in this manner, the position of the first passenger vehicle 108A can be temporarily altered relative to the second passenger vehicle 108B (e.g., increasing the circumferential distance between the first passenger vehicle 108A and the second passenger vehicle 108B). Furthermore, while the second passenger vehicle 108B and other passenger vehicles 108 remain fixed relative to the center wheel 104 (e.g., the rotational speeds of the second passenger vehicle 108B and other passenger vehicles 108 match the rotational speed of the center wheel 104), the circumferential distance between the first passenger vehicle 108A and the preceding passenger vehicle (e.g., the second passenger vehicle 108B) can be increased, and the circumferential distance between the first passenger vehicle 108A and the following passenger vehicle can be decreased.
[0026] Similarly, the ride facility controller 150 may instruct the first spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118A to extend a third distance and instruct the second spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118B to extend a second distance less than the third distance, thereby reducing the corresponding angle 144 and moving the corresponding second end 110A of the first spoke 102A toward the corresponding second end 110B of the second spoke 102B. In this way, the rotational rate of the first ride facility vehicle 108A may be temporarily altered (e.g., increased) relative to the rotational rate of the center wheel 14 to provide an enhanced motion experience and / or return to the initial or target value of the corresponding angle 144 (e.g., this would provide equidistant spacing of the spokes 102 around the center wheel 104 (e.g., equidistant circumferential spacing)). Additionally, in this way, the position of the first ride facility vehicle 108A relative to the second ride facility vehicle 108B may be temporarily altered (e.g., reducing the circumferential spacing between the first ride facility vehicle 108A and the second ride facility vehicle 108B). Furthermore, while the second ride facility vehicle 108B and other ride facility vehicles 108 remain fixed relative to the center wheel 104 (e.g., the rotational rates of the second ride facility vehicle 108B and other ride facility vehicles 108 are matched with the rotational rate of the center wheel 104), the circumferential distance between the first ride facility vehicle 108A and the preceding ride facility vehicle (e.g., the second ride facility vehicle 108B) can be reduced, and the circumferential distance between the first ride facility vehicle 108A and the following ride facility vehicle can be increased. In practice, any of the spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118 can be controlled (e.g., instructed (e.g., instructed to actuate)) to position the spokes 102 relative to each other at any angle of various angles 144 during a riding cycle and to change the angles 144 during a riding cycle.
[0027] It should be understood that the wraparound seating system 100 may include any of the structural features and configurations (e.g., various types of actuators in any suitable location) to enable adjustment of the angle 144. It should be understood that... Figure 1 Some features of the wraparound ride system 10 can be combined with Figure 2 In a wraparound ride system 100. For example, a ride controller 150 may include a processor 152 and a memory device 154, wherein the ride controller 150 may be configured to implement programmed ride settings, receive one or more inputs from input devices, etc., as referenced. Figure 1 As described. For ease of discussion, the motor 156 driving the rotation of the center wheel 104, the spoke actuator system 115 (e.g., spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118), and the passenger vehicle actuator system 116 can be considered as drive systems (e.g., a first drive system, a second drive system, and a third drive system). Additionally, although Figure 2 One or more spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118 are shown, but Figure 2 This allows the spoke actuator system 115. That is, the spoke actuator system 115, having any suitable components with any suitable structure, can perform and / or support operations described as being performed by one or more spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118 (e.g., rotation, lifting).
[0028] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wraparound ride system 200, which includes spokes 202 extending outward (e.g., radially) from a central wheel 204 (e.g., a hub; a rotatable structure of any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as circular, square, etc.). As shown, the wraparound ride system 200 includes sixteen spokes 202; however, it should be appreciated that the wraparound ride system 200 may include any number of spokes 202 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or more). For ease of discussion, the wraparound ride system 200 and its components may be described with reference to a vertical axis or direction 2, a radial or lateral axis or direction 4, and / or a circumferential axis or direction 6.
[0029] Each of the spokes 202 includes a first end 206 (e.g., a first end portion) connectable to the center wheel 204 and a second end 208 (e.g., a second end portion) supportable on the outer ring 210. Furthermore, each of the spokes 202 can be supported by a corresponding riding vehicle 212 configured to transport one or more passengers. Figure 3 In this configuration, each of the spokes 202 suspends a corresponding ride facility vehicle 212 (e.g., the corresponding ride facility vehicle 212 is positioned below and suspended from the corresponding spoke 202). However, it should be appreciated that each of the spokes 202 can be coupled to the corresponding ride facility vehicle 212 in any suitable manner. For example, the corresponding ride facility vehicle 212 may be positioned on the opposite side of the corresponding spoke 202 (e.g., on top of the corresponding spoke 202) or on any other side of the corresponding spoke 202.
[0030] In an embodiment, each of the ride-on vehicle 212 may include: a load-bearing portion 24 (e.g., a passenger portion (e.g., a seating portion), a accommodating portion) for accommodating or transporting one or more passengers; a ride-on vehicle trolley system 216 (e.g., a ride-on vehicle trolley system) that slides along a track 218 in and / or on a respective spoke 202; and / or a ride-on vehicle actuator system 220 (e.g., a ride-on vehicle actuator assembly) that can connect the load-bearing portion 214 to the ride-on vehicle trolley system 216. Each ride-on vehicle trolley system 216 may include a trolley frame 222 and a wheel 224 configured to engage and roll along the track 218 in the respective spoke 202, thereby traveling (and transporting) the respective ride-on vehicle 212 between a central wheel 204 and an outer ring 210 along the respective spoke 202.
[0031] Each ride-on vehicle actuator system 220 may be configured to move a corresponding ride-on vehicle 212 relative to a corresponding ride-on vehicle trolley system 216. For example, each ride-on vehicle actuator system 220 may be configured to rock, pitch (e.g., about a first lateral axis 230), roll (e.g., about a second lateral axis 232 orthogonal to the first lateral axis 230), and / or rotate (e.g., yaw; about a corresponding central axis 234) relative to the corresponding ride-on vehicle trolley system 216. Furthermore, each ride-on vehicle actuator system 220 may be configured to move the corresponding ride-on vehicle 212 up and / or down along the corresponding central axis 234 (e.g., away from and / or toward the ground surface 236, respectively).
[0032] To facilitate these movements, each ride-on vehicle actuator system 220 may include a link 238 extending between the trolley frame 222 and the base plate 240 of the corresponding ride-on vehicle trolley system 216. The link 238 may be configured to adjust between a compressed configuration and an extended configuration to move the corresponding ride-on vehicle 212 up and down along a corresponding central axis 234. Each ride-on vehicle actuator system 220 may include any suitable components to adjust or drive the link 238 in this manner. For example, each ride-on vehicle actuator system 220 may include a pulley system having cables connecting the trolley frame 222 and the base plate 240 of the corresponding ride-on vehicle trolley system 216. In this configuration, the pulley system can retract and release the cable to move the base plate 240 relative to the trolley frame 222 (e.g., pull up and release the base plate 240 downward). This causes the linkage 238 to adjust between a compressed and extended configuration, thereby moving the corresponding ride-on vehicle 212 upward and downward along the corresponding central axis 234. As another example, one or more actuators (e.g., linear actuators, rotatable actuators) may be coupled to or integrated into the linkage 238 and / or coupled between the base plate 240 and the trolley frame 222 to adjust the linkage 238 between a compressed and extended configuration, thereby moving the corresponding ride-on vehicle 212 upward and downward along the corresponding central axis 234. Each ride-on vehicle actuator system 220 may also include one or more actuators 242 positioned between the load-bearing portion 214 and the base plate 240 to drive the respective ride-on vehicle 212 to rock, pitch, roll and / or rotate relative to the respective ride-on vehicle trolley system 216.
[0033] As mentioned herein, each of the spokes 202 includes a first end 206 coupled to the center wheel 204 and a second end 208 supported on the outer ring 210. In an embodiment, each of the spokes 202 includes a first end 206 coupled to the center wheel 204 via a corresponding internal connector 250, which may be a movable connector (e.g., a pivot pin; a hinge) allowing the corresponding spoke 202 to pivot about the corresponding internal connector 250 as indicated by arrow 252. In an embodiment, each of the spokes 202 includes a second end 208 supported on the outer ring 210 via a corresponding external connector 254 to a corresponding bogie 256 (e.g., a spoke actuator system, a spoke actuator assembly). In an embodiment, each of the bogies 256 includes a bogie frame 258 and a wheel 260 configured to engage and roll along the outer ring 210. In this manner, the bogie 256 carries the respective second ends 208 of the spokes 202 along the outer ring 210. In an embodiment, both the center wheel 204 and the bogie 256 are actively driven to rotate the spokes 202 and the ride vehicle 212 coupled to the spokes 202 circumferentially about the central axis 262 of the center wheel 204. Indeed, as described herein, such a configuration can enable various modes of motion and riding experiences for one or more passengers during a riding cycle. However, it should be appreciated that the active rotation of the center wheel 204, together with the passive movement of the bogie 256 (or vice versa, the passive rotation of the center wheel 204 together with the active movement of the bogie 256), will result in the circumferential rotation of the spokes 202 and the ride vehicle 212 coupled to the spokes 202 about the central axis 262 of the center wheel 204. In an embodiment, the center wheel 204 rotates continuously or intermittently at a fixed or variable rate (e.g., during a riding cycle).
[0034] In an embodiment, each external connector 254 may include an engagement portion 264 capable of enabling relative movement between the second end 208 of the corresponding spoke 202 and the bogie frame 258 of the corresponding bogie 256. For example, the engagement portion 264 may include a keyway engagement portion, such as a key or pin formed in the second end 208 of the corresponding spoke 202, which slides within a groove formed in the bogie frame 258 of the corresponding bogie 256 (or vice versa, a key or pin formed in the bogie frame 258 and a groove formed in the second end 208). In operation, a ride facility controller 270 may provide instructions to each of the bogies 256 to drive or travel independently along the outer ring 210 with defined characteristics (e.g., speed). In this way and utilizing the structural features described herein, the ride facility controller 270 may control (e.g., instruct) each of the bogies 256 to cause adjustment of the angle 266 between adjacent spokes 202.
[0035] Therefore, refer to Figure 3 The first bogie 256A is coupled to the first spoke 202A, and the second bogie 256B is coupled to the second spoke 202B. The ride facility controller 270 can control (e.g., instruct) the first bogie 256A (e.g., via a corresponding motor instructing the first bogie 256A) and the second bogie 256B (e.g., via a corresponding motor instructing the second bogie 256B) in such a manner that it causes a change (e.g., an increase or decrease) in a corresponding angle 266 defined between the first spoke 202A and the second spoke 202B. For example, the ride facility controller 270 can instruct the first bogie 256A to travel at a first speed and instruct the second bogie 256B to travel at a second speed greater than the first speed, to increase the corresponding angle 266 and move the second end 208A of the first spoke 202A away from the second end 208B of the second spoke 202B. In this way, the first passenger vehicle 212A can temporarily slow its rotation relative to the center wheel 204 to provide an enhanced motion experience and / or facilitate loading and / or unloading at the first passenger vehicle 212A via the platform 280. Additionally, in this way, the first passenger vehicle 112A can temporarily change its position relative to the second passenger vehicle 112B.
[0036] Similarly, the ride facility controller 270 can instruct the first bogie 256A to travel at a third speed and instruct the second bogie 256B to travel at a second speed less than the third speed, thereby reducing the corresponding angle 266 and moving the second end 208A of the first spoke 202A toward the second end 2080B of the second spoke 202B. In this way, the first ride facility vehicle 212A can temporarily increase its rotation relative to the center wheel 204 to provide an enhanced motion experience and / or return to the initial or target value of the corresponding angle 266 (e.g., this would provide equidistant spacing of the spokes 202 around the center wheel 204). Additionally, in this way, the first ride facility vehicle 112A can temporarily change its position relative to the second ride facility vehicle 112B. In practice, any bogie in the bogies 256 can be controlled (e.g., instructed) to actuate and / or position the spokes 102 relative to each other at any angle of the various angles 266 during a ride cycle and to actuate and / or change the angles 266 during a ride cycle.
[0037] In one embodiment, the wraparound ride system 200 may include a platform 280 near the center wheel 204. This configuration allows one or more passengers to load and / or unload at certain rides 212 without affecting the movement of the other rides 212. For example, one or more passengers may wait on platform 280 when the third ride 212C is in an inner position (e.g., the innermost position) along the third spoke 202C. The third ride 212C may remain in the inner position along the third spoke 202C and continue to rotate with the center wheel 204 until the one or more passengers are successfully (e.g., fully) loaded into the third ride 212C. In practice, the third ride 212C may remain in the inner position along the third spoke 202C and continue to rotate with the center wheel 204 around the central axis 262 one or more times. For example, even if one or more passengers are expected to be loaded into the third vehicle 212C during only a portion of a lap around the central axis 262 (e.g., a quarter of a lap around the central axis 262), the wraparound ride system 200 can efficiently accommodate unexpected or longer loading times without affecting the movement of the remaining ride vehicles in ride vehicle 212 (e.g., the remaining ride vehicles in ride vehicle 212 can continue to slide along spokes 202 and rotate with the center wheel 214 to provide a ride experience for one or more passengers in the remaining ride vehicles in ride vehicle 212). In an embodiment, platform 280 is a ring platform that allows one or more passengers to be loaded and / or unloaded at ride vehicle 212 at any location around the central axis 262. In an embodiment, platform 280 can be considered as a loading station, unloading station, or a combination of both. Furthermore, platform 280 may include a fixed path or a mobile conveyor for transporting one or more passengers.
[0038] It should be realized that Figure 1 The wraparound ride system 10 and / or Figure 2 Some features of the wraparound ride system 100 can be combined with Figure 3 In the surround-type ride facility system 200. For example, the ride facility controller 270 may include a processor 272 and a memory device 274 configured to implement programmed ride facility settings, receive one or more inputs from input devices, etc., as referenced. Figure 1As described. For ease of discussion, the motor 276 that drives the rotation of the center wheel 204, the spoke actuator system (e.g., bogie 256), and / or portions of the ride facility vehicle 212 (e.g., ride facility vehicle trolley system 216 and / or ride facility vehicle actuator system 220) can be considered as drive systems (e.g., a first drive system, a second drive system, and a third drive system). It should be appreciated that, alternatively, the center wheel 204 may be passively rotated (e.g., without the motor 276; via displacement (e.g., movement, rotation) of the spokes 212 carried on the bogie 256).
[0039] Figure 4 This is a top view of an embodiment of the wraparound ride system 200. As shown, the respective angles 266 defined between corresponding pairs of adjacent spokes 202 may vary (e.g., differ from each other) at least during certain portions of the ride cycle. Figure 4 An example of a wraparound seating system 200 associated with the performance set 300 is also illustrated. Additionally, Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wraparound ride system 200 associated with a performance set 300.
[0040] refer to Figure 4In embodiments, platform 280 may be associated with unloading chutes 302 (e.g., return chutes) and loading chutes 304 (e.g., ride chutes). As shown, unloading chutes 302 and / or loading chutes 304 may be defined by physical walls 306. However, it should be appreciated that unloading chutes 302 and / or loading chutes 304 may be unmarked paths (e.g., not defined by any physical walls), but generally refer to or include areas where ride facility vehicles 212 (e.g., moving quickly, slowly, or at various speeds) move along spokes 202 toward and / or away from platform 280, respectively. For example, in response to reaching or aligning with unloading chutes 302 along circumferential axis 6, a corresponding ride facility vehicle trolley system 216 may travel along the corresponding spokes 202 to transport the corresponding ride facility vehicle 212 toward platform 280. In an embodiment, in response to reaching or aligning with the unloading slide 302 along the circumferential axis 6, the corresponding ride vehicle trolley system 216 may accelerate and / or travel at an increased speed along the corresponding spokes 202 (e.g., relative to the time period in the ride cycle before reaching or aligning with the unloading slide 302; relative to the rotational speed around platform 280) to rapidly transport the corresponding ride vehicle 212 toward platform 280. Such movement can also provide the ride effect of traveling through a gate or tunnel to return to the real-world environment after visiting a fictional or other type of environment presented in the performance set 300. Then, once the corresponding ride vehicle 212 arrives at platform 280, one or more visitors can be unloaded from the corresponding ride vehicle 212 onto platform 280.
[0041] As one or more additional passengers are loaded from platform 280 into the corresponding ride vehicle 212 (e.g., stepping from platform 280 into the corresponding ride vehicle 212), the corresponding ride vehicle 212 may continue to rotate with the center wheel 204. Then, in response to reaching or aligning with loading chute 304 along the circumferential axis 6, the corresponding ride vehicle trolley system 216 may travel along the corresponding spokes 202 to transport the corresponding ride vehicle 212 away from platform 280. In an embodiment, in response to reaching or aligning with loading chute 304 along the circumferential axis 6, the corresponding ride vehicle trolley system 216 may accelerate and / or travel at an increased speed (e.g., relative to rotational speed around platform 280) along the corresponding spokes 202 to rapidly transport the corresponding ride vehicle 212 away from platform 280. Such movement can also provide an alternative ride experience by traveling through another gate or tunnel to leave the real-world environment and visit the virtual or other types of environments presented in the show set 300.
[0042] In an embodiment, failure to complete the loading process while the respective ride vehicle 212 is traveling around the platform 280 from a first position at the exit of the unloading ramp 302 and a second position at the entrance of the loading ramp 304 may not affect the experience of any other passengers in the remaining ride vehicles 212. In such a case, the respective ride vehicle 212 may not depart or move through the loading ramp 304; instead, the respective ride vehicle 212 may remain in a position along the interior of the respective spokes 202 and travel around the platform 280 until the one or more additional passengers are loaded into the respective ride vehicle 212 (e.g., even if this requires more than one lap).
[0043] In one embodiment, the ride facility controller 270 may receive one or more inputs indicating that one or more additional passengers have been successfully loaded into the corresponding ride facility vehicle 212, and then instruct the corresponding ride facility vehicle 212 to move along the corresponding spokes 202 through the loading chute 304. For example, in response to receiving the one or more inputs and then reaching or aligning with the loading chute 304, the ride facility controller 270 may instruct the corresponding ride facility vehicle trolley system 216 to travel along the corresponding spokes 202 to transport the corresponding ride facility vehicle 212 away from the platform 280. In this way, the corresponding ride facility vehicle 212 only travels through the loading chute 304 after one or more additional passengers have been loaded into the corresponding ride facility vehicle 212. The one or more inputs may be provided by the operator of the wraparound ride facility system 200, one or more sensors located on the corresponding ride facility vehicle 212 (e.g., door lock sensors, seat pressure sensors, cameras), one or more sensors positioned near the platform 280 (e.g., cameras), or any combination thereof.
[0044] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5The ride facility controller 270 can provide instructions to various components of the surround ride facility system 200 to transport the ride facility vehicle 212 through the stage set 300. For example, the ride facility controller 270 can instruct the motor 276, the corresponding ride facility vehicle trolley system 216, the corresponding bogie 256, and the corresponding ride facility vehicle actuator system 220 to operate in a coordinated manner so that the corresponding ride facility vehicle 212 moves around and through various structural features of the stage set 300. For example, the ride facility controller 270 can instruct the corresponding ride facility vehicle trolley system 216 to move toward the outer ring 210, while also instructing the corresponding bogie 256 to move at a specific speed to bypass (e.g., avoid) a set wall 308 while continuing to move around the central axis 262. Once the corresponding ride vehicle 212 is positioned within scene 310, the ride vehicle controller 270 can instruct the corresponding ride vehicle actuator system 220 to lower the corresponding ride vehicle 212 toward the ground surface 236 to provide a ride facility effect of entering scene 310 and / or utilizing scene 310 to surround the corresponding ride vehicle 212. Furthermore, the ride vehicle controller 270 can instruct the corresponding ride vehicle actuator system 220 to rock, pitch, roll, and / or rotate within scene 310. Additionally, the ride vehicle controller 270 can instruct the corresponding bogie 256 to continue moving at a specific speed or at another specific speed based on the desired ride facility effect (e.g., decreasing the speed to cause the corresponding ride vehicle 212 to remain in scene 310 for a longer period of time to prolong the enjoyment of the features in scene 310, or increasing the speed to cause the corresponding ride vehicle 212 to move quickly through scene 310 to provide a ride facility effect of speeding away from scene 310).
[0045] The corresponding ride facility vehicle 212 can then be moved into an additional scene 312 (e.g., via a corresponding bogie 256 moving around the outer ring 210). In an embodiment, the additional scene 312 may include a display screen 314 configured to display visual media (e.g., a movie). In an embodiment, the ride facility controller 270 may instruct the corresponding ride facility vehicle actuator system 220 to raise the corresponding ride facility vehicle 212 away from the ground surface 236 to provide a better viewing angle of the display screen 314. Furthermore, the ride facility controller 270 may instruct the corresponding bogie 256 to continue moving at a specific speed or at another specific speed based on the desired ride facility effect (e.g., decreasing the speed to cause the corresponding ride facility vehicle 212 to remain in scene 312 for a longer period of time to prolong the enjoyment of the visual media, or increasing the speed to cause the corresponding ride facility vehicle 212 to move quickly through scene 312 to provide a ride facility effect of speeding away from scene 312).
[0046] In this way, the wraparound ride system 200 can utilize various changes in movement to transport one or more visitors through the performance set 300, which can provide enjoyment through the movement itself and by coordinating the movement with the scenes (e.g., scenes 310, 312) and / or physical structures (e.g., walls 308) within the performance set 300. It should be appreciated that as the ride vehicle 212 travels through the performance set 300, the wraparound ride system 200 can provide any combination of movements from a variety of combinations (e.g., along spokes 202; around a central axis 262; toward and away from the ground surface 236; rocking, pitching, rolling, and / or rotating).
[0047] Figure 1 10. Surround ride system Figure 2 The wraparound ride system 100 and / or Figures 3 to 5 At least some aspects of the wraparound ride system 200 can be integrated into other ride systems. For example, refer to Figures 10 to 12 As illustrated in the diagram, the circular ride-on facilities systems 10, 100, and 200 can be used to pick up one or more ride-on facilities vehicles at a first location (e.g., a pick-up area or loading area), transport one or more ride-on facilities vehicles around at least a portion of a central hub 14, 104, and 204 (e.g., a quarter, half, or a full circle around the central hub 14, 104, and 204), and then place the one or more ride-on facilities vehicles at another location (e.g., a drop-off area or unloading area). In this way, the one or more ride-on facilities vehicles can travel along a path (e.g., a track, a conveyor) through a first part of the ride-on facility attraction, then be picked up and transported by one of the circular ride-on facilities systems 10, 100, and 200 through a second part of the ride-on facility attraction, and then be placed back on the path to continue through a third part of the ride-on facility attraction.
[0048] refer to Figure 1 and Figures 10 to 12Each spoke 12 may be configured to be removably coupled to one or more ride facility vehicles 18. For example, the second end 20 may be configured to be removably latched to the respective ride facility vehicle 18 via mechanical locking contacts (e.g., hooks and rings), magnetic locking contacts (e.g., permanent magnets, magnetic materials, and / or (one or more) electromagnetic locking contacts), and / or any suitable type of locking contact. In one embodiment, the respective ride facility vehicle 18 may include a load-bearing portion 24 and / or a ride facility vehicle actuator 26 (e.g., the load-bearing portion 24 and / or the ride facility vehicle actuator 26 are integrated into the respective ride facility vehicle 18 traveling along a path, and these components are picked up, transported, and lowered together by the respective spokes 12). In one embodiment, the load-bearing portion 24 and / or the ride-on vehicle actuator 26 may be part of the corresponding spoke 12, and thus the corresponding ride-on vehicle 18 may be movable (e.g., driven) into the load-bearing portion 24 such that the second end 20 can be removably coupled to the corresponding ride-on vehicle 18. In one embodiment, the load-bearing portion 24 may be integrated into the path and / or invisible to the one or more passengers when the corresponding ride-on vehicle 18 carrying one or more passengers approaches the load-bearing portion 24. For example, the load-bearing portion 24 may include a platform or a platform aligned with or appearing to be part of the path (e.g., the platform is a section of the path; the platform is the bottom of the housing 24, and the walls of the load-bearing portion 24 form a tunnel or some other structure integrated into the environment of the ride-on attraction; the platform is the bottom of the load-bearing portion 24 and mounted on top of the corresponding spoke 12). In this way, as one or more visitors travel through the ride facility attractions, they can be amazed by being lifted and transported via the circular ride facility system 10 and can experience a variety of different types of movement (e.g., traveling along a path in the corresponding ride facility vehicle 18 and being lifted and transported via the circular ride facility system 10).
[0049] refer to Figure 2 and Figures 10 to 12Each spoke 102 may be configured to be removably coupled to one or more ride facility vehicles 108. For example, the second end 110 may be configured to be removably latched to the respective ride facility vehicle 108 via mechanical locking contacts (e.g., hooks and rings), magnetic locking contacts (e.g., permanent magnets, magnetic materials, and / or (one or more) electromagnetic locking contacts), and / or any suitable type of locking contact. In one embodiment, the respective ride facility vehicle 108 may include a load-bearing portion 114 and / or a ride facility vehicle actuator 116 (e.g., the load-bearing portion 114 and / or the ride facility vehicle actuator 116 are integrated into the respective ride facility vehicle 108 traveling along a path, and these components are picked up, transported, and lowered together by the respective spokes 102). In one embodiment, the payload portion 114 and / or the ride vehicle actuator 116 may be part of the corresponding spoke 102, and thus the corresponding ride vehicle 108 may be movable (e.g., driven) into the payload portion 114 such that the second end 110 can be removably coupled to the corresponding ride vehicle 108. In one embodiment, the payload portion 114 may be integrated into the path and / or invisible to one or more passengers when the corresponding ride vehicle 108 carrying one or more passengers approaches the payload portion 114 (e.g., the payload portion 114 may include a platform or a platform), as described herein. Advantageously, the operating characteristics of the wraparound ride system 100, which enables adjustment of the angle 144, provide a variable rate of movement, such that even as other spokes 102 continue to rotate around the hub 104, the corresponding spoke 102 can remain stationary and aligned with the path when the corresponding ride vehicle 108 approaches the corresponding spoke 102, etc.
[0050] refer to Figures 3 to 5 and Figures 10 to 12Each spoke 202 may be configured to be removably coupled to one or more ride facility vehicles 212 via mechanical locking contacts (e.g., hooks and rings), magnetic locking contacts (e.g., permanent magnets, magnetic materials, and / or (one or more) electromagnetic locking contacts), and / or any suitable type of locking contact. In one embodiment, a respective ride facility vehicle 212 may include a load-bearing portion 214 and / or a ride facility vehicle actuator 220 (e.g., the load-bearing portion 214 and / or the ride facility vehicle actuator 220 are integrated into the respective ride facility vehicle 212 traveling along a path, and these components are picked up, transported, and unloaded together by the respective spokes 202). In one embodiment, the load-bearing portion 214 and / or the ride facility vehicle actuator 220 may be part of the respective spoke 202, and thus, the respective ride facility vehicle 212 may be movable (e.g., driven) into the load-bearing portion 214 such that the respective spoke 202 can be removably coupled to the respective ride facility vehicle 212. In one embodiment, the load-bearing portion 214 may be integrated into the path and / or invisible to one or more passengers when the corresponding ride vehicle 212 carrying one or more passengers approaches the load-bearing portion 214 (e.g., the load-bearing portion 214 may include a platform or a platform), as described herein. Advantageously, the operating characteristics of the wraparound ride system 200, which enables adjustment of angle 266, provide a variable rate of movement, such that even as other spokes 202 continue to rotate around the hub 204, the corresponding spoke 202 can remain stationary and aligned with the path when the corresponding ride vehicle 212 approaches the corresponding spoke 202, and so on.
[0051] Figures 6 to 9 The illustrations show embodiments of connectors and joints that can be used in wraparound ride systems (such as wraparound ride systems 10, 100, 200). In particular, Figure 6 yes Figure 2 An embodiment of a wraparound seating system 100. As shown, each of the spokes 102 may include a first end 106, which is coupled to the center wheel 104 via a connector (e.g., a connector, a coupling system (e.g., a coupling assembly, a coupling device)) 103. The connector 103 may include a slot 105 configured to receive a first joint 107 (e.g., a pin; a vertical pin); Figure 2 One of the movable joints 138), so that the corresponding spoke 102 can rotate (e.g., pivot) to change the corresponding angle 144. Figure 2 In addition, connector 103 may include a second connector 109 (e.g., a pin; a lateral pin); Figure 2One of the movable joints 138), so that the corresponding spoke 102 can be rotated (e.g., pivoted) to engage the second end 110 of the corresponding spoke 102. Figure 2 () Lifted relative to the first end 106 of the corresponding spoke 102 and relative to the center wheel 104. Figure 6 In this configuration, the spoke actuator system 115 (e.g., one or more spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118) can drive the movement of a corresponding spoke 102. Each of the one or more spoke actuator assemblies 115, 118 may include a cardan joint 111 (e.g., a universal joint; a universal type joint) to facilitate engagement and the ability to drive the movement of the corresponding spoke 102.
[0052] Figure 7 yes Figures 3 to 5 This is an embodiment of a wraparound seating system 200. As shown, each of the spokes 202 may include a first end 206 that is coupled to a center wheel 204 via a connector 203 (e.g., a connector, coupling system (e.g., a coupling assembly, coupling device)). The connector 203 may be integrated into or coupled to a respective spoke 202, and the connector 203 may include a slot 205 configured to receive a connector 207 (e.g., a pin; a vertical pin). Figure 3 The corresponding internal connector 250) allows the corresponding spoke 202 to rotate (e.g., pivot) to change the corresponding angle 266. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the center wheel 204 is rotatably supported on the tower 209 via a bearing 211 (e.g., an annular bearing; a slewing bearing; fixed to the center wheel 204). A drive system 213 (e.g., a drive assembly) drives the bearing 211 (and the center wheel 204 and spokes 202 connected to the center wheel 204) to rotate about a central axis. Figures 3 to 5 The drive system 213 may include a motor 215 and a gearbox 217 that drive a pinion 219, and the pinion 219 may engage with a bearing 211 (e.g., via teeth) and drive the rotation of the bearing 211. In some embodiments, the drive system may include a plurality of motors 215, gearboxes 217, and pinions 219 circumferentially distributed around a central wheel 204. For example, 2, 3, 4, or more groups of these components may be circumferentially distributed around the central wheel 204. However, it should be appreciated that the drive system 213 may have any suitable components and configuration.
[0053] Figure 8 yes Figures 3 to 5This is an embodiment of a wraparound seating system 200. As shown, each of the spokes 202 may include a second end 208 supported on an outer ring 210 via a corresponding bogie 256. The corresponding bogie 256 includes a bogie frame 258 and a wheel 260 configured to engage and roll along the track 221 of the outer ring 210. As described herein, each external connector 254 includes an engagement portion 264 that enables relative movement between the second end 208 of the corresponding spoke 202 and the bogie frame 258 of the corresponding bogie 256. For example, the engagement portion 264 may include a translation bearing 223 capable of enabling sliding movement (e.g., radial) of the corresponding spoke 202 relative to the bogie frame 258 and / or an additional bearing 225 capable of enabling rotation of the corresponding spoke 202 relative to the bogie frame 258.
[0054] Figure 9 yes Figures 3 to 5 This is an embodiment of a portion of a wraparound seating system 200. As shown, each of the spokes 202 is slidably supported by a corresponding seating vehicle 212 via a corresponding seating vehicle trolley system 216 (e.g., a seating vehicle trolley assembly). In some embodiments, each seating vehicle trolley system 216 is coupled to a cable drive system 227, which includes a cable 229 and a plurality of pulleys 231. Specifically, each seating vehicle trolley system 216 is coupled to a portion of a corresponding cable 229 such that rotation of at least one of the pulleys 231 drives the corresponding cable 229 and the corresponding seating vehicle trolley system 216 (and the corresponding seating vehicle 212 coupled to the corresponding seating vehicle trolley system 216) to translate along the corresponding spoke 202, as indicated by arrow 233. However, it should be appreciated that each ride facility vehicle trolley system 216 may have any suitable components and configurations, and each of the spokes 202 may utilize any configuration of the various configurations to slide support the corresponding ride facility vehicle 212 via any component of the various components.
[0055] As mentioned in this article, Figures 10 to 12 Examples of other ride-hailing systems that may include wraparound ride-hailing systems (such as any of the wraparound ride-hailing systems 10, 100, and 200) or combined wraparound ride-hailing systems are provided. For ease of discussion, Figures 10 to 12 This includes separate reference numerals for the parts; however, it should be recognized that... Figures 10 to 12 Certain components (e.g., spokes, center wheel, actuators, riding vehicle) can represent Figures 1 to 9Similar components (e.g., spokes, center wheel, actuator, riding facility vehicle) and / or interchangeable with these similar components.
[0056] Considering the foregoing, Figure 10 This is a side view of an embodiment of a ride facility system 400 configured to pick up one or more ride facility vehicles 402. The ride facility system 400 may include one or more conveyors 404 (e.g., belts; movement tracks or paths) configured to transport and support the movement of one or more ride facility vehicles 402 between a loading station 406 and a wraparound ride facility system 408. While one or more conveyors 404 in Figure 10 The device is shown as a linear transmitter, but it should be appreciated that one or more transmitters 404 may have any suitable number, configuration, and / or shape. For example, one or more transmitters 404 may bend to travel through landscapes, themed areas, etc.
[0057] The wraparound ride system 408 includes one or more spokes 410 supported on a center wheel 412. The one or more spokes 410 can rotate about a central axis 414 of the center wheel 412 via any of the techniques disclosed herein. Furthermore, the one or more spokes 410 can rotate independently or separately from each other (e.g., to change the angle between adjacent spokes of the one or more spokes 410; angle in the lateral plane). Additionally or alternatively, the one or more spokes 410 can be vertically moved relative to the center wheel 412 via any of the techniques disclosed herein (e.g., raised, lowered). For example, the one or more spokes 410 can rotate and / or raise relative to a ground surface and one or more transmitters 404 to transport one or more ride vehicles 402 away from and through scenes with themed props, animated characters, etc.
[0058] exist Figure 10 In this configuration, each of one or more spokes 410 includes or is coupled to a load-bearing portion 416 (e.g., a passenger portion, a housing portion) and / or a ride-on vehicle actuator system 418. Thus, a corresponding ride-on vehicle 402 is movable (e.g., conveyed via one or more conveyors 404) to a corresponding load-bearing portion 416, and a corresponding ride-on vehicle actuator system 418 can couple the corresponding load-bearing portion 416 having the corresponding ride-on vehicle 402 to the corresponding spoke 410. In this way, the corresponding ride-on vehicle 402 can be efficiently and removably coupled to the corresponding spoke 410.
[0059] In one embodiment, the load-bearing portion 416 may be integrated into the path and / or may be invisible to one or more passengers when the corresponding ride vehicle 402 carrying one or more passengers approaches the load-bearing portion 416. For example, the load-bearing portion 416 may include a platform 420 (e.g., an additional conveyor) or a platform 420 aligned with or appearing to be part of one or more conveyors 404 (e.g., the platform 420 is a segment of the path at the end portion of one or more conveyors 404; the platform 420 is the bottom of the accommodation such that the walls of the load-bearing portion 416 form a tunnel or some other structure that blends into the environment). In this way, as one or more passengers travel through the environment, they may be surprised to be lifted and transported via the wraparound ride system 408 and can experience a variety of different types of movement (e.g., traveling along one or more conveyors 404 in the corresponding ride vehicle 402 and being lifted and transported via the wraparound ride system 408).
[0060] like Figure 10 As shown, the payload portion 416 is suspended from the corresponding spokes 410, and the ride facility vehicle actuator system 418 is actuable to move (e.g., rock, pitch, roll, and / or rotate) the corresponding ride facility vehicle 402 within the payload portion 416 relative to the corresponding spokes 410. In embodiments, the conveyor 404 and / or platform 420 may transport the corresponding ride facility vehicle 402 into the payload portion 416, and the platform 420 may then lock, for example, when the corresponding spokes 410 are rotated, raised, and / or lowered, the corresponding ride facility vehicle 402 to prevent movement of the corresponding ride facility vehicle 402 relative to the payload portion 416. In embodiments, the corresponding ride facility vehicle 402 and / or payload portion 416 may include, for example, mechanical locks or other locking structures to secure the corresponding ride facility vehicle 402 to the payload portion 416 when the corresponding spokes 410 are rotated, raised, and / or lowered. It should be recognized that one or more transporters 404 may also return one or more passenger vehicle 402 to an unloading station, which may be separate from or located in the same place as the loading station 406.
[0061] Figure 11This is a side view as part of an embodiment of a ride facility system 500 configured to pick up one or more ride facility vehicles 502. The ride facility system 500 may include one or more paths 504 (e.g., tracks; rails; trackless paths) configured to enable and support movement of one or more ride facility vehicles 502 between a loading station 506 and a wraparound ride facility system 508 (e.g., driven movement, such as via motors driving rollers of the one or more ride facility vehicles 502). While the one or more paths 504 in Figure 11 The path is shown as a linear path, but it should be appreciated that one or more paths 504 may have any suitable number, configuration, and / or shape. For example, one or more paths 504 may bend to travel through landscapes, themed areas, etc.
[0062] The wraparound ride system 508 includes one or more spokes 510 supported on a center wheel 512. The one or more spokes 510 can rotate about a central axis 514 of the center wheel 512 via any of the techniques disclosed herein. Furthermore, the one or more spokes 510 can rotate independently or separately from each other (e.g., to change the angle between adjacent spokes of the one or more spokes 510; angle in the lateral plane). Additionally or alternatively, the one or more spokes 510 can be vertically moved relative to the center wheel 512 via any of the techniques disclosed herein (e.g., raised, lowered). For example, the one or more spokes 510 can rotate and / or raise relative to a ground surface and one or more paths 504 to transport one or more ride vehicles 502 away from the one or more paths 504 and through scenes with themed props, animated characters, etc.
[0063] exist Figure 11 In this configuration, each of one or more spokes 510 includes or is coupled to a payload portion 516 (e.g., a passenger portion, a seating portion, a platform portion) and / or a ride-on vehicle actuator system 518. Thus, a corresponding ride-on vehicle 502 is movable (e.g., conveyed via one or more paths 504) into a corresponding payload portion 516, and a corresponding ride-on vehicle actuator system 518 can couple the corresponding payload portion 516 having the corresponding ride-on vehicle 502 to the corresponding spoke 510. In this way, the corresponding ride-on vehicle 502 can be efficiently and removably coupled to the corresponding spoke 510.
[0064] In one embodiment, the load-bearing portion 516 may be integrated into one or more paths 504 and / or may be invisible to the one or more passengers when the corresponding ride vehicle 502 transporting the one or more passengers approaches the load-bearing portion 516. For example, the load-bearing portion 516 may include a platform 520 (e.g., an additional path having a similar or identical structure to one or more paths 504, such as a track, rail, or other surface) or a platform 520 aligned with or appearing to be part of one or more paths 504 (e.g., the platform 520 is a separate segment at the end portion of one or more paths 504 or some other structure integrated into the environment). In this way, as the one or more passengers travel through the environment, they may be surprised to be lifted and transported via the wraparound ride system 508 and can experience a variety of different types of movement (e.g., traveling along one or more paths 504 in the corresponding ride vehicle 502 and being lifted and transported via the wraparound ride system 508).
[0065] like Figure 11 As shown, the payload portion 516 is supported on a corresponding spoke 510 (e.g., vertically above the second end of the corresponding spoke 510), and the ride facility vehicle actuator system 518 is actuable to move (e.g., rock, pitch, roll, and / or rotate) a corresponding ride facility vehicle 502 on the payload portion 516 relative to the corresponding spoke 510. In an embodiment, one or more paths 504 and / or platforms 520 may enable the corresponding ride facility vehicle 502 to travel (e.g., drive) into the payload portion 516, and the platform 520 may then lock, for example, when the corresponding spoke 510 rotates, raises, and / or lowers the corresponding ride facility vehicle 502 to prevent movement of the corresponding ride facility vehicle 502 relative to the payload portion 516. In embodiments, the respective ride-on vehicle 502 and / or load-bearing portion 516 may include, for example, mechanical locks or other locking structures to secure the respective ride-on vehicle 502 to the load-bearing portion 516 when the respective spokes 510 rotate, raise, and / or lower. It should be appreciated that one or more paths 504 may also return one or more ride-on vehicles 502 to an unloading station, which may be separate from or located in the same position as the loading station 506.
[0066] Figure 12This is a side view as part of an embodiment of a ride facility system 600 configured to pick up and transfer one or more ride facility vehicles 602. The ride facility system 600 may include one or more paths 604 (e.g., conveyors; tracks; rails; trackless paths) configured to transport, enable, and / or support the movement of one or more ride facility vehicles 602 between a loading station 606 and a wraparound ride facility system 608. While one or more paths 604 are in Figure 11 The path is shown as a curved path, but it should be appreciated that one or more paths 604 may have any suitable number, configuration, and / or shape. For example, one or more ride facility vehicles 602 may transfer from a first path in one or more paths 604 to a wraparound ride facility system 608, and then from the wraparound ride facility system to a second path in the one or more paths 604, and so on.
[0067] The wraparound ride system 608 includes one or more spokes 610 supported on a center wheel 612. The one or more spokes 610 can rotate about a central axis 614 of the center wheel 612 via any of the techniques disclosed herein. Furthermore, the one or more spokes 610 can rotate independently or separately from each other (e.g., to change the angle between adjacent spokes of the one or more spokes 610; angle in the lateral plane). Additionally or alternatively, the one or more spokes 610 can be vertically moved relative to the center wheel 612 via any of the techniques disclosed herein (e.g., raised, lowered). For example, the one or more spokes 610 can rotate and / or be raised relative to a ground surface and one or more paths 604 to transport one or more ride vehicles 602 away from the one or more paths 604 and through scenes with themed props, animated characters, etc.
[0068] exist Figure 12 In this configuration, each of one or more spokes 610 includes or is coupled to a load-bearing portion 616 (e.g., a passenger portion, a seating portion, a platform portion). It should be appreciated that each of one or more spokes 610 may also include or be coupled to a ride-on vehicle actuator system, as described herein. Therefore, a corresponding ride-on vehicle 602 can be moved (e.g., via or along one or more paths 604) into a corresponding load-bearing portion 616 to efficiently and removably engage with the corresponding spoke 610.
[0069] In one embodiment, the payload portion 616 may be integrated into one or more paths 604 and / or may be invisible to the one or more passengers when the corresponding ride vehicle 602 transporting the one or more passengers approaches the payload portion 616. For example, the payload portion 616 may include a platform 620 (e.g., having a similar or identical structure to one or more paths 604) or a platform 620 aligned with or appearing to be part of one or more paths 604. In this way, as the one or more passengers travel through the environment, they may be surprised to be lifted and transported via the wraparound ride system 608 and can experience a variety of different types of movement (e.g., traveling along the path 604 in the corresponding ride vehicle 602 and being lifted and transported via the wraparound ride system 608).
[0070] like Figure 12 As shown, the payload portion 616 is supported on the respective spokes 610 (e.g., vertically above the second end of the respective spokes 610). In an embodiment, the platform 620 may, for example, lock to prevent movement of the respective ride-on vehicle 602 relative to the payload portion 616 when the respective spokes 610 are rotated, raised, and / or lowered. In an embodiment, the respective ride-on vehicle 602 and / or payload portion 616 may include, for example, mechanical locks or other locking structures to secure the respective ride-on vehicle 602 to the payload portion 616 when the respective spokes 610 are rotated, raised, and / or lowered. It should be appreciated that one or more paths 604 may also return one or more ride-on vehicles 602 to an unloading station, which may be separate from or located in the same location as the loading station 606.
[0071] Figure 12 Includes a performance set 622, and illustrates multiple spokes 610 through which multiple passenger vehicle 602 (e.g., at a time) are transported via the performance set 622. It should be understood that... Figure 10 The 400 and / or passenger facilities system Figure 11 The 500-unit ride system can be operated within the performance set. In other words, Figure 10 The ride facility system 400 may include multiple spokes 410 for transporting multiple ride facility vehicles 402 (e.g., at one time) through a performance set, and / or Figure 11 The ride system 500 may include multiple spokes 510 that transport multiple ride vehicles 502 (e.g., at a time) through a performance set. As described herein, Figures 10 to 12 The features of the 400, 500, and 600 passenger facilities systems are comparable to Figures 1 to 9Any of the features of the wraparound ride system 100, 200, 300 shown may be used together. For example, one or more spokes 410, 510, 610 may be supported on a bogie 256 traveling around the outer ring 210 of the wraparound ride system 200.
[0072] While only certain features of the current embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes falling within the true spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that certain elements of the disclosed embodiments may be combined or interchanged with each other. It should be appreciated that references to… Figures 1 to 12 Any features shown or described may be combined in any suitable manner. For example, Figure 1 The wraparound ride system 10 and / or Figure 2 The wraparound ride system 100 can be combined with performance sets (such as...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 The performance set 300 is used. It should also be appreciated that various other features can be added or changed, such as incorporating at least one spoke fixed relative to the center wheels 14, 104, 204 (e.g., immovable relative to the center wheels 14, 104, 204; not driven to rotate relative to the center wheels 14, 104, 204 and / or not driven to move vertically relative to the center wheels 14, 104, 204). For example, Figures 1 to 5 One of the spokes 12, 102, and 202 shown can be relative to Figures 1 to 5 The center wheels 14, 104, and 204 shown are fixed.
[0073] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and specific examples that significantly improve the practical nature of the art, and are therefore not abstract, abstract, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “means for [performing] [function]…” or “steps for [performing] [function]…”, then such elements are intended to be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not intended to be interpreted according to 35 U.SC 112(f).
Claims
1. A wraparound passenger facility system, comprising: Center wheel; A first drive system is configured to drive the rotation of the central wheel; Multiple spokes are connected to the central wheel; A plurality of passenger facilities vehicles, wherein each of the plurality of passenger facilities vehicles is connected to a corresponding spoke of the plurality of spokes; as well as A second drive system is configured to drive each of the plurality of spokes independently in the circumferential direction relative to the central wheel to adjust a corresponding angle defined between corresponding pairs of adjacent spokes in the plurality of spokes.
2. The surround-type passenger facility system according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of spokes includes a corresponding first end portion connected to the center wheel and a corresponding second end portion located radially outward from the corresponding first end portion, and each of the plurality of spokes is configured to be attached to at least one of the plurality of ride-on vehicles at the corresponding second end portion or at an attachment area located between the corresponding first end portion and the corresponding second end portion.
3. The wraparound seating system of claim 1, comprising at least one additional spoke supporting at least one additional seating vehicle and in a fixed position relative to the center wheel.
4. The wraparound seating system according to claim 1, comprising an outer ring surrounding the central wheel, wherein, Each of the plurality of spokes includes a first end portion connected to the center wheel via a corresponding movable connector and a second end portion supported on the outer ring.
5. The surround-type passenger facility system according to claim 4, wherein, The second drive system includes a plurality of bogies configured to travel along the outer ring at different rates during a riding cycle, wherein each of the plurality of spokes includes a second end portion coupled to a corresponding bogie among the plurality of bogies, such that the different rates enable each of the plurality of spokes to be driven independently relative to the center wheel in the circumferential direction to adjust the corresponding angle defined between the corresponding pairs of adjacent spokes among the plurality of spokes.
6. The surround-type passenger facility system according to claim 4, wherein, The second drive system includes a plurality of bogies configured to travel along the outer ring, wherein each of the plurality of spokes includes a second end portion connected to a corresponding bogie of the plurality of bogies via a keyway connection.
7. The surround-type passenger facility system according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the plurality of ride facilities vehicles includes a corresponding ride facility vehicle trolley, the corresponding ride facility vehicle trolley being configured to slide along a corresponding spoke among the plurality of spokes.
8. The surround-type ride system of claim 1, further comprising a ride control unit configured to provide instructions to the first drive system and the second drive system to coordinate the movement of the plurality of ride vehicles with the stage setting.
9. The surround-type passenger facility system according to claim 1, comprising: The outer ring, wherein each of the plurality of spokes includes a corresponding first end portion connected to the center wheel and a corresponding second end portion connected to a corresponding bogie configured to travel along the outer ring and is part of the second drive system; A third drive system includes a plurality of passenger facility vehicle trolleys configured to slide along a plurality of spokes, such that a corresponding passenger facility vehicle among the plurality of passenger facility vehicles moves along a corresponding spoke among the plurality of spokes; and A ride facility controller is configured to provide instructions to the first drive system, the second drive system, and the third drive system to coordinate the movement of the plurality of ride facility vehicles with the performance set.
10. The surround-type passenger facility system according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of ride-on vehicles includes a corresponding ride-on vehicle actuator system configured to cause the corresponding ride-on vehicle to rock, pitch, roll, rotate, or any combination thereof relative to a corresponding spoke among the plurality of spokes.
11. The surround-type passenger facility system according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of ride facility vehicles is removably coupled to a corresponding spoke of the plurality of spokes such that each of the plurality of ride facility vehicles can be picked up by the corresponding spoke of the plurality of spokes from a first position along the path, then transported by the corresponding spoke of the plurality of spokes in the circumferential direction, and then released by the corresponding spoke of the plurality of spokes to a second position along the path.
12. The wraparound ride system of claim 1, comprising a platform positioned near the center wheel for loading one or more passengers into the plurality of ride vehicles, unloading the one or more passengers from the plurality of ride vehicles, or both.
13. A wraparound passenger facility system, comprising: Center wheel; A first drive system is configured to drive the rotation of the central wheel; Multiple spokes are connected to the central wheel; Multiple passenger vehicle units are connected to the multiple spokes; A second drive system is configured to drive each of the plurality of spokes independently relative to the center wheel; A third drive system is configured to drive each of the plurality of ride-on vehicles independently along a corresponding spoke of the plurality of spokes; as well as A ride facility controller is configured to provide instructions to the first drive system, the second drive system, and the third drive system to move the plurality of ride facility vehicles through the performance set.
14. The surround-type passenger facility system according to claim 13, comprising an outer ring, wherein, Each of the plurality of spokes includes a corresponding first end portion connected to the center wheel and a corresponding second end portion connected to a corresponding bogie in a plurality of bogies configured to travel along the outer ring and are part of the second drive system.
15. The surround-type passenger facility system according to claim 14, wherein, The plurality of bogies are configured to travel along the outer ring at different rates during a riding cycle to independently drive each of the plurality of spokes relative to the center wheel to adjust a corresponding angle defined between corresponding pairs of adjacent spokes in the plurality of spokes.
16. The surround-type passenger facility system according to claim 13, wherein, The third drive system includes a plurality of ride facility vehicle trolleys configured to slide along the plurality of spokes to move the plurality of ride facility vehicles along the plurality of spokes.
17. The surround-type passenger facility system according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the plurality of ride-on vehicles includes a corresponding ride-on vehicle actuator system configured to cause the corresponding ride-on vehicle to rock, pitch, roll, rotate, or any combination thereof relative to a corresponding spoke among the plurality of spokes.
18. The surround-type passenger facility system according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the plurality of ride-on vehicles is suspended from a corresponding spoke of the plurality of spokes.
19. The wraparound ride system of claim 13, comprising a platform positioned near the center wheel for loading one or more passengers into the plurality of ride vehicles, unloading the one or more passengers from the plurality of ride vehicles, or both.
20. A passenger facility system, comprising: Loading station; A wraparound seating system; One or more paths configured to support movement of one or more passenger vehicle vehicles from the loading station to the surround-type passenger facility system, wherein the surround-type passenger facility system includes: Center wheel; A first drive system is configured to drive the rotation of the central wheel; Multiple spokes, which are connected to the central wheel; and Multiple payload sections, wherein each of the multiple payload sections is coupled to a corresponding spoke among the multiple spokes and is configured to receive a corresponding ride facility vehicle among the multiple ride facility vehicles from the one or more paths.