Vertical motion drive system for ride systems

Abstract

A ride system (10) includes a platform assembly (32) that receives a ride vehicle (20) for transporting ride passengers (22), an upward drive pulley system (36), and a downward drive pulley system (38). The upward drive pulley system (36) is drivingly coupled to the platform assembly (32) and drives the platform assembly (32) upwardly along a vertical axis (94) oriented along a gravity vector. The downward drive pulley system (38) is drivingly coupled to the platform assembly (32) and drives the platform assembly (32) downwardly along the vertical axis (94). In addition, the upward and downward drive movement of the platform assembly (32) exposes the ride passengers (22) to multiple entertainment performances (40), and the entertainment performances (40) are positioned at different vertical levels relative to each other.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 818,457, filed on March 14, 2019, and entitled “Vertical Motion Drive System for aRide System,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to amusement park-type rides and, more particularly, to systems for controlling motion of a ride vehicle of an amusement park-type ride via a motion drive system of the ride system.

[0004] Typically, amusement park rides include one or more ride vehicles that carry passengers along a ride path, for example, defined by a track. During the ride, the ride path may include multiple features, including tunnels, turns, ramps, declines, loops, etc. The direction of travel of the ride vehicle may be defined by the ride path, because the rollers of the ride vehicle may contact the track or other features that define the ride path. In this way, traditional amusement park rides that only use tracks to define the ride path can limit the overall stimulation and excitement experienced by passengers. In addition, controlling the vertical motion of the ride vehicle (e.g., motion with a component that is substantially parallel to the gravity vector orientation) may be unfeasible for these amusement park rides that only use tracks. For example, the vertical motion of the ride vehicle may subject the track and the components of the ride vehicle that contact these tracks to undesirable loads. Therefore, although it may be desirable to control the vertical motion of the ride vehicle in such a way as to enhance the ride experience, in some existing amusement park rides based on motion, controlling the vertical motion may be difficult to implement, coordinate, and implement in practice. Therefore, it is now recognized that a need exists for a system that can achieve vertical motion and control vertical motion in a more efficient manner. Summary of the invention

[0005] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief overview of possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may encompass various forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0006] In an embodiment, a ride system includes a platform assembly, an upward drive pulley system, and a downward drive pulley system, wherein the platform assembly receives a ride vehicle that transports ride passengers. The upward drive pulley system is drivingly coupled to the platform assembly and drives the platform assembly upward along a vertical axis, which is oriented along a gravity vector. The downward drive pulley system is drivingly coupled to the platform assembly and drives the platform assembly downward along the vertical axis. In addition, the upward and downward drive movement of the platform assembly exposes the ride passengers to multiple entertainment performances, wherein the entertainment performances are positioned at different vertical levels relative to each other.

[0007] In an embodiment, a method for controlling the motion of a ride vehicle includes positioning and fastening the ride vehicle on a platform assembly that is drivingly coupled to a motion drive system. The motion drive system includes an upward drive pulley system that drives the motion of the platform assembly upward and a downward drive pulley system that drives the motion of the platform assembly downward. The method also includes coordinating the motion of the ride vehicle with a plurality of entertainment performances positioned at corresponding levels by vertically displacing the platform assembly, so that coordinating the motion of the ride vehicle includes instructing a first entertainment performance in the plurality of entertainment performances to perform a first performance in response to the ride vehicle being positioned within a first vertical distance range. In addition, coordinating the motion of the ride vehicle includes instructing a second entertainment performance in the plurality of entertainment performances to perform a second performance in response to the ride vehicle being positioned within a second vertical distance range. The second vertical distance range is greater than the first vertical distance range. The ride vehicle transitions from the first vertical distance range to the second vertical distance range in response to the motion of the upward drive pulley system driving the platform assembly upward. In addition, the ride vehicle transitions from the second vertical distance range to the first vertical distance range in response to the motion of the downward drive pulley system driving the platform assembly downward. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like characters refer to like parts throughout the drawings, and wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of various components of an amusement park, such as a motion drive system, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 According to the present disclosure, Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a ride system of a motion drive system;

[0011] Figure 3 According to aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 1 The motion drive system is used to control Figure 2A flow chart of an embodiment of a process of movement of a ride vehicle operated in a ride system of the invention;

[0012] Figure 4 is configured to support according to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 A cutaway perspective view of an embodiment of a platform assembly of a ride vehicle;

[0013] Figure 5 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 4 The platform components and are configured to align Figure 3 An expanded view of an embodiment of an alignment mechanism for a ride vehicle;

[0014] Figure 6 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 2 A side view of an embodiment of a motion drive system operating in a ride system of;

[0015] Figure 7 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 6 A side view of an embodiment of a motion drive system configured to coordinate with Figure 2 movement between levels in a ride environment associated with a ride system; and

[0016] Figure 8 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 6 A side view of an embodiment of a motion drive system causing Figure 3 Vertical movement of a ride vehicle to coordinate movement between one or more entertainment performances. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive, and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure is not intended to be interpreted to exclude the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0018] With this in mind, one or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of the actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be understood 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 goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from implementation to implementation. In addition, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but it will still be a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for ordinary technicians who benefit from the present disclosure.

[0019] Although the following discussion is generally provided in the context of an amusement park-style ride (which may include multiple pulley systems to drive the motion of the ride vehicle), it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to such an entertainment context. Indeed, examples and explanations are provided in such entertainment applications in order to facilitate explanation by providing examples of real-world implementations and applications. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein may be useful in other applications, such as transportation systems (e.g., train systems, building and floor connection systems), elevator systems, and / or other industrial, commercial, and / or entertainment human transportation systems, to name a few.

[0020] In view of the foregoing, the present embodiment includes a system and method for controlling the motion of a ride vehicle operated in a ride system. For example, a ride system such as the amusement park ride facilities cited above may include one or more ride vehicles that carry passengers along a ride path, for example, defined by a track. In the process of riding, the ride path may include multiple features, including tunnels, turns, slopes, declines, loops, etc. The direction of travel of the ride vehicle can be defined by the ride path, for example, because the rollers of the ride vehicle can be in continuous contact with the track that defines the ride path. It may be desirable to control the vertical motion of the ride vehicle along the vertical axis. As used herein, "vertical motion" may refer to a motion with a component that is substantially parallel to the orientation of the gravity vector. In some existing methods in which the roller assembly of the ride vehicle is the only mechanism for driving the motion of the ride vehicle along the track that defines the ride path, the vertical motion of the ride vehicle may cause the unwanted loads experienced by the ride vehicle, the roller assembly, or the track. Furthermore, existing approaches may result in ride passengers always being oriented in a fixed direction relative to the ride path, which may be undesirable since more complete control over the position and velocity of the ride passengers relative to the ride path may be desirable.

[0021] Certain embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein can enhance the ride experience by controlling the vertical movement of the ride vehicle. The mechanism that allows vertical movement can be invisible to the passengers, and the unwanted load on the ride vehicle can be reduced and / or eliminated. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments include receiving the ride vehicle from the ride path and positioning the ride vehicle on the platform assembly, as described in detail below. The platform assembly can be coupled to the ride vehicle and fasten the ride vehicle. After firmly accommodating the ride vehicle (e.g., to the platform assembly), a motion drive system including a pulley system, an actuatable motor, and a platform assembly can control and coordinate the vertical movement of the ride vehicle with, for example, entertainment performances on each of multiple levels, as discussed in detail below. The motion drive system can drive the vertical movement of the ride vehicle so that the passengers are exposed to entertainment performances on different levels of the ride system, so that each level is positioned at a different vertical position. Additional actuators on the ride vehicle can drive the movement of the passengers relative to the motion drive system to further enhance the ride experience, while the motion drive system and entertainment performances provide visual and / or physical entertainment.

[0022] In order to allow control of such movement of the ride vehicle, the motion drive system may include a plurality of pulley systems, each pulley system including an actuable winch (e.g., a motor) to drive the movement of a corresponding pulley cable coupled to the platform, and thereby control the vertical movement of the ride vehicle. The control system may receive ride system data (e.g., position, velocity, acceleration of any of the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical axes of the movable features of the ride system along or around the ride system) from any number of sensor components associated with the ride system, and actuate the winch to control the motion drive system, as described in detail below. The motion drive system may include a plurality of unidirectional pulley systems. For example, the motion drive system may include a first pulley system for allowing upward movement of the platform assembly (and the ride vehicle) and a second pulley system for allowing downward movement of the platform assembly (and the ride vehicle). The first pulley system may control the upward movement of the platform assembly (and the ride vehicle), while the second pulley system may control the downward movement of the platform assembly to coordinate vertical movement with entertainment performances visible to the ride passengers on each level in conjunction with the plurality of levels. The motion drive system can include an adapter system that can receive a control signal (e.g., a control command) to selectively engage the first pulley system or the second pulley system and thereby control the upward or downward movement of the platform assembly (and the ride vehicle). In this way, the complexity associated with a multi-directional rotating capstan motion can be replaced by a unidirectional rotating capstan motion, thereby reducing the complexity of existing ride systems.

[0023] The pulley systems employed in the embodiments disclosed herein may be open loop or closed loop pulley systems. An "open loop" pulley system may refer to a pulley system that employs a pulley cable having a first end that is separate from a second end. For example, the first end may be coupled to a platform assembly, while the second end may be coupled to a winch or a wall. A "closed loop pulley system" may refer to a pulley system that employs a pulley cable having a closed and continuous profile.

[0024] In addition, the embodiments disclosed herein allow additional flexibility in motion. In an embodiment, the platform assembly can receive a ride vehicle and allow the ride vehicle to go out. For example, after receiving the ride vehicle, the platform assembly can vertically displace the ride vehicle and expose the ride passengers to various entertainment performances before being coupled to the ride path again, so as to allow the ride vehicle to go out from the platform assembly and continue along the ride path. In another example, after receiving the ride vehicle from the first ride path, the platform assembly can vertically displace the ride vehicle and expose the ride passengers to various entertainment performances before being coupled to the second ride path, and the second ride path is positioned at a vertical distance different from the first ride path to allow the ride vehicle to continue along the second ride path. In this way, the motion drive system can additionally be used as an elevator system, which transports the ride vehicle from the first ride path to the second ride path in an experience-enhancing manner.

[0025] To help illustrate, Figure 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of various components of an amusement park 8 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The amusement park 8 may include a ride system 10 that includes a ride path 12 (e.g., a track) that receives and guides the ride vehicle 20, such as by engaging with tires or rollers of the ride vehicle 20, and facilitates movement of the ride vehicle 20 (e.g., through attractions). In this manner, the ride path 12 may define various trajectories and directions of travel, which may include turns, inclines, declines, up, down, ramps, loops, etc. In embodiments, the ride vehicle 20 may be passively driven or actively driven via a pneumatic system, a motor system, a tire drive system, a roller system, a fin coupled to an electromagnetic drive system, a catapult system, etc.

[0026] The ride path 12 can accommodate more than one ride vehicle 20. The ride vehicles 20 can be separated from each other so that they are independently controlled or driven, or the ride vehicles 20 can be coupled to each other via any suitable linkage so that the motion of the ride vehicles 20 is coupled or linked. For example, the front of one ride vehicle 20 can be coupled to the rear end of another ride vehicle 20. Each ride vehicle 20 with these and other configurations can accommodate one or more ride passengers 22. In an embodiment, the ride vehicle 20 can include a turntable, a yaw drive system, or any experience-enhanced motion-based platform that allows movement of a cabin that accommodates the ride passengers 22 relative to the chassis of the ride vehicle 20. For example, the cabin that accommodates the ride passengers can move along or around a longitudinal, lateral, or vertical axis, thereby allowing six degrees of freedom of motion of the cabin relative to the chassis of the ride vehicle. The ride system 20 may include a suspension system that can dampen motion or vibration while the ride vehicle 20 is in operation, for example by absorbing vibrations and reducing centrifugal forces when the ride vehicle 20 performs certain motions (such as turning) at certain speeds. The suspension system can be actuated (e.g., by stiffening, vibrating, or rotating components of the suspension system) to enhance the ride experience of the riding passengers 22.

[0027] The ride system 10 may include a motion drive system 30 to control the vertical movement of the ride vehicle 20. During the vertical movement, the ride vehicle 20 may be supported by the platform assembly 32 of the motion drive system 30. The ride vehicle 20 may be driven into motion along the ride path 12 via the rollers of the roller system so that the rollers may seamlessly cooperate with the tracks of the ride path 12. The ride vehicle 20 may travel onto the platform assembly 32, as described in detail below. In this way, the platform assembly 32 may also define the ride path 12 in certain portions of the ride path 12. The ride passengers 22 may not feel or experience the substantial vertical displacement caused by the ride vehicle 20 transitioning from the ride path 12 (e.g., the tracks defining the ride path 12) to the platform assembly 32 because the ride rollers may seamlessly transition from the ride path 12 to the platform assembly 32.

[0028] To facilitate this seamless transition, the ride system 10 may include a stop device 26 that decelerates the ride vehicle 20, and may include a fastening device 28 that secures the ride vehicle 20 to the platform assembly 32 after the ride vehicle 20 decelerates to a stop. In an embodiment, the fastening device 28 may include or also serve as the stop device 26, such that the fastening device 28 is integral with the stop device 26. The stop device 26 may include a dead end stop pin, a damper, a spring system, a brake pad system, and / or any suitable device configured to decelerate the ride vehicle 20 to a target position on the platform assembly 32. The fastening device 28 may include a hook, a ratchet system, a redundant locking mechanism, or any suitable device to lock the ride vehicle 20 in place, thereby allowing the ride vehicle 20 to become fixed at a target position on the platform assembly 32 relative to the platform assembly 32. As can be appreciated, when the fastening device 28 (and the stop device 26) are engaged, the ride vehicle 20 may be fixed relative to the platform assembly 32. Alternatively, when the securing devices 28 (and the stopping devices 26) are disengaged, the ride vehicle 20 can freely exit from (or enter into) the platform assembly 32. For example, the ride vehicle 20 can exit from the platform assembly 32 to continue traveling along the ride path 12. As discussed in detail below, the ride path to which the ride vehicle 20 exits can be the same or different from the ride path from which the ride vehicle 20 was received by the platform assembly 32. The platform assembly 32 can include the stopping devices 26 and / or the securing devices 28 to facilitate receiving the ride vehicle 20 and positioning the ride vehicle 20 on the platform assembly 32.

[0029] The vertical movement of the platform assembly 32 may occur in response to verification that the ride vehicle 20 is secured to the platform assembly 32. In this way, the ride vehicle 20 (which is secured by the platform assembly 32) may be displaced along a vertical axis. The vertical movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20 may be achieved via one or more pulley systems 34 coupled to the platform assembly 32. The pulley system 34 may include an upward drive pulley system 36, which may include an actuable winch that is drivingly coupled to a corresponding pulley cable to drive the upward movement of the platform assembly 32. The pulley system 34 may include a downward drive pulley system 38, which may include an actuable winch that is drivingly coupled to a corresponding pulley cable to drive the downward movement of the platform assembly 32. The motion drive system 30 may include an engager that may receive a control signal (eg, a control command) to selectively engage the upward or downward drive pulley systems 36 , 38 and thereby control upward or downward movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20 .

[0030] In addition, the pulley system 34 can be coupled to the platform assembly 32 in any suitable configuration. The upward drive pulley system 36 and the downward drive pulley system 38 can each include a pulley cable coupled to the platform assembly 32 so that the pulley cables can be independently driven by corresponding actuatable winches. Although the movement of the platform assembly 32 discussed in this example is achieved via two pulley systems 34, it should be understood that any suitable number of pulley systems 34 (such as one, three, four, five, ten, or any number of pulley systems 34) can be employed to control the movement of the platform assembly 32. The pulley system 34 can have any suitable configuration, such as having an open loop or closed loop configuration, for example.

[0031] The winch of the pulley system 34 can include any suitable motion drive device, such as a torque motor, a permanent magnet DC (DC) motor, an electric excitation motor, any universal AC (AC) motor, or any suitable electromechanical actuator (e.g., a linear actuator, a rotary actuator, or a pneumatic actuator). In order to facilitate the control of the winch, the winch can adopt a permanent magnet, a servo mechanism, etc. The winch can include a relay or contactor connected to one or more sensor assemblies 51 to automatically start or stop in response to a control signal. The winch can adopt a fuse or a circuit breaker to attenuate any current received by the winch. The winch can be made invisible to the riding passengers 22 so that the motion drive mechanism of the ride system 10 remains unnoticed by the riding passengers 22.

[0032] The pulley cable may include a cable line of any suitable properties and material. For example, the pulley cable may include a steel cable with redundant features such as a fiber core and an independent wire core. Although the pulley cable may be replaced or enhanced by a chain, the use of a pulley cable may produce various benefits. For example, the pulley cable may be lighter weight, require less maintenance, and operate more quietly than a chain.

[0033] As described above, the motion drive system 30 can transport the ride vehicle 20 vertically to expose the ride passengers 22 to a plurality of entertainment performances 40. In an embodiment, the ride system 10 may include a first entertainment performance 40a ( Figure 2 ) and a second entertainment performance 40b on the second level ( Figure 2 ), so that the second level is positioned at a level above the first level. By controlling the vertical motion of the ride vehicle 20, the motion drive system 30 can control which entertainment performance the ride passengers 22 are exposed to. The entertainment performance can include visual projections, screens showing relevant subject matter, a group of actors performing a skit, or any suitable experience that enhances visualization. In an embodiment, the ride passengers can engage with the entertainment performance 40.

[0034] The amusement park 8 may include a control system 50 that is communicatively coupled to the ride vehicles 20 and features associated with the ride system 10 (e.g., via wired or wireless features). The amusement park 8 may include more than one control system 50. For example, the amusement park 8 may include one control system 50 associated with the ride vehicles 20, another control system 50 associated with the motion drive system 30, a base station control system 50, etc. In addition, each of the control systems 50 may be communicatively coupled to each other (e.g., via respective transceivers or wired connections).

[0035] The control system 50 may be communicatively coupled to one or more ride vehicles 20 of the amusement park 8 via any suitable wired and / or wireless connection (e.g., via a transceiver). The control system 50 may control various aspects of the ride system 10, such as the direction of travel of the ride vehicle 20 in some portions of the ride facility, by controlling the vertical position of the ride vehicle 20 by actuating a winch to drive the movement of the pulley system 36, 38 upward or downward. The control system 50 may receive data from a sensor assembly 51 associated with the ride system 10 to, for example, control the position and speed of each of the winches and / or pulley cables of the pulley system 34. In an embodiment, the control system 50 may be an electronic controller having circuitry configured to process data associated with the ride system 10 from the sensor assembly 51, for example, via a transceiver. In addition, the control system 50 may be coupled to various components of the amusement park 8 (e.g., park attractions, park controllers, and wireless networks).

[0036] The control system 50 may include a memory circuit 52 and a processing circuit 54, such as a microprocessor. The control system 50 may also include one or more storage devices 56 and / or other suitable components. The processing circuit 54 may be used to execute software, such as software stored on the memory circuit 52, for controlling the ride vehicle 20 and any components associated with the ride system 10 (e.g., the stop device 26, the fastening device 28, the platform assembly 32, and the pulley system 34). In addition, the processing circuit 54 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general purpose" microprocessors, one or more special purpose microprocessors, and / or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, the processing circuit 54 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors.

[0037] The memory circuit 52 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory circuit 52 may store a variety of information and may be used for a variety of purposes. For example, the memory circuit 52 may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for execution by the processing circuit 54, such as instructions for controlling components of the ride system 10. For example, the instructions may cause the processing circuit 54 to control vertical movement of the ride vehicle 20 by instructing movement of the winch drive pulley system 34 to subject the ride passengers 22 to ride-enhancing movement. Additionally, when executed by the processing circuit 54, the instructions may instruct the turntable or yaw drive system of the ride vehicle 20 to further enhance the overall ride experience by subjecting the ride passengers 22 to additional movement.

[0038] The storage device(s) 56 (e.g., non-volatile storage) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage media, or a combination thereof. The storage device(s) 56 may store ride system data (e.g., passenger information, data associated with the amusement park 8, data associated with ride path trajectories), instructions (e.g., software or firmware for controlling the motion drive system 30 and / or the ride vehicle 20), and any other suitable information.

[0039] The ride system 10 may additionally or alternatively include a ride environment 60, which may include multiple and different combinations of environments. The ride environment 60 may include the type of ride (e.g., a dark ride, a water coaster, a roller coaster, a VR experience, or any combination thereof) and / or associated characteristics of the type of ride (e.g., a theme). For example, the ride environment 60 may include aspects of the ride system 10 that add to the overall theme and / or experience associated with the ride system 10. The entertainment show 40 may include content related to the theme associated with the ride environment 60.

[0040] The ride system 10 may additionally or alternatively include a motion-based environment 62 in which the ride passengers 22 are transported or moved by the ride system 10. For example, the motion-based environment 62 may include a flat ride 64 (e.g., such as a ride in which the ride passengers 22 are substantially moved in a plane that is substantially aligned with the ground by the ride vehicle 20 traveling along the ride path 12 toward the platform assembly 32). Additionally or alternatively, the motion-based ride environment 62 may include a gravity ride 66 (e.g., a ride in which the motion of the ride passengers 22 has at least one component along a gravity vector, such as motion generated via the motion drive system 30). Additionally or alternatively, the motion-based ride environment 62 may include a vertical ride 68 (e.g., such as a ride in which the ride passengers 22 are displaced about a fixed point in a vertical plane via vertical motion generated by the motion drive system).

[0041] The ride system 10 may additionally or alternatively include a stationary environment 70 in which the ride passengers 22 are not substantially transported or displaced by the ride system 10. For example, the stationary environment 70 may include virtual reality (V / R) features 72 (e.g., the ride passengers 22 may sit in seats that vibrate or remain stationary while wearing a virtual reality (V / R) headset that displays a VR environment or experience) and / or different kinds of simulations 74. As another example, the stationary environment 70 may include a motion base. The ride vehicle 20 may stop along the ride path 12 so that the ride experience may include aspects of the stationary ride environment 70 for a portion of the duration of the ride experience. Although the stationary environment 70 may not substantially move the ride passengers 22, the virtual reality and / or simulation effects may modify the perception of the ride passengers 22, which may be enhanced and contrasted by the motion-based distortions experienced by the ride passengers 22. To this end, it should be understood that the ride system 10 may include both a motion-based ride environment 62 and a stationary ride environment 70 that provide the platform assembly 32 and the pulley system 34 with desirable features at least for enhancing the ride experience.

[0042] Figure 2 According to the present disclosure, Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ride system 10 that includes a motion drive system 30. By employing the motion drive system 30, the experience of the passengers 22 can be improved. With this in mind, the ride system 10 can include multiple ride vehicles 20 coupled together via linkages to connect the ride passengers 22 riding in corresponding ride vehicles 20 in a common ride experience. In one example, the ride vehicles 20 can be separate from each other and can alternatively move independently of each other, such as along respective and / or separate ride paths 12. In another example, the ride vehicles 20 can move in groups.

[0043] For example, a first group 20A (e.g., three ride vehicles) of ride vehicles 20 may move along a first ride path 12A, and a second group 20B (e.g., five ride vehicles) of ride vehicles 20 may move along a second ride path 12B. The first ride path 12A may be at a level positioned lower than the second ride path 12B. The first ride path 12A may define a travel direction for the ride vehicles 20 operating in a level below the second ride path 12B. The first ride path 12A may be positioned at a level on which a first entertainment performance 40A is presented, and the second ride path may be positioned at a higher level on which a second entertainment performance 40B is presented. The platform assembly 32 may receive the ride vehicles 20 individually or in groups (e.g., the first group 20A or the second group 20B), and the motion drive system 30 may transport (one or more) ride vehicles 20 from along the first ride path 12A to the second ride path 12B, or from any ride path 12 to any other ride path 12.

[0044] The control system 50 may instruct the motion drive system 30 to vertically displace the platform assembly 32 to transport the ride vehicle 20 from the first ride path 12A on the first level to the second ride path 12B on the second (e.g., higher) level, and thereby expose the ride passengers 22 to the first entertainment performance 40A or the second entertainment performance 40B. Alternatively, the control system 50 may instruct the motion drive system 30 to vertically displace to transport the ride vehicle 20 from the first ride path 12A on the first level to the second ride path 12B on the second (e.g., higher) level and back to the first level so that the ride vehicle 20 can continue to move along the first ride path 12A. In this way, the control system 50 can expose the ride passengers 22 to the first entertainment performance 40A, then to the second entertainment performance 40B, and then back to the first entertainment performance 40A.

[0045] By employing the embodiments disclosed herein, the control system 50 can displace the ride vehicle 20 in a ride-enhancing manner to change the direction of travel (e.g., from along the first ride path 12A to the second ride path 12B). The motion drive system 30 can displace the ride passengers 22 while enhancing their ride experience by subjecting the ride passengers 22 to the experience-enhancing motions described herein. It should be understood that the control system 50 can instruct the ride vehicle 20 to travel along the ride path 12 in any desired manner.

[0046] Figure 3 According to aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 1 The motion drive system is used to control Figure 2 The ride vehicle 20 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process 80 for moving a vehicle. The process 80 of the flow chart may be performed by the ride system 10 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) implementation. In a non-limiting embodiment, the control system 50 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) processing circuit 54 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) may facilitate implementation of process 80. In view of the foregoing, control system 50 may instruct ride system 10 to position ride vehicle 20 at a target location on platform assembly 32 (process block 81) on platform assembly 32 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 ). The control system 50 may actuate the stop device 26 ( Figure 1 ) so that the ride vehicle 20 can be secured with the fastening device 28 ( Figure 1 ) to secure (process block 82) the ride vehicle 20. For example, the target position may be a position on the platform assembly 32 at which the securing device 28 may engage with a compatible feature (e.g., a female or male connector) of the ride vehicle 20 and thereby secure (process block 82) the ride vehicle 20 to the platform assembly 32.

[0047] The control system 50 may be configured to control the movement of the platform assembly 32 and / or the ride vehicle 20 from the ride system 10 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) associated sensor assembly 51 ( Figure 1 ) receive (process box 83) ride system data. To facilitate controlling features in the ride system 10, the control system 50 may receive (process box 83) ride system data, such as the position, velocity, and acceleration of the ride vehicle 20 and the platform assembly 32; and communicate with the entertainment performance 40 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) associated information; the engagement state of the stop device 26 and the fastening device 28 (eg, engaged or disengaged); the pulley system 34 ( Figure 1 ) of the pulley cable and / or winch; the engagement state of the platform assembly 32; the position of the platform assembly 32, etc. Sent from the control system 50 to the amusement park 8 ( Figure 1 ) may be based on the ride system data, a subset of the ride system data, and / or any additional data.

[0048] The control signals may be used to coordinate (process block 84) the motion of the ride vehicle 20 with the content of the entertainment show 40. As described above, the control system 50 may control the motion drive system 30 to vertically transport the ride vehicle 20 and expose the ride passengers 22 to the content on the plurality of entertainment shows 40.

[0049] The control system 50 may also control (process block 85) actuators on the ride vehicle 20 to cause movement of the ride vehicle 20. In embodiments, the ride vehicle 20 may include a turntable, a yaw drive system, or any experience-enhancing motion-based platform that allows movement of a cabin housing ride passengers relative to the chassis of the ride vehicle 20. For example, the control system 50 may actuate the turntable, the yaw drive system, or any experience-enhancing motion-based platform to move the cabin housing ride passengers along or about a longitudinal, lateral, or vertical axis, thereby allowing six degrees of freedom movement of the cabin relative to the chassis of the ride vehicle 20. Additionally or alternatively, the ride system 20 may include a suspension system that may dampen movement or vibration while the ride vehicle 20 is in operation, for example, by absorbing vibrations and reducing centrifugal forces when the ride vehicle 20 performs certain motions (such as turning) at certain speeds. The control system may control (process block 85 ) actuators associated with the suspension system to enhance the ride experience of the seated occupant 22 , for example, by stiffening, vibrating, or rotating components of the suspension system.

[0050] As described above, the ride system 10 may include an entertainment show 40 that employs multiple levels accessible by the ride vehicle 20. Thus, the ride vehicle 20 may respond to the motion drive system 30 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) receives control signals to access each level by means of the displacement generated by the vertical movement. After the ride vehicle 20 is secured to the platform assembly 32, the control system 50 can control the upward drive pulley system 36 ( Figure 1 ) to drive (process block 86) the upward movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20. By vertically displacing the platform assembly 32, and thereby displacing the ride vehicle 20 vertically (e.g., from a first level to a second level), the control system 50 can control the ride passengers 22 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) to which entertainment show 40 the ride passenger 22 is exposed. For example, by controlling the upward drive pulley system 36 to drive (process block 86) the upward movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20, the control system 50 may initially expose the ride passenger 22 to the first entertainment show 40A ( Figure 2 ), and then exposed to a second entertainment performance 40B ( Figure 2 ).

[0051] In another example, the control system can drive (process block 87) downward movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20 by controlling the downward motion drive system 38. By vertically displacing the platform assembly 32, and thereby displacing the ride vehicle 20 vertically (e.g., from the second level to the first level), the control system 50 can control the ride passengers 22 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) to which entertainment show 40. For example, by controlling the downward drive pulley system 38 to drive (process block 87) the downward movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20, the control system can cause the ride passengers 22 to be initially exposed to the second entertainment show 40B, and subsequently exposed to the first entertainment show 40A positioned at a level below the second entertainment show 40B.

[0052] After coordinating the movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20 with the entertainment show 40 (process block 84) to perform the thrill-enhancing experience, the control system 50 may stop the vertical movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle so that the platform assembly 32 is aligned with the ride path 12 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) cooperate to further define the ride path 12 and allow (process block 88) the ride vehicle 20 to exit from the platform assembly 32. After separation and exit from the platform assembly 32, the ride vehicle 20 may continue its movement along the ride path 12. In an embodiment, the ride vehicle 20 may exit the platform assembly 32 onto a different ride path 12 from which the ride vehicle 20 was initially driven onto the platform assembly 32. Thus, the motion drive system 30 may transport the ride vehicle 20 to another ride path 12 while exposing the ride passengers 22 to a plurality of entertainment performances 40 on various levels during transportation.

[0053] Figure 4 is configured to support according to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a platform assembly 32 of a ride vehicle 20. For ease of discussion, a coordinate system including a longitudinal axis 90, a transverse axis 92, and a vertical axis 94 (e.g., oriented parallel to the gravity vector) is illustrated. The platform assembly 32 may include one or more bracket members 95 to support a platform base 96. The bracket members 95 may be secured to a rod member 97 extending along the width of the platform base 96. The platform assembly 32 may include features such as tracks or rails to further define the ride path 12 ( Figure 1 ) and facilitates the riding vehicle 20 to enter and exit the platform assembly respectively.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the platform base 96 can extend outwardly from the vertical rail 98 along the longitudinal axis 90. When the ride vehicle 20 is supported by the platform assembly 32, the ride vehicle 20 can be positioned on the platform base 96. The platform base 96, the bracket member 95, and the rod member 97 can be made of any suitable material (e.g., steel alloy, copper, aluminum), which is configured to support at least (one or more) ride vehicles 20 and ride passengers 22 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 )'s weight. Additionally, while the depicted platform base 96 is quadrilateral in shape, the platform base 96 may have any suitable shape (e.g., circular, triangular, rectangular, octagonal, or spherical) that may support the ride vehicle(s) 20.

[0055] The platform assembly 32 may include a vertical rail 98 that allows the platform base 96 to be transported along the vertical axis 94. For example, the platform assembly 32 may include a plurality of rollers 100 that engage the vertical rail 98 and rotate about the lateral axis 92 to drive vertical movement of the platform base 96. Movement of the platform base 96 may be achieved via a motor 102 that is communicatively coupled to the control system 50, such that the motor 102 may receive a control signal to drive vertical movement of the platform base 96. The motor 102 may receive a control signal from the control system 50 that controls the current or voltage supplied to the vertical rail 98 to drive the rotation of the rollers 100 and the movement of the platform base 96. Alternatively, the motor 102 may receive a control signal from the control system 50 to control a winch 104 that may drive movement of a pulley cable 106 coupled to the platform base 96. The platform assembly 32 may include a counterweight 108 that may reduce the force required to control vertical movement of the platform base 96. Although the movement of the platform base 96 is discussed as being driven via a motor system using the motor 102, the platform assembly 32 may include a pneumatic system, a motor system, a tire drive system, fins coupled to an electromagnetic drive system, a catapult system, etc. to actively or passively drive the platform base 96. In addition, the motor 102 may be integral with or incorporated into the winch 104.

[0056] As described in detail below, the platform assembly 32 can receive a vehicle from the second ride path 12 ( Figure 2) a ride vehicle traveling in a first direction 99. After the ride vehicle 20 is secured to the platform base 96, the motor 102 may receive a control signal from the control system 50 that controls the current or voltage supplied to the vertical rails 98 to drive the rotation of the rollers 100 and the movement of the platform base 96. In this manner, the platform assembly 32 (specifically, the platform base 96) may transport the ride vehicle 20 vertically along the vertical axis 96. After vertically transporting the ride vehicle 20, the ride vehicle 20 may, for example, exit along direction 101 to the first ride path 12A ( Figure 2 ).

[0057] Figure 5 According to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 4 An expanded view of an embodiment of the platform assembly 32 and the alignment mechanism 110, the alignment mechanism 110 is configured to be Figure 4 The platform assembly 32 is aligned when supported Figure 3 The alignment mechanism 110 may include alignment pins 112 on the platform base 96 and openings 114 on the lower surface of the ride vehicle 20, such that each of the alignment pins 112 may engage with a corresponding opening 114. The alignment pins 112 may have a tapered profile extending vertically upward from the platform base 96 along the vertical axis 94, and the corresponding openings 114 may have a similar profile to engage with the alignment pins 112. The tapered profiles of the alignment pins 112 and the openings 114 may cooperate with each other to facilitate the transition from the ride path 12 (track) toward the platform assembly 32. The alignment mechanism 110 may facilitate maintaining contact between the platform base 96 and the (one or more) ride vehicles 20, and preventing the (one or more) ride vehicles 20 from sliding or rotating away from the platform assembly 32 (e.g., by rotating about the vertical axis 94, the longitudinal axis 90, and the transverse axis 92).

[0058] Although not shown, the fastening mechanism that fastens the ride vehicle 20 to the platform assembly 32 (eg, to the platform base 96) may be located on the platform base 96 and enhanced by the alignment mechanism 110. In an embodiment, the fastening mechanism of the platform assembly 32 may be integral with the alignment mechanism 110.

[0059] Figure 6 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 2 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a motion drive system 30 operating in the ride system 10 of FIG. The motion drive system 30 includes an embodiment of an upward drive pulley system 36 and a downward pulley drive system 38. It should be understood that Figure 6-8 The arrangement and dimensions of the various features in the vehicle are illustrated to facilitate discussion, and some features may be useful to passengers 22 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2) are hidden, for example, because these features can be located below ground level, behind walls, and so on.

[0060] With this in mind, the upward drive pulley system 36 can include a plurality of upward drive winches 150, a subset of which can be actuatable upward drive winches. The actuatable upward drive winches can receive a control signal that instructs the drive winches to rotate in a first rotational drive direction 152 and thereby drive the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20 (e.g., along the vertical axis 94) upwardly via movement of the drive pulley cable 158.

[0061] The downward drive pulley system 38 may include a plurality of downward drive winches 160, a subset of which may be actuatable downward drive winches. That is, the actuatable downward drive winches may receive a control signal indicating that the actuatable downward drive winches rotate in a second rotational drive direction 162, and thereby drive the downward movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20 (e.g., along the vertical axis 94) by the movement of the drive pulley cable 158. One or more of the plurality of upward drive winches may rotate freely in any direction (e.g., in the first direction 152 or the second direction 162). These freely rotatable winches may be associated with the upward drive pulley system 36, the downward drive pulley system 38, or both. Although the illustrated embodiment depicts the pulley cable 158 as being common to both the upward drive pulley system 36 and the downward drive pulley system 38, it should be understood that the upward drive pulley system 36 and the downward drive pulley system 38 may include respective pulley cables.

[0062] In addition, to prevent the upward drive pulley system 36 and the downward drive pulley system 38 from interfering with each other (e.g., working against each other), the motion drive system 30 can include any suitable adjustment device, such as a coupling system 170. The coupling system 170 can receive a control signal that causes the coupling system 170 to selectively engage with the upward drive winch 150 or the downward drive winch 160. For example, when the coupling system 170 engages the upward drive winch 150, the upward drive pulley system 36 can drive the upward movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20 (e.g., along the vertical axis 94). In another example, when the coupling system 170 engages the downward drive winch 160, the downward drive pulley system 38 can drive the downward movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20 (e.g., along the vertical axis 94).

[0063] The ride system 10 may include a counterweight mechanism 180 including a counterweight 182 and a counterweight pulley cable 184 that are movable via a counterweight winch 186. The counterweight mechanism 180 may be used to reduce the torque required to drive vertical movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20 by the upward drive winch 150 or the downward drive winch 160. In this way, the torque output required to drive vertical movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20 by the upward drive winch 150 or the downward drive winch 160 may be less than the torque output that would be required without the counterweight mechanism 180, thereby reducing the overall load on the upward drive winch 150 and the downward drive winch 160 during movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20. The counterweight mechanism 180 may be coupled to the platform assembly 32.

[0064] The ride system 10 may include a tensioning system 190 including one or more tensioning mechanisms 192 that may maintain the transfer of loads from the updrive capstan 150 and the downdrive capstan 160 to the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20. Examples of the tensioning mechanisms 192 include compact tensioners, structural tensioning cable assemblies, bow struts, bow tensioning fabric structure boundary cables, etc. The tensioning mechanisms 192 may (partially define or be) part of the pulley cables 158. Alternatively, the tensioning mechanisms 192 may be used in conjunction with the pulley cables 158.

[0065] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a motion drive system 30 configured to coordinate with Figure 2 The control system 50 may be configured to control the movement of the ride vehicle 20 in a ride environment 200 associated with the ride system 10 of the ride. In the illustrated ride environment 200, the platform assembly 32 may receive the ride vehicle 20 from the ride path 12. After instructing the ride vehicle 20 to stop on the platform assembly 32, the control system 50 may send a first control signal to the upward drive pulley system 36 (to drive upward movement) or to the downward drive pulley system 38 (to drive downward movement), and send a second control signal to the first entertainment performance 40A or the second entertainment performance 40B, so that the movement of the ride vehicle 20 is coordinated with the entertainment performance 40. As described above, the entertainment performance 40 may include visual projections, screens configured to display related thematic content, a group of multiple actors performing a skit, an enhanced visualization experience, or any combination thereof. As illustrated, the first entertainment performance 40A is on the first level 212, and the second entertainment performance 40B is on the second level 214.

[0066] For example, when the ride vehicle 20 is defined between the first level 212 and the second level 214 (e.g., as determined by the control system 50 based on information from the sensor assembly 51 ( Figure 1 ), the control system 50 may send a second signal to the first entertainment performance 40A to perform the first performance. The control system 50 may instruct the motion drive system 30 to drive the upward or downward movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20. When the ride vehicle 20 is positioned within the first vertical distance range 202, the control system 50 may also actuate the turntable, yaw drive system, or any experience-enhancing motion-based platform to allow the ride passengers 22 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) of the cabin relative to the chassis and performing the first show, thereby further enhancing the ride experience. For example, the experience-enhanced motion-based platform can rotate and tilt the cabin relative to the chassis about the lateral axis 92 to better orient the ride passengers 22 toward the first show. The motion drive system 30 can cause the ride vehicle 20 to traverse the first vertical distance range 202 in any suitable amount of time (e.g., three seconds, five seconds, ten seconds, etc.). When the ride vehicle 20 is operating within the first vertical distance range 202, the second show can include elements on any space within the first vertical distance range 202 (such as on a wall, on the floor of the first level 212, on the roof (e.g., the underside of the second level 214), in the air, etc.).

[0067] When the ride vehicle 20 is positioned or operated within the second vertical distance range 204 defined by the space above the second level 214 (e.g., as determined by the control system 50 based on feedback from the sensor assembly 51), the control system 50 may send a second signal to the second entertainment performance 40B to perform the second performance. In response to the control system 50 instructing the motion drive system 30 to drive the upward or downward movement of the platform assembly 32 and the ride vehicle 20, and when the ride vehicle 20 is positioned within the second vertical distance range 204, the control system 50 may actuate the turntable, yaw drive system, or any experience-enhancing motion-based platform that allows movement of the cabin accommodating the ride passengers 22 relative to the chassis in addition to performing the second performance, thereby further enhancing the ride experience. For example, the experience-enhancing motion-based platform may rotate and tilt the cabin relative to the chassis about the lateral axis 92 to expose the ride passengers 22 to the second performance. The motion drive system 30 may cause the ride vehicle 20 to traverse the second vertical distance range 204 in any suitable amount of time (e.g., three seconds, five seconds, ten seconds, etc.). When the ride vehicle 20 operates within the second vertical distance range 204, the second show may include elements on any space within the second vertical distance range 204 (such as on a wall, on the floor of the second level 214, on a roof, in the air, etc.).

[0068] It should be understood that while in the illustrated embodiment, the ride environment 200 includes two levels with entertainment performances 40 at each level, in another embodiment, the ride system 10 may include any number of levels defining any number of vertical distance ranges. For example, the ride system 10 may include three levels, four levels, five levels, etc.

[0069] Figure 8 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 6 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a motion drive system configured to coordinate motion in another ride environment 220. As illustrated, a level (on which a first entertainment performance and a second entertainment performance are presented) may include a portion of a ride path 12 (on which a ride vehicle 20 may travel). For example, a first entertainment performance 40A may be located on a first level that includes the first ride path 12A. As illustrated, the platform assembly 32 may receive a ride vehicle 20 from the first ride path 12A, and the control system 50 may instruct the platform assembly 32 to stop and secure the ride vehicle 20. Thereafter, the ride vehicle 20 may be vertically displaced by the motion drive system 30. After the motion drive system 30 vertically displaces the ride vehicle 20, the control system 50 may instruct the motion drive system 30 to stop at a position where the platform assembly 32 may further define the first ride path 12A, so that the ride vehicle 20 may be separated from the platform assembly 32 and continue along the first ride path 12A while the first entertainment performance 40A continues to present the first show. That is, the first entertainment show 40A may perform the first show when the ride vehicle 20 is within the first vertical distance range 202 or when the ride vehicle 20 leaves the platform assembly 32 and continues to travel along the first ride path 12A.

[0070] In addition, the motion drive system 30 can transport the ride vehicle 20 from the first ride path 12A to the second ride path 12B. After the motion drive system 30 vertically displaces the ride vehicle 20, the control system 50 can instruct the motion drive system 30 to stop at a position where the platform assembly 32 can further define the second ride path 12B, so that the ride vehicle 20 can be separated from the platform assembly 32 and go out onto the second ride path 12B, while the second entertainment performance 40B continues to present the second performance. That is, when the ride vehicle 20 is within the second vertical distance range 204 or when the ride vehicle 20 leaves the platform assembly 32 and continues to travel along the second ride path 12B, the second entertainment performance 40B can perform the second performance.

[0071] Although only certain features of the disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0072] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to substantial objects and specific examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the art and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. In addition, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "steps for [performing] ... [function]", it is intended that such elements be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f).

Claims

1. An amusement park ride system, the ride system being configured to control movement of a ride vehicle, the amusement park ride system comprising: a platform assembly configured to receive a ride vehicle of the amusement park ride system; an upward drive pulley system coupled to the platform assembly and configured to drive movement of the platform assembly upwardly along a vertical axis oriented along a gravity vector; as well as a down-drive pulley system coupled to the platform assembly and configured to drive movement of the platform assembly downwardly along the vertical axis; as well as and a clutch system configured to selectively engage the upward drive pulley system and the downward drive pulley system, wherein when the clutch system engages the upward drive pulley system, movement of the platform assembly is restricted to an upward direction along the vertical axis, and wherein when the clutch system engages the downward drive pulley system, movement of the platform assembly is restricted to a downward direction along the vertical axis.

2. The amusement park ride system according to claim 1, comprising: a control system communicatively coupled to the platform assembly, the upward drive pulley system, and the downward drive pulley system, wherein the control system includes a processing circuit and a memory circuit having instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions are configured to be executed by the processing circuit, and wherein the instructions are configured to cause the processing circuit to: instructing a fastening device of the platform assembly to fasten the ride vehicle to the platform assembly; In response to determining that the securing device secures the ride vehicle to the platform assembly, selectively actuating an upward drive capstan of the upward drive pulley system and selectively actuating a downward drive capstan of the downward drive pulley system, thereby controlling movement of the platform assembly and movement of the ride vehicle; and The ride vehicle is allowed to exit from the platform assembly by disengaging the securing device.

3. The amusement park ride system of claim 1, wherein: The updrive pulley system includes an updrive winch drivingly coupled to an updrive pulley cable, and wherein the updrive winch is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction to upwardly drive movement of the platform assembly; and The downdrive pulley system includes a downdrive winch drivingly coupled to a downdrive pulley cable, and wherein the downdrive winch is configured to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction to downwardly drive movement of the platform assembly.

4. The amusement park ride system of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of entertainment performances are visible to ride passengers in response to movement of the upward drive pulley system driving the platform assembly upward and movement of the downward drive pulley system driving the platform assembly downward.

5. The amusement park ride system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of entertainment presentations include visual projections, screens configured to display related themed content, enhanced visualization experiences, or any combination thereof.

6. The amusement park ride system of claim 1 , wherein a first of a plurality of entertainment shows is positioned on a first level, wherein a second of the plurality of entertainment shows is positioned on a second level, and wherein the second level is vertically positioned higher than the first level, and wherein the amusement park ride system is configured to transition the platform assembly between the first level and the second level.

7. The amusement park ride system of claim 6, wherein the first entertainment show is maintained invisible to ride passengers while the ride passengers are exposed to the second entertainment show, and wherein the second entertainment show is maintained invisible to ride passengers while the ride passengers are exposed to the first entertainment show.

8. The amusement park ride system of claim 1, wherein the platform assembly is configured to receive the ride vehicle from a first ride path, and wherein the platform assembly is configured to allow the ride vehicle to exit toward a second ride path.

9. An amusement park ride system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second ride path is positioned at a level above the first ride path, and wherein the upward drive pulley system is configured to transport the ride vehicle from the first ride path to the second ride path through the upward drive movement of the platform assembly.

10. The amusement park ride system of claim 1, wherein the platform assembly is configured to be driven upward and downward to expose ride passengers to a plurality of entertainment shows, and wherein entertainment shows in the plurality of entertainment shows are positioned at different vertical levels relative to each other.

11. A method for controlling the motion of a ride vehicle of an amusement park ride system, comprising: positioning and securing a ride vehicle on a platform assembly drivingly coupled to a motion drive system, wherein the platform assembly is configured to receive the ride vehicle, wherein the motion drive system includes an upward drive pulley system configured to drive movement of the platform assembly upwardly along a vertical axis and a downward drive pulley system configured to drive movement of the platform assembly downwardly along the vertical axis, the vertical axis being oriented along a gravity vector; as well as coordinating movement of the ride vehicle with a plurality of entertainment performances positioned at corresponding levels by vertically displacing the platform assembly; wherein coordinating the movement of the ride vehicle includes instructing a first entertainment show of the plurality of entertainment shows to perform a first show in response to the ride vehicle being positioned within a first vertical distance range; wherein coordinating the movement of the ride vehicle includes instructing a second entertainment show of the plurality of entertainment shows to perform a second show in response to the ride vehicle being positioned within a second vertical distance range; wherein the second vertical distance range is greater than the first vertical distance range; wherein the ride vehicle is configured to transition from the first vertical distance range to the second vertical distance range in response to movement of the upward drive pulley system to drive the platform assembly upward, and wherein an engager system is configured to selectively engage the upward drive pulley system to restrict movement of the ride vehicle to an upward direction along the vertical axis; and wherein the ride vehicle is configured to transition from the second vertical distance range to the first vertical distance range in response to movement of the downdrive pulley system to drive the platform assembly downward, and wherein the engager system is configured to selectively engage the downdrive pulley system to limit movement of the ride vehicle to a downward direction along the vertical axis.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein positioning and securing the ride vehicle on the platform assembly includes receiving the ride vehicle from a first ride path on a first level.

13. The method according to claim 11, comprising: After driving movement of the platform assembly upward from a first level to a second level, the ride vehicle is directed via a control system to exit from the platform assembly onto a second ride path located on the second level above the first level.

14. The method of claim 11, comprising instructing an actuator of the ride vehicle via a control system to drive movement of a cabin of the ride vehicle relative to a chassis of the ride vehicle, wherein the cabin is configured to accommodate a ride passenger, and wherein movement of the cabin relative to the chassis causes the ride passenger to move relative to the chassis along or around a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, or a vertical axis.

15. An amusement park ride system, the ride system being configured to control movement of a ride vehicle, the amusement park ride system comprising: a ride vehicle of the amusement park ride system, the ride vehicle being configured to transport ride passengers; as well as Motion drive system, including: a platform assembly, the platform assembly comprising a roller assembly configured to effect movement of the platform assembly; an upward drive pulley system drivingly coupled to the platform assembly and configured to drive movement of the platform assembly upwardly along a vertical axis oriented along a gravity vector; and a down drive pulley system drivingly coupled to the platform assembly and configured to downwardly drive movement of the platform assembly along the vertical axis; and and a clutch system configured to selectively engage the upward drive pulley system and the downward drive pulley system, wherein when the clutch system engages the upward drive pulley system, movement of the platform assembly is restricted to an upward direction along the vertical axis, and wherein when the clutch system engages the downward drive pulley system, movement of the platform assembly is restricted to a downward direction along the vertical axis.

16. The amusement park ride system of claim 15, comprising: a control system communicatively coupled to the platform assembly, the upward drive pulley system, and the downward drive pulley system, wherein the control system includes a processing circuit and a memory circuit, the memory circuit being configured to have instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions are configured to be executed by the processing circuit, and wherein the instructions are configured to cause the processing circuit to: instructing the ride vehicle to decelerate onto the platform assembly before stopping at a target location on the platform assembly; instructing a securing device to secure the ride vehicle to the platform assembly at the target location; selectively actuating an upward drive capstan of the upward drive pulley system and selectively actuating a downward drive capstan of the downward drive pulley system, thereby controlling movement of the platform assembly and movement of the ride vehicle, in response to determining that the securing device secures the ride vehicle to the platform assembly; as well as The ride vehicle is allowed to exit from the platform assembly by disengaging the securing device after the selective actuation is completed.

17. The amusement park ride system of claim 15, wherein a first of a plurality of entertainment performances is positioned on a first level, wherein a second of a plurality of entertainment performances is positioned on a second level, wherein the second level is vertically positioned higher than the first level, and wherein the amusement park ride system is configured to transition the platform assembly between the first level and the second level.

18. The amusement park ride system of claim 17, wherein the first entertainment show is maintained invisible to the ride passengers while the ride passengers are exposed to the second entertainment show, and wherein the second entertainment show is maintained invisible to the ride passengers while the ride passengers are exposed to the first entertainment show.

19. The amusement park ride system of claim 15, wherein the platform assembly is configured to be driven upward and downward to expose the ride passengers to a plurality of entertainment shows, and wherein the entertainment shows in the plurality of entertainment shows are positioned at different vertical levels relative to each other.

20. The amusement park ride system of claim 19, wherein the plurality of entertainment presentations include visual projections, screens configured to display related themed content, enhanced visualization experiences, or any combination thereof.

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