Maintenance system and method for wheel assemblies of amusement ride vehicles

Abstract

A maintenance assembly for a wheel assembly of an amusement ride vehicle includes a base body, a wheel engagement portion extending a first distance from the base body, and a reference portion including a protrusion extending a second distance from the base body. The wheel engagement portion is configured to contact a wheel surface of the wheel assembly, and the reference portion is configured to contact a pad of the wheel assembly. Furthermore, the wheel engagement portion is rigidly positioned relative to the reference portion, and the second distance is greater than the first distance, such that the maintenance assembly provides a fixed distance between the surface of the reference portion configured to contact the pad and the surface of the wheel engagement portion configured to contact the wheel surface.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 944,012, filed December 5, 2019, entitled “MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR A WHEEL ASSEMBLY OF AN AMUSEMENT RIDE VEHICLE”, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a maintenance system and method, and more particularly, to a maintenance system and method for an amusement ride vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] In some cases, an amusement ride may include a ride vehicle and a ride track. The ride vehicle may include wheels coupled to the ride track, such as the rail of the ride track. During operation, the wheels may move along the ride track, which may result in wheel wear and / or displacement relative to other areas of the ride vehicle, such as other areas of the wheel assembly and / or the body of the ride vehicle. To account for wheel wear and displacement, the wheels are typically adjusted when coupled to the ride track. In some cases, the ride vehicle is moved to one or more other tracks, such as alternative tracks within a maintenance area, and the wheels are adjusted when coupled to the alternative tracks. However, it is now recognized that adjusting the wheels when coupled to the ride track and / or alternative tracks may impede access to certain areas of the ride vehicle, such as the area of ​​the wheels or the area of ​​the wheel assembly in general. Furthermore, it is now recognized that moving the ride vehicle from the ride track to an alternative ride track can be a time-intensive process, which may delay the maintenance of the ride vehicle.

[0005] This section aims to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may relate to the aspects described and / or claimed below. This discussion is intended 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 should be interpreted in this context and not as an admission of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Certain embodiments commensurate with the scope of the disclosed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, but rather are intended to provide only a brief overview of some of the disclosed embodiments. In practice, this disclosure may include various forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0007] In one embodiment, a maintenance component for a wheel assembly of an amusement ride vehicle includes a base body, a wheel engagement portion extending a first distance from the base body, and a reference portion including a protrusion extending a second distance from the base body. The wheel engagement portion is configured to contact a wheel surface of the wheel assembly, and the reference portion is configured to contact a pad of the wheel assembly. Furthermore, the wheel engagement portion is rigidly positioned relative to the reference portion, and the second distance is greater than the first distance, such that the maintenance component provides a fixed distance between the surface of the reference portion configured to contact the pad and the surface of the wheel engagement portion configured to contact the wheel surface.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method of maintaining an amusement ride vehicle includes exposing the wheels of the amusement ride vehicle by positioning the wheels disengaged from the track, setting a reference portion extending from the base body of a handheld maintenance component against a pad coupled to the wheels, and adjusting the bushing coupled to the wheels until the wheel surface contacts the track portion extending from the base body of the handheld maintenance component, while the reference portion is set against the pad to provide a fixed distance between the pad and the surface of the wheel.

[0009] In one embodiment, a maintenance template for a wheel assembly of an amusement ride vehicle includes a base body having an elongated geometry defined by a length of the base body greater than its width; a wheel engagement portion extending a first distance from an end portion of the base body in a direction transverse to the length of the base body; and a reference portion including a protrusion extending a second distance from the base body. The wheel engagement portion has a track-corresponding geometry, and the wheel assembly is configured to traverse the track such that the wheel engagement portion is configured to contact the wheel of the wheel assembly at a first contact position. Furthermore, the reference portion is configured to contact a pad of the wheel assembly at a second contact position. The second distance is greater than the first distance, providing an offset distance between the first and second contact positions. Attached Figure Description

[0010] 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, in which the same symbols denote the same parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1This is a perspective view of an embodiment of an amusement ride system having a ride vehicle and maintenance components according to one aspect of this disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 This is based on one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment in which the wheel assembly and maintenance assembly engage with each other;

[0013] Figure 3 It is set up according to one aspect of this disclosure Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a maintenance component within a wheel assembly;

[0014] Figure 4 This is based on one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the maintenance components;

[0015] Figure 5 This is based on one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 1 A side view of an embodiment of the maintenance components;

[0016] Figure 6 This is based on one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 1 A top view of an embodiment of the maintenance components;

[0017] Figure 7 This is a side view of an embodiment of a maintenance assembly having an extension in an extended position according to one aspect of this disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 8 It is for the purpose of maintaining one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the process of riding in a vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0019] One or more specific embodiments will now be described. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be understood that, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as adhering to system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary with different implementations. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but will remain a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those of ordinary skill in the art who will benefit from this disclosure.

[0020] When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” 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 the listed elements. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments also incorporated into the described features.

[0021] Some embodiments of this disclosure include maintenance systems and / or methods for amusement ride vehicles. For example, the maintenance system may include a maintenance assembly (e.g., a maintenance template) for a wheel assembly of an amusement ride vehicle. The maintenance assembly may include a base body, a wheel engagement portion extending a first distance from the base body, and a reference portion extending a second distance from the base body, such that the maintenance assembly provides a fixed distance from the surfaces of the reference portion and the wheel engagement portion. The wheel engagement portion may be configured to contact the wheel surface of the wheel assembly, and the reference portion may be configured to contact a pad of the wheel assembly coupled to the wheel. The wheel of the wheel assembly may be adjusted relative to the pad such that the maintenance assembly provides a fixed distance between the surface of the pad and the wheel surface of the wheel assembly.

[0022] Therefore, maintenance personnel can use the maintenance component to adjust the wheel assembly and maintain a fixed distance within the wheel assembly. This fixed distance provides clearance between the wheel assembly's padding and the ride track as the wheel assembly couples to and / or moves along the ride track. In this way, maintenance time for the wheel assembly and the ride vehicle as a whole can be reduced compared to conventional embodiments. For example, instead of moving the ride vehicle from one ride track to one or more alternative ride tracks for maintenance, the ride vehicle can be removed from the ride track, exposing the wheel assembly. The maintenance component can be positioned within the exposed wheel assembly to allow for wheel adjustment and provide a fixed distance within the wheel assembly. In some embodiments, the maintenance component can be a lightweight, handheld maintenance component (e.g., between a quarter (0.25) kg and twenty (20) kg) to allow maintenance personnel easy handling of the maintenance component and its movement into and out of the wheel assembly. Therefore, the maintenance component can facilitate maintenance of the wheel assembly and the ride vehicle as a whole. To achieve this lightweight design, the maintenance component can be made wholly or partially of plastic and may include hollow features.

[0023] In light of the foregoing, this embodiment relating to the maintenance system and / or method for wheel assemblies of amusement ride vehicles can be used in any amusement ride or attraction system. For example, Figure 1This is a perspective view of an embodiment of an amusement ride system 10 having a maintenance component 12, ride vehicles 14 (e.g., amusement ride vehicles), and a ride track 16. The ride vehicles 14 are coupled to the track 18 of the ride track 16. In some embodiments, the amusement ride system 10 may include additional ride vehicles 14, and / or the ride vehicles 14 may be connected to form a chain or train of ride vehicles 14 along the ride track 16. In some embodiments, each ride vehicle 14 may be disconnected and can move independently. The ride vehicles 14 may carry one or more guests through the amusement ride system 10. For example, the amusement ride system 10 may be a roller coaster, which includes ride vehicles 14 traveling at high speeds (e.g., 50-100 mph) for the entertainment of participating guests. In other embodiments, the amusement ride system 10 may be a slow-moving ride, which includes ride vehicles 14 traveling at low speeds (e.g., 1-30 mph).

[0024] The ride-on vehicle 14 includes wheel assemblies 20 (e.g., bogie assemblies) and a vehicle 22 coupled to the wheel assemblies 20. The vehicle 22 can be configured to carry passengers through the ride-on system 10. As illustrated, the ride-on vehicle 14 includes two wheel assemblies 20 that engage with rails 18 of the ride track 16. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle 14 may include more or fewer wheel assemblies 20 (e.g., one wheel assembly 20, three wheel assemblies 20, four wheel assemblies 20, six wheel assemblies 20, ten wheel assemblies 20). In some embodiments, the ride track 16 may include more or fewer rails 18 (e.g., one rail 18, three rails 18, four rails 18, six rails 18). (See also: Regarding...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 In more detail, the wheel assembly 20 may include one or more wheels that allow the ride vehicle 14 to move along the track 18 (such as in the direction 24 along the ride track 16) during operation and / or maintenance of the ride system 10. For example, the ride track 16 may be located in the riding area of ​​the ride system 10 (e.g., the area where the ride vehicle 14 is configured to carry passengers) and / or the maintenance area of ​​the ride system 10 (e.g., the area where the ride vehicle 14 or a portion thereof may be maintained).

[0025] The wheel can be coupled to the pad of wheel assembly 20 and can provide an offset distance (e.g., gap) between the pad and the track 18 when wheel assembly 20 engages with track 18. As wheel assembly 20 moves along ride track 16, such as during normal operation of the amusement ride system 10, the wheel of wheel assembly 20 may experience wear and / or may move relative to other areas of wheel assembly 20. Wear and / or relative movement of the wheel may cause a change in the offset distance between the wheel and the pad of wheel assembly 20, thereby altering the distance / gap between the pad and track 18 when wheel assembly 20 engages with track 18.

[0026] During maintenance (e.g., routine and / or periodic maintenance) of the ride vehicle 14, some or all of the wheel assemblies 20 may be detached from and / or removed from the rails 18, thereby exposing the wheels of the wheel assembly 20. In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 14 may be supported by another structure of the amusement ride system 10 when detached from the rails 18. The maintenance assembly 12 is configured to provide a reference / datum structure for adjusting the wheels of the wheel assembly 20 and maintaining an offset distance between the pads of the exposed wheel assembly 20 and the wheels. For example, the maintenance assembly includes a base body 30, a wheel engagement portion 32 coupled to and extending therefrom the base body 30 (e.g., a rail portion), and a reference portion 34 coupled to and extending therefrom the base body 30. The reference portion 34 may extend further from the base body 30 than the wheel engagement portion 32 to provide a fixed distance (e.g., a fixed lateral distance) between the surface 36 of the wheel engagement portion 32 and the surface 38 of the reference portion 34. The maintenance component 12 may be configured to abut against / within the exposed wheel assembly 20 such that one or more wheel engagement portions 32 (e.g., one or more surfaces 36 of the wheel engagement portion 32) engage / contact one or more corresponding wheels of the wheel assembly 20 and / or a reference portion 34 (e.g., surface 38 of the reference portion 34) engages / contacts a pad of the wheel assembly 20. In some embodiments, only one or more wheel engagement portions 32 may contact the corresponding wheels of the wheel assembly 20, or only the reference portion 34 may contact the pad of the wheel assembly 20 (e.g., due to movement and / or wear of the wheels relative to the pad). The wheels may be adjusted relative to the pad until both the pad and the wheels contact the maintenance component 12, thereby establishing / maintaining a fixed distance within the wheel assembly 20 (e.g., between the pad and the wheels).

[0027] As illustrated, the wheel engagement portions 32 are curved to generally mimic the curved shape of the track 18 (e.g., each wheel engagement portion 32 is an interface of the track shape). For example, each wheel engagement portion 32 includes a curved surface that can engage complementary surfaces of the wheel assembly 20. In some embodiments, the wheel engagement portions 32 may be flat or other suitable shapes. For purposes of discussion, reference may be made to the longitudinal axis or direction 40, the vertical axis or direction 42, and the transverse axis or direction 44. For example, the direction 24 of travel of the vehicle 14 may generally be along the longitudinal axis 40. Furthermore, the track 18 and / or maintenance assembly 12 (e.g., the length of the maintenance assembly 12) may generally extend along the longitudinal axis 40. The wheel engagement portions 32 and the reference portion 34 generally extend from the base body 30 along the transverse axis 44. It should be understood that the axes 40, 42, and 44 illustrated (as depicted in the figures) are generally positioned offset from the relevant system components to facilitate viewing and understanding of the directional aspects of the disclosed features. However, a reference to a feature positioned or traveling along a specific axis will be understood to mean an axis generally aligned with the relevant feature and / or generally parallel to the reference axis. Furthermore, rigorous mathematical interpretations would be too limiting, as these interpretations are intended to aid in understanding the positioning within a range or relative to other components, such as from the perspective of system tolerances.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the maintenance component 12, which is configured to abut against / be within the wheel assembly 20. As shown, the wheel assembly 20 includes a body structure 60 configured to... Figure 1 The vehicle 22 of the passenger carrier 14 and / or other areas of the passenger carrier 14 engage. Furthermore, the wheel assembly 20 includes a load wheel 62 coupled to the body structure 60 (one load wheel 62 is shown for clarity, and the other load wheel 62 is omitted), a guide wheel 64 (e.g., a side wheel) coupled to the body structure 60 (one guide wheel 64 is located behind the body structure 60 and is not visible), and a lower wheel 66 coupled to the body structure 60. The load wheel 62 is configured to engage / contact the rail 18, bear some or all of the load of the passenger carrier 14, and at least partially restrict the movement of the wheel assembly 20 relative to the rail 18 (e.g., downward movement along the vertical axis 42). The guide wheel 64 is configured to engage / contact the rail 18 and at least partially restrict the movement of the wheel assembly 20 relative to the rail 18 (e.g., movement along the lateral axis 44). The lower wheel 66 is configured to engage / contact the rail 18 and at least partially restrict the movement of the wheel assembly 20 relative to the rail 18 (e.g., upward movement along the vertical axis 42).

[0029] As shown, the maintenance component 12 is positioned against the wheel assembly 20. The wheel engagement portion 32 engages with the guide wheel 64 (e.g., surface 36 of the wheel engagement portion 32 engages with the wheel surface 68 of the guide wheel 64 at a first contact position). Furthermore, the reference portion 34 engages with a pad 70 (e.g., a bogie pad) of the body structure 60, which is coupled (e.g., rotatably coupled and / or adjustably coupled) to the guide wheel 64 (e.g., surface 38 of the reference portion 34 engages with the pad 70 at a second contact position).

[0030] As described above, the surface 36 of each wheel engagement portion 32 is set at a fixed distance (e.g., a fixed distance along the transverse axis 44) relative to the surface 38 of the reference portion 34. The guide wheel 64 can be adjusted relative to the body structure 60 such that the distance between the wheel surface 68 and the pad 70 (e.g., the distance along the transverse axis 44) generally matches the fixed distance of the maintenance assembly 12. For example, relative movement and / or wear of the guide wheel 64 relative to the body structure 60 may result in only the reference portion 34 engaging with the pad 70, or may result in only one or two wheel engagement portions 32 engaging with the corresponding guide wheel 64. Therefore, the guide wheel 64 can be adjusted relative to the body structure 60 to compensate for such wear and relative movement.

[0031] The wheel assembly 20 includes wheel extensions 72 coupled to the body structure 60 and corresponding guide wheels 64. Each wheel extension 72 can be adjusted (e.g., retracted or extended) to move the guide wheel 64 relative to the body structure 60 and maintain a fixed distance (e.g., a fixed distance along the lateral axis 44). For example, the wheel extension 72 may include pressurized hydraulic fluid, one or more springs, ratchet, and other suitable mechanisms configured to adjust the position of each guide wheel 64 relative to the body structure 60. Each guide wheel 64 may be rotatably coupled to the body structure 60 or otherwise coupled to the body structure 60 to allow this adjustment.

[0032] Furthermore, the wheel assembly 20 includes bushings 74 coupled to the body structure 60 and the shaft of each guide wheel 64. Each bushing 74 can be adjusted (e.g., rotated) to move the guide wheel 64 relative to the body structure 60 and maintain a fixed distance (e.g., a fixed distance along the transverse axis 44). For example, bushing 72 may be an eccentric bushing coupled to the shaft of the guide wheel 64. Bushing 74 can rotate in a first direction 76 to increase the offset distance between the guide wheel 64 and the pad 70, and can rotate in a second direction 78 to decrease the offset distance between the guide wheel 64 and the pad 70. In some embodiments, the first direction 76 and the second direction 78 can be interchanged, such that bushing 74 can rotate in the second direction 78 to increase the offset distance between the guide wheel 64 and the pad 70, and can rotate in the first direction 76 to decrease the offset distance between the guide wheel 64 and the pad 70. Adjustments to bushing 74 may be performed in addition to or instead of adjustments to wheel extension 72 to maintain a fixed distance (e.g., a fixed distance along lateral axis 44). In some embodiments, wheel extension 72 or bushing 74 may be omitted from wheel assembly 20.

[0033] In some embodiments, wheel assembly 20 may include other components and / or surfaces coupled to guide wheel 64, such that guide wheel 64 can be adjusted relative to these other components / surfaces to provide offset distance. For example, these other components may be a bracket of maintenance assembly 12 or another suitable component / surface. Reference portion 34 of maintenance assembly 12 may be used to adjust guide wheel 64 relative to other components / surfaces to provide offset distance between guide wheel 64 and other components / surfaces.

[0034] Although maintenance component 12 is described herein as providing a reference / datum structure for maintaining and adjusting guide wheel 64, maintenance component 12 or another suitable maintenance component can be used to adjust load wheel 62 and / or lower wheel 66. Load wheel 62 and / or lower wheel 66 may also wear and / or rotate relative to body structure 60, and maintenance component 12 can be used to adjust load wheel 62 and / or lower wheel 66 to compensate for such wear and relative rotation. For example, see reference below. Figure 7 In a more detailed description, the maintenance component 12 may include one or more extensions configured to adjust a fixed distance between the surface 36 of each wheel engagement portion 32 and the surface 38 of the reference portion 34.

[0035] Figure 3 It is set to lean against. Figure 2A side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the maintenance component 12 of the wheel assembly 20. As shown, the surface 38 of the reference portion 34 engages with the pad 70 of the body structure 60 of the wheel assembly 20. As described above, the wheel extension 72 and / or bushing 74 of the wheel assembly 20 can be adjusted until the reference portion 34 engages with the pad 70 and the wheel engagement portion 32 engages with the guide wheel 64 to provide a fixed lateral distance between the guide wheel 64 and the pad 70.

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the maintenance component 12. The maintenance component 12 includes grip portions 80 (e.g., two grip portions 80) disposed between each wheel engagement portion 32 and the base portion 34. In some embodiments, the maintenance component 12 may include more or fewer grip portions 80 (e.g., one grip portion 80, three grip portions 80, four grip portions 80). Each grip portion 80 is configured to allow a user to hold, move, grip, manipulate, and / or place the maintenance component 12. For example, each grip portion 80 includes a handle 82 formed by a hole 84 (e.g., a channel) extending along a transverse axis 44 through the maintenance component 12 (e.g., through the base body 30). The user can extend their hand, a portion of their hand, and / or a tool through the hole 84 of the handle 82 to grip the grip portion 80 (e.g., grip one or both grip portions 80). In the illustrated embodiment, each hole 84 extends through the maintenance component 12. In some embodiments, one or both holes 84 may extend only partially into the maintenance assembly 12 (e.g., along the lateral axis 44). In some embodiments, one or both holes 84 may be omitted, and a user may grip the grip portion 80 by wrapping their hands around the maintenance assembly 12. In some embodiments, one or both grip portions 80 may include additional handles, such as protrusions extending laterally from the base body 30 on the side of the maintenance assembly 12 generally opposite the wheel engagement portion 32 and the base portion 34 (e.g., the rear side of the maintenance assembly 12). In one embodiment, a handle may extend from one side of one or both holes 84 to a corresponding other side of one or both holes 84.

[0037] The reference portion 34 includes two protrusions 90 extending from a face 92 of the maintenance assembly 12 (e.g., a face configured to extend along / within the reference portion 34). A surface 38 (e.g., a surface 38 configured to engage / contact the pad 70 of the wheel assembly 20) is disposed on the respective protrusion 90. In some embodiments, the reference portion 34 may include more or fewer protrusions 90 (e.g., one protrusion 90, three protrusions 90, four protrusions 90). Furthermore, each protrusion 90 is generally rectangular, and the length of each protrusion 90 generally extends along the longitudinal axis 40. In other embodiments, one or more protrusions 90 may be shaped differently from the illustrated embodiment.

[0038] As described above, the maintenance component 12 can be lightweight to allow maintenance personnel to easily handle the component and move it into and out of the wheel assembly. For example, the weight of the maintenance component 12 can be between one-quarter (0.25) kg and one hundred (100.0) kg, between one-quarter (0.25) kg and twenty (20.0) kg, between one (1.0) kg and fifteen (15.0) kg, or other suitable weight. Furthermore, the maintenance component 12 can be integrally formed as a single structure (e.g., each of the base body 30, wheel engagement portion 32, reference portion 34, and grip portion 80 can be integrally formed as a single structure). For example, the maintenance component 12 can be a molded structure (e.g., formed via a molding process) or another suitable structure formed by another suitable process. In some embodiments, each of the base body 30, wheel engagement portion 32, reference portion 34, and grip portion 80 can be rigidly coupled / connected to each other. For example, the reference portion 34 can be rigidly disposed between the wheel engagement portions 32.

[0039] Figure 5 yes Figure 1A side view of an embodiment of the maintenance component 12. As shown, the base body 30 of the maintenance component 12 extends a distance 100 along the transverse axis 44. The distance 100 can be between fifty (50.0) millimeters (mm), ten (10.0) millimeters and one hundred (100.0) millimeters, or other suitable distances. Furthermore, each wheel engagement portion 32 extends a distance 102 from the base body 30 along the transverse axis 44 (e.g., transverse to the length of the base body 30). The distance 102 can be between ten (10.0) millimeters, four (4.0) millimeters and thirty (30.0) millimeters, six (6.0) millimeters and twenty (20.0) millimeters, or other suitable distances. Additionally, the reference portion 34 extends a distance 104 from the base body 30 along the transverse axis 44 (e.g., transverse to the length of the base body 30). The distance 104 can be between fifteen (15.0) millimeters (mm), ten (10.0) millimeters and forty (40.0) millimeters, or other suitable distances. In some embodiments, distance 102 may be greater than distance 104, such that the reference portion 34 extends further from the base body 30 than the wheel engagement portion 32, and the difference between distance 102 and distance 104 is generally equal to the fixed distance to be implemented between the guide wheel 64 and the pad 70 of the wheel assembly 20.

[0040] In some embodiments, the difference between distance 102 and distance 104 may generally be equal to the distance 106 by which the protrusion 90 extends from the face 92 of the maintenance assembly 12 (e.g., the height / length of the protrusion 90). For example, the face 92 may also extend a distance 102 from the base body 30 such that at least a portion of the surface 36 of each wheel engagement portion 32 and the face 92 form a continuous surface along the maintenance assembly 12.

[0041] As shown, the maintenance component includes a receiving portion 110 that extends along a transverse axis 44 into the base body 30 and is generally opposite to a reference portion 34. The receiving portion 110 can be configured to receive a clamp to secure the maintenance component 12 to the wheel assembly 20. For example, a first portion of the clamp can be disposed in and / or fixed to the receiving portion 110, and a second portion of the clamp can be fixed to the body structure 60 of the wheel assembly 20. Therefore, the receiving portion 110 allows the maintenance component 12 to be securely attached to the wheel assembly during maintenance operations, such as during the adjustment of the guide wheels 64. The receiving portion extends a distance 112 into the base body 30. The distance 112 can be between twenty-five (25.0) mm, fifteen (15.0) mm and forty (40.0) mm, or other suitable distances. Furthermore, the diameter 114 of the receiving portion 110 along the longitudinal axis 40 can be between forty (40.0) mm, twenty (25.0) mm and sixty (60.0) mm, or other suitable diameters.

[0042] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A top view of an embodiment of the maintenance component 12. The base body 30 and the maintenance component 12 generally extend a distance 120 (e.g., length) along a longitudinal axis 40. The distance 120 may be between forty-eight (25.0) centimeters (cm), twenty (20.0) centimeters and one hundred (100.0) centimeters, or other suitable distances. Furthermore, the base body 30 and the maintenance component 12 generally extend a distance 122 (e.g., width) along a vertical axis 42. The distance 122 may be between seventy-six (76.0) mm, fifty (50.0) mm and one hundred (100.0) mm, or other suitable distances. Thus, the base body 30 includes an elongated geometry defined by a length (e.g., distance 120) greater than the width (e.g., distance 122). In some embodiments, the distance 120 may be greater than the distance 122, such that the distance 120 is the width of the maintenance component 12, and the distance 122 is the length of the maintenance component 12.

[0043] Furthermore, each hole 84 of each gripping portion 80 includes a semicircle 130, which are connected to form the hole 84. The radius 132 of each semicircle 130 may be between nineteen (19.0) mm, ten (10.0) mm and forty (40.0) mm, or other suitable radii. Furthermore, the distance 134 between the centers 136 of each semicircle 130 may be between fifty (50.0) mm, thirty (30.0) mm and seventy (70.0) mm, or other suitable distances. Additionally, the center 136 of the semicircle 130 closest to the receiving portion 110 is offset from the center 138 of the receiving portion 110 by a distance 140. The distance 140 (e.g., the offset distance) may be between seventy-five (75.0) mm, fifty (50.0) mm and one hundred (100.0) mm, or other suitable distances. The distance 140 facilitates handling the maintenance component 12 (e.g., at the gripping portion 80) while clamping it to the wheel assembly 20 (e.g., at the receiving portion 110). For example, the distance 140 allows a user to hold the maintenance component 12 (e.g., against the wheel assembly 20) while simultaneously clamping the maintenance component 12 to both the wheel assembly 20 and the wheel assembly 20.

[0044] Figure 7This is a side view of an embodiment of the maintenance component 160, with the extension 162 of the base portion 164 in an extended position. As shown, the maintenance component 160 includes a base portion 164 configured to engage a pad 70 of the wheel assembly 20, wheel engagement portions 166 (e.g., rail portions) configured to engage guide wheels 64 of the wheel assembly 20, and grip portions 168 disposed between the base portion 164 and each wheel engagement portion 166. The extension 162 is coupled to a base body 170 of the maintenance component 160 and to a protrusion 172. The protrusion 172 may be configured to engage / contact the pad 70 of the wheel assembly 20. In some embodiments, the extension 162 may couple the base portion 164 to the base body 170 (e.g., the base portion 164 may include the protrusion 172, and the extension 162 may be omitted from the base portion 164). As shown, the base body 30 extends a distance 174 along a transverse axis 44. In addition, the maintenance component 160 includes a receiving portion 176 configured to receive a clamp for securing the maintenance component 160 to the wheel assembly 20.

[0045] Each extension 162 may be adjustable (e.g., configured to move) along the transverse axis 44 and relative to the base body 170 to adjust a distance 180 (e.g., offset distance) between the surface 182 of the protrusion 172 and the base body 170. For example, the distance 180 may be adjusted based on actuation of the extension 162 within orifices 186 formed along / within the reference portion 164 and / or along / within the base body 170. In some embodiments, each extension 162 may be a screw coupled to the base body 170 and the protrusion 172, such that the extension 162 is configured to rotate (e.g., screw into or out of the base body 170 or the protrusion 172) to adjust the distance 180. Additionally or alternatively, the extension 162 may include other mechanisms configured to provide adjustment of the distance 180, such as pressurized hydraulic fluid, spring pins configured to engage slots laterally disposed along the base body 170, and other suitable mechanisms. The extension 162 may be adjustable to adjust the distance 180 between ten (10.0) mm and ten (10.0) cm, between twenty (20.0) mm and fifty (50.0) mm, or other suitable distances. Additionally, markings may be provided on the visible portion of the extension 162 to indicate the extension distance, facilitating configuration at the desired extension distance. As illustrated, the maintenance assembly 160 includes two extensions 162. In other embodiments, the maintenance assembly 160 may include more or fewer extensions 162 (e.g., one extension 162, three extensions 162, four extensions 162).

[0046] The adjustable distance 180 allows the maintenance component 160 to be used for multiple / different wheels of the wheel assembly. For example, as described above, the wheel assembly 20 includes a load wheel 62, a guide wheel 64, and a lower wheel 66. Each of the load wheel 62, guide wheel 64, and lower wheel 66 can be offset from a corresponding pad of the body structure 60 by a different distance. Therefore, the extension 162 of the maintenance component 160 can be adjusted to change the distance 180 so that the distance 180 matches the offset distance of any of the load wheel 62, guide wheel 64, lower wheel 66, and / or other suitable wheels of the amusement vehicle, thereby facilitating maintenance adjustments of these wheels.

[0047] Figure 8 It is used for maintenance Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the process 200 for riding in the vehicle 14. The illustrated process 200 is provided by way of example only, and in other embodiments, certain illustrated steps of process 200 may be performed in a different order, skipped, or repeated according to this disclosure.

[0048] As shown in the figure, in process block 202, the wheels of the ride vehicle 14 are exposed by positioning the wheels to disengage from engagement with the track 18 of the ride system 10. For example, the ride vehicle 14 can be moved from the track 18 to another support structure that can support the ride vehicle 14. The exposed wheels may include the load wheel 62, guide wheel 64, and / or lower wheel 66 of the wheel assembly 20. Some or all of the wheel assembly 20 may be exposed (e.g., detached from the track 18).

[0049] In process block 204, a reference portion of the maintenance component extending from the base body of the maintenance component is adjusted relative to the base body until the reference portion extends a fixed distance from the base body. For example, the extension 162 of the maintenance component 160 can be adjusted until a distance 180 (e.g., the lateral distance between the base body 170 and the surface 182 of the protrusion 172) extends a fixed / specific distance. The fixed distance can be based on the type of wheel to be adjusted. For example, the fixed distance can be different for the load wheel 62, guide wheel 64, and / or lower wheel 66 of the wheel assembly 20.

[0050] In process block 206, the reference portion of the maintenance component is configured to abut against a pad of the wheel coupled to the wheel assembly, and / or the wheel engagement portion of the maintenance component is configured to abut against the wheel surface. For example, the reference portion 34 of the maintenance component 12 may be configured to abut against a pad 70 of the guide wheel 64 coupled to the wheel assembly 20, and / or the wheel engagement portion 32 of the maintenance component 12 may be configured to abut against the wheel surface 68 of the guide wheel 64. Alternatively, the reference portion 164 of the maintenance component 160 may be configured to abut against a pad 70 of the guide wheel 64 coupled to the wheel assembly 20, and / or the wheel engagement portion 166 of the maintenance component 166 may be configured to abut against the wheel surface 68 of the guide wheel 64. In some embodiments, the reference portion 34 of the maintenance component 12 or the reference portion 164 of the maintenance component 160 may be configured to abut against a pad of the body structure 60 coupled to the load wheel 62 or the lower wheel 66, and / or the reference portion 34 of the maintenance component 12 or the reference portion 164 of the maintenance component 160 may be configured to abut against the load wheel 62 or the lower wheel 66.

[0051] In process block 208, the maintenance component is clamped to the wheel assembly. For example, a clamp may be inserted into the receiving portion 110 of the maintenance component 12 or the receiving portion 176 of the maintenance component 160 to secure the maintenance component 12 or the maintenance component 160 to the wheel assembly 20.

[0052] In process block 210, the wheel extension and / or bushing coupled to the wheel are adjusted until the wheel surface of the wheel contacts the wheel engagement portion and the reference portion contacts the pad, to provide a fixed lateral distance between the pad and the wheel surface. For example, the wheel extension 72 coupled to the guide wheel 64 can be adjusted until the pad 70 contacts / engages the reference portion 34 of the maintenance assembly 12 and the wheel surface 68 of the guide wheel 64 contacts / engages the wheel engagement portion 32 of the maintenance assembly 12. In some embodiments, the wheel extension 72 coupled to the guide wheel 64 can be adjusted until the pad 70 contacts / engages the reference portion 164 of the maintenance assembly 160 and the wheel surface 68 of the guide wheel 64 contacts / engages the wheel engagement portion 166 of the maintenance assembly 160. Thus, the wheel extension 72 can be adjusted using the maintenance assembly 12 and / or the maintenance assembly 160 to provide a fixed lateral distance between the pad 70 and the guide wheel 64.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, the bushing 74 coupled to the guide wheel 64 can be adjusted (e.g., rotated) until the pad 70 contacts / engages the reference portion 34 of the maintenance assembly 12 and the wheel surface 68 of the guide wheel 64 contacts / engages the wheel engagement portion 32 of the maintenance assembly 12. In some embodiments, the bushing 74 coupled to the guide wheel 64 can be adjusted until the pad 70 contacts / engages the reference portion 164 of the maintenance assembly 160 and the wheel surface 68 of the guide wheel 64 contacts / engages the wheel engagement portion 166 of the maintenance assembly 160. Thus, the bushing 74 can be adjusted using the maintenance assembly 12 and / or the maintenance assembly 160 to provide a fixed lateral distance between the pad 70 and the guide wheel 64. Process 200 or certain steps thereof can be repeated for each wheel or group of wheels in the wheel assembly 20.

[0054] therefore, Figure 1 The maintenance components 12 and 160 of the amusement ride system 10 facilitate the maintenance of the wheel assembly 20 of the ride vehicle 14. For example, the maintenance components 12 and 160 can be positioned against the wheel assembly 20, and the wheel extension 72 and / or bushing 74 of the wheel assembly 20 can be adjusted to adjust the position of the guide wheel 64. This adjustment of the guide wheel 64 can compensate for wear and / or rotation of the guide wheel 64 that may occur during maintenance and / or operation of the amusement ride system 10. Furthermore, the maintenance components 12 and 160 can be lightweight and compact, such that each can be a handheld component that can be easily manipulated by a user. Therefore, the maintenance components 12 and 160 can facilitate the maintenance of the ride vehicle 14 and can reduce the maintenance time of the ride vehicle 14.

[0055] While only certain features of this disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure.

[0056] The techniques proposed and claimed herein are referenced and applied to actual objects and concrete examples of practical nature, which significantly improve upon the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, 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]”, it is intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended not to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f).

Claims

1. A maintenance component for a wheel assembly of an amusement ride vehicle, the wheel assembly including a pad and at least one adjustable wheel coupled to the pad, the maintenance component comprising: Basic ontology; At least one wheel engagement portion extending a first distance from the base body, wherein each wheel engagement portion of the at least one wheel engagement portion is configured to contact a corresponding wheel surface of the wheel assembly; and A reference portion, the reference portion including a protrusion extending a second distance from the base body and configured to contact the pad of the wheel assembly, wherein the at least one wheel engagement portion is rigidly positioned relative to the reference portion, and the second distance is greater than the first distance, such that the maintenance component provides a fixed distance between the surface of the reference portion configured to contact the pad and the surface of the at least one wheel engagement portion configured to contact the respective wheel surface.

2. The maintenance component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The at least one wheel engagement portion includes a first rail-shaped interface configured to contact a first wheel and a second rail-shaped interface configured to contact a second wheel, wherein the reference portion is rigidly disposed between the first rail-shaped interface and the second rail-shaped interface.

3. The maintenance component of claim 1, further comprising a gripping portion disposed between the reference portion and each wheel engagement portion of the at least one wheel engagement portion, wherein, The grip portion includes a handle configured to allow a user to hold and position the maintenance component.

4. The maintenance component as described in claim 3, wherein, The handle includes a hole that extends into or through the base body.

5. The maintenance component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The reference portion includes a receiving portion that extends partially from a side of the base body into the base body, the side being opposite to the side of the base body from which the protrusion extends, and wherein the receiving portion is configured to receive a clamp to secure the maintenance component to the wheel assembly of the amusement ride vehicle.

6. The maintenance component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first distance is between six (6.0) mm and twenty (20.0) mm.

7. The maintenance component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The second distance is between ten (10.0) millimeters and forty (40.0) millimeters.

8. The maintenance component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The weight of the maintenance component is between one-quarter (0.25) kg and twenty (20.0) kg.

9. A method for maintaining an amusement ride vehicle, the method comprising: The wheels of the amusement ride vehicle are exposed by positioning them disengaged from the tracks; The reference portion extending from the base of the handheld maintenance component is configured to abut against a pad coupled to the wheel; as well as Adjust the bushing coupled to the wheel until the wheel surface contacts the rail portion extending from the base body of the handheld maintenance assembly, while the reference portion is positioned against the pad to provide a fixed distance between the pad and the wheel surface of the wheel.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising clamping the handheld maintenance component to the wheel assembly of the amusement ride vehicle, wherein, The wheel assembly includes the wheel.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising inserting a portion of the clamp into a receiving portion disposed on a side of the base body of the handheld maintenance assembly opposite the reference portion.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising adjusting the reference portion relative to the base body until the reference portion extends the fixed distance from the base body.

13. A maintenance template for a wheel assembly of an amusement ride vehicle, the wheel assembly including a pad and at least one adjustable wheel coupled to the pad, the maintenance template comprising: A basic body, the basic body including an elongated geometric structure, the elongated geometric structure being defined by the length of the basic body being greater than the width of the basic body; A wheel engagement portion extending a first distance from at least one end portion of the base body in a direction transverse to the length of the base body, wherein the wheel engagement portion has a geometry corresponding to a track, and the wheel assembly is configured to traverse the track such that the wheel engagement portion is configured to contact at least one wheel of the wheel assembly at a first contact position; and The reference portion includes a protrusion that extends a second distance from the base body and is configured to contact the pad of the wheel assembly at a second contact position, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance, thereby providing an offset distance between the first contact position and the second contact position.

14. The maintenance template as described in claim 13, wherein, The wheel engagement portion includes two rail portions rigidly coupled to the reference portion, wherein the reference portion extends between the two rail portions.

15. The maintenance template of claim 13, comprising a channel extending in or through the maintenance template within the space between the reference portion and the wheel engagement portion to facilitate gripping and manipulating the maintenance template.

16. The maintenance template of claim 13, comprising a receiving portion located in the base body, passing through a side of the base body opposite to a side of the reference portion extending therefrom, wherein, The receiving unit is configured as a receiving clamp to secure the maintenance template to the wheel assembly of the amusement ride vehicle.

17. The maintenance template as described in claim 13, wherein, The wheel engagement portion has a curved surface configured to engage with a complementary surface of the at least one wheel.

18. The maintenance template as described in claim 13, wherein, The base body, the wheel engagement portion, and the reference portion form an integral structure.

19. The maintenance template as described in claim 18, wherein, The integral structure is a molded structure.

20. The maintenance template of claim 13, comprising an extension coupling the reference portion to the base body, wherein, The offset distance can be adjusted based on the actuation of the extension.

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