Large pendulum amusement ride

Abstract

An amusement ride (100) has at least two flying support towers (103, 104) and a lift tower (107). The support towers are spaced apart with a gondola (300) suspended from a support structure (105) located between the support towers by flying cables (113, 114). The lift tower includes a lift cable (108) with a release mechanism (1500) to raise the gondola to a launch position (109). When released, the gondola swings on the flying cables from the support structure. The support structure includes a bridge (1600) extending between the support towers. The bridge includes a track (1603) with parallel rail sections extending along a gondola flight path (201) and a slide (1604) movably mounted on the track. A swing damping system is provided to arrest and controllably stop motion of the gondola. The damping system includes a rack and pinion system (1610) acting between the bridge and the slide. Swing motion of the gondola pulls the slide back and forth on the track so that the slide provides a passive braking force against the swing motion of the gondola. Additional features of the amusement ride are described.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. application No. 63 / 425,137, filed on November 14, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] Amusement rides continue to be popular, and new attractions are always sought after to boost attendance. To be successful, an amusement ride must meet several basic requirements: safety, passenger capacity, and speed of boarding and alighting. There is a growing demand for amusement rides that have a relatively small footprint, are attractive, and meet the thrill threshold (a sense of danger for passengers).

[0004] The foregoing examples of the prior art and limitations related to the prior art are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools, and methods, which are intended to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.

[0006] A large swing-type amusement ride consists of three towers and passenger cars suspended from a main support structure. Two towers support the main support structure, while the other tower serves as a lift tower. The main support structure can be arched, A-frame, or other structurally stable. The support structure can theoretically be any height, but typical embodiments typically range from 100 to 300 feet. The support structure supports the weight of the multi-person cars, which swing upwards. The cars are suspended from the support structure by a set of flight cables attached to a movable slider that passes through the support structure in the direction of the flight path. The sliders extend through rails fixed to the support structure, similar to the large swings attached to a roller coaster. The ride may or may not include a vertical offset system that raises the cars above ground level to a higher flight position and lowers them back to ground level to load passengers. The cars are pulled to their initial launch position by a system of lifting cables attached to the lift tower. After the cars reach their initial lift apex, they are released and allowed to swing freely from the support structure. For passenger operation purposes, movable slides on the support structure are actively and passively controlled to dampen the swing momentum and bring the car to a complete stop in a timely manner (preferably after about 14 to 16 swings). A slewing ring bearing assembly is integrated into the car, which allows the car to rotate freely relative to the flight cables and support structure.

[0007] In addition to the aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent corresponding structure throughout the several views. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following description uses one or more example embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a side view of a swing-type amusement ride, wherein the gondola is in motion;

[0010] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a swing-type amusement ride with the gondola in a loading / unloading position;

[0011] Figure 2B is a side view of the ride showing the arc of the flight path;

[0012] Figure 3 is a side view of an exemplary gondola;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a top-down perspective view of the gondola;

[0014] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the top of the car frame showing the slewing ring bearing assembly;

[0015] Figure 6 is a side view of the car frame with the passenger carriage omitted and the release mechanism attached to the lifting arm;

[0016] 7A to 7E is a perspective view of an exemplary flight deviation system, wherein Figure 7A One end of the slide is shown with the flight offset system in the car loading position. Figure 7B The flying offset system for lifting the cabin is shown. Figure 7C The flight offset system is shown in the fully raised position. Figure 7D The flight deflection system is shown in the flight position, with the locking member moved to the locked position, Figure 7E Another view of the flight offset system is shown in the flight position;

[0017] Figures 8A to 8E Another possible design of a flight deflection system is depicted, in which Figure 8A and Figure 8B is a perspective view showing one end of the slide with the flight offset system in the raised flight position, Figure 8C is another closer perspective view showing the frame with the locking block in the flying position, Figure 8Dis a side view showing the flight offset system in a lowered cabin stowage position, Figure 8E is another perspective view showing the flight cable pivoted relative to the cable mounting member of the flight deflection system;

[0018] Figures 9A to 9C Shows a side view of a large amusement facility ( Figure 9A ), end view( Figure 9B ) and top view ( Figure 9C ), wherein the cabin is in a launching position;

[0019] Figure 10 It is a close-up side view of the gondola in the launch position;

[0020] Figure 11A and Figure 11B is in the locked position ( Figure 11A ) and open position ( Figure 11B ) is a side view of an exemplary release mechanism device;

[0021] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the tower bridge section and the damping system;

[0022] Figure 13 It is a side view of the bridge and part of the damping system;

[0023] Figure 14 This is another side view of the motion damping system and track;

[0024] Figure 15 It is located below the platform of the bridge base structure. Figure 14 A top view taken from the perspective of line 15-15;

[0025] Figure 16 It is a top-down perspective view of the slide itself;

[0026] Figure 17 is an end view of the slide including the flight offset system (partially cut away), wherein the bridge structure is shown by hatching;

[0027] Figure 18 is a side view of the top of the flight support tower complex with the slide slid forward and the gondola in the launch position;

[0028] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 a perspective view of the top of the flight support tower complex, further illustrating the gondola and the top portion of the hoist tower;

[0029] Figure 20 is a side view of the bridge portion with the slide fully positioned at one end of the track;

[0030] Figure 21 is a side view of the slider at the middle of the track;

[0031] Figure 22 is a side view of the slider fully positioned at the other end of the track;

[0032] Figure 23 is a block diagram of an exemplary swing damping control system;

[0033] Figures 24 to 27 is a side view of a section through a car showing an exemplary parking system in various stages of deployment, wherein Figure 24 and Figure 25 The view is oriented along the X direction, Figure 26 and Figure 27 The view is oriented along the Y direction.

[0034] Before describing the exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the application of the present invention is not limited to the details of the specific arrangements shown in the accompanying drawings, as the present invention is capable of other embodiments. The embodiments and drawings disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and not for limiting purposes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Reference Figure 1 and Figures 2A to 2B as well as Figures 9A to 9C The large swing-style amusement ride 100 includes a set of three towers 103, 104, and 107, and a passenger car 300. Two support towers 103 and 104 are separated by a support structure 105 extending between the two support towers to form a flying support tower complex 101. The support structure 105 provides a bridge portion and a swing damping system as discussed below. The car 300 is suspended from a slide 1604 via flying cables 113 and 114. The slide is located on a rail portion that is fixed to the bridge portion of the support structure 105 (as discussed in more detail below) and the slide swings between the towers 103 and 104 during operation, similar to a large swing.

[0036] The lifting tower 107 is positioned at a distance in the +Y direction along an axis (Y axis) which is perpendicular to a line drawn between the other two towers (X axis). The lifting tower 107 has a capstan 120 (see Figure 9A) is powered by a hoisting cable 108. The hoisting cable 108 begins near the base of the tower 107, extends upward along the tower 107 to a pulley 121 near the top, and is wound around the pulley 121 to extend downward to the car 300. The hoisting cable 108 terminates in a release mechanism 1500, which lifts and then releases the car 300 into the air. When the car 300 reaches the flight altitude at the launch position or location 109, the release mechanism 1500 is unlocked, and the car 300 hangs solely on the flight cables 113, 114, along the Figure 2B The flight path 201 on the Y-axis shown in FIG. 3 is free to swing in an arcuate motion. The car 300 is free to swing for a period of time, wherein the amplitude of the car is reduced due to energy losses caused by friction (such as air resistance) in the swing system and due to the swing damping system that dissipates energy as the car 300 swings back and forth.

[0037] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 6 The car 300 has a frame 301 to which passenger seats 302 are mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the car frame 301 has an octagonal lower frame, to which eighteen passenger seats 302 are bolted. Other shapes and numbers of passenger seats are possible. The flight cables 113 and 114 terminate at the car's two pivot points 303 and 304. Preferably, the car 300 is attached to each tower 103 and 104 via more than one flight cable to provide safety redundancy. In the depicted embodiment, the amusement ride 100 has four total flight cables: two flight cables 113 are attached to the car pivot point 303, and two flight cables 114 are attached to the car pivot point 304. The flight cables 113 and 114 form a V-shape between the towers 103 and 104. To prevent the flight cables 113, 114 from becoming tangled, the car frame 301 is rotatably connected to the central hub 305 (in which the pivots 303, 304 are mounted) via a bearing assembly 307 comprising an inner slewing ring 308 and an outer slewing ring 309 (see FIG. Figure 5 ). The bearing assembly 307 includes an inner slewing ring 308 fixed relative to the central hub 305 and an outer slewing ring 309 fixed relative to the frame 301. The slewing rings 308 and 309 are movable relative to each other, thereby allowing the frame 301 with the seat 302 to rotate relative to the central hub 305 with the flight cable attachments 303 and 304. Therefore, the presence of the bearing assembly 307 means that the car 300 does not need to land on the ground in the same rotational position every time.

[0038] The car 300 has a lift arm 310 attached to a central flight hub 305 having pivot points 303, 304. A release mechanism 1500 (described below) is connected to the lift pin 312 of the lift arm 310 to lift the car 300 to its flight altitude at the launch position 109. The lift arm 310 is designed so that the central vertical axis of the car 300 can pivot relative to the vertical from 0° at the start to an angle of approximately 61.5° when raised to the launch position 109 (see also FIG. Figure 10 ). Preferably, the vertical axis of the car 300 is within 20° of the axis of the flight cables 113, 114 at the launch position 109. Because the axis of the car 300 is collinear, or at least relatively aligned, with the axis of the flight cables 113, 114 upon release, this provides a smoother ride experience by reducing sway. The car 300 is in the passenger loading / unloading position when resting on the car legs 311. Once all passengers are secured in their passenger seats by locking restraints 302, the entire car 300 is lifted from the ground to a selected height to the flight position by the flight offset system 700. In the depicted embodiment, the selected height is at least about 100 inches in the vertical direction, which is sufficient to maintain ground clearance in the event of a cable failure in any of the four flight cables 113, 114.

[0039] 7A to 7E An example flight deflection system 700 is shown for lifting a car 300 into a flight position. The flight deflection system 700 enables the car 300 to be loaded and unloaded from ground level and then raised for a ride cycle, thereby ensuring that the car 300 maintains clearance from ground obstacles during the ride cycle. The flight deflection system 700 is mounted on the support structure 105 between the support towers 103, 104. In particular, the flight deflection system 700 is mounted here on the slide 1604 of the swing damping system discussed below. Each lateral side of the slide 1604 has a corresponding flight deflection system 700 to raise and lower the corresponding flight cable 113 or 114. The flight deflection systems 700 on both sides are identical in design and operation so that a description of one side applies equally to the other. Preferably, a hydraulic control system with position tracking keeps the two sides operating synchronously. Each flight deflection system 700 has a frame 701 that is pivotally attached to the slide at one end via a first axis 702 so that the frame 701 can be rotated or rotated between the slides 1604. Figure 7A The passenger loading position shown in Figure 7EThe frame 701 can be moved between the flight positions shown in FIG. The opposite end of the frame 701 has a second shaft 703 to which a flight cable mount 704 is pivotally attached. Two flight cables 113 or 114 are attached to each corresponding flight cable mount 704. The flight cable mount 704 is pivotally attached at the second shaft 703 to balance the load on the flight cables throughout the swing range. The flight cables pivot about the lower shaft 712 of the cable mount 704 in the primary back-and-forth swing direction. The lower plate of the cable mount 704 can be pivotally mounted about the lower shaft 712, with the flight cables 113 or 114 connected to this lower plate. An encoder 1620 measures the angle of the flight cables through the rotational movement of the shaft 712. The angle of the flight cables can then be used to determine the position and velocity of the car 300. This rotary encoder data is provided to the programmable logic controller to manage the damping system. The raising and lowering of each flight deflection system 700 is actuated by one or more actuators 705 (e.g., hydraulic cylinders or electric linear actuators). Once the frame 701 is brought to the highest range of the frame (e.g., Figure 7C As shown in FIG. 1 , the two locking blocks 706 can be slid out along the frame of the slide by corresponding locking actuators 708 (e.g., hydraulic cylinders or electric linear actuators). The frame 701 has two locking supports or stops 710, whereby the locking blocks 706 can be extended until the locking blocks 706 are located below the locking supports 710, as shown in FIG. Figure 7D As shown. The frame 700 is then lowered to rest against the locking blocks 706, with the car 300 now in the flight position. Positionally securing the raised frame 701 against the locking blocks 706 with the locking stops 710 provides a safe, secure connection for flight. The flight offset system 700 is preferably controlled by a hydraulic system 1624 mounted on a slide. To return the system 700 to the passenger loading position, the locking blocks 706 are retracted and the actuator 705 is extended to lower the frame 701 to Figure 7A Position shown.

[0040] Another exemplary flight deviation system 700 is Figures 8A to 8EAs already discussed, the flight offset system 700 is mounted on either side of a slide 1604. One end of the frame 701 is pivotally attached to the slide 1604 about a first axis 702, allowing the frame 701 to move between a stowed position and a flight position. The opposite end of the frame 701 has a second axis 703, which pivotally attaches a flight cable mount 704 to the frame 701. The flight cable mounts carry the flight cables. Two flight cables 113 or 114 are attached to each respective flight cable mount 704. The flight cable mounts 704 are pivotally attached at the second axis 703 to balance the load on the flight cables throughout their range of swing. The flight cables pivot in the primary back-and-forth swing direction about the lower axis 712 of the cable mounts 704. The lower plate 714 of the cable mount 704 is pivotally mounted about the lower axis 712, wherein the flight cable 113 or 114 is connected to the lower plate 714 (see Figure 8E ). The encoder 1620 measures the angle of the flight cable through the rotational movement of the shaft 712, which can then be used to determine the position and speed of the gondola 300. This rotary encoder data is provided to the programmable logic controller to manage the damping system. The raising and lowering of each flight offset system 700 is actuated by at least one actuator 705 (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder or an electric linear actuator). Once the frame 701 is brought to the highest range of the frame, the locking block 706 can be locked by a corresponding locking actuator 708 (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder or an electric linear actuator) (see Figure 8C ) along the frame of the slide 1604. The frame 701 has two locking abutments or stops 710 whereby the locking blocks 706 can be extended until the locking blocks 706 are located below the locking abutments 710. The frame 701 is then lowered to rest on the locking blocks 706, wherein the car 300 is now in the flight position. Positionally securing the raised frame 701 to the locking blocks 706 with the locking stops 710 provides a safe and secure connection for flight. The flight offset system 700 is preferably controlled by a hydraulic system 1624 mounted on the slide. To return the system 700 to the passenger loading position, the locking blocks 706 are retracted and the actuator 705 is extended to lower the frame 701 to Figure 8D Position shown. Figure 8E The position of the flight cable mount 704 is shown when the car 300 is in the launch position.

[0041] According to another exemplary offset system 700, the base surface 2710 in the car loading area (see Figures 24 to 27 ) is a height adjustable platform base 2710. In this embodiment, the adjustable platform base 2710 is lowered away from the car 300 to provide the desired vertical clearance above the ground after the passengers have been secured and the ride sequence begins.

[0042] Refer again Figures 9A to 9C and Figure 10 To start a new ride cycle after a previous ride cycle, a winch 120 at the base of the hoist tower 107 lowers the hoist cable 108 and the release mechanism 1500 (discussed below) and unwinds the hoist cable 108 over the hoist rope pulley 121 through the hoist tower 107. One or more additional pulleys 122 may also be provided within the hoist tower 107 to guide the hoist cable 108. The release mechanism 1500 is guided toward the car 300 below the towers 103, 104 via two guide cables 111, 112, which are connected in a V-shaped arrangement to the flight tower complex 101 (e.g., the flight towers 103, 104 or the structure 105). Once lowered to the parked car 300, the release mechanism 300 is locked to the connection point 312 of the lifting arm 310 (see also FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 and Figure 6 ).

[0043] After the car 300 is deflected from the ground to the flight position by the flight deflection system 700 as described above, the hoisting winch 120 retracts the hoisting cables 108 to pull the car 300, the guide cables 111, 112, and the flight cables 113, 114 upward toward the apex of the hoist tower 107 to the launch position 109, as shown. Figure 9A The hoisting winch 120 may be, for example, a hydraulic winch. The winch 120 is preferably equipped with a counterbalance valve that can control the speed at which the drum brakes are deployed if power must be released manually (via the brake handle) or if the car 300 needs to be manually lowered from the hoisted position for any reason.

[0044] The flight cables 113, 114 are preferably galvanized braided steel ropes selected in accordance with ASTM requirements and the cable manufacturer's recommendations. The hoisting and guide cables 108, 111, 112 are preferably constructed of synthetic fabric to prevent excessive rebound after the car is released. Parallel cores are preferred over braided cores due to their lower elasticity (lower tendency to stretch), which is desirable for systems that suddenly release large loads. Rebound is also preferably minimized by pre-tensioning the hoisting cables 108 before releasing the car 300 from the release mechanism 1500. The tension in the hoisting cables 108 can then be released in a controlled manner.

[0045] like Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the exemplary release mechanism device 1500 can be in the closed position ( Figure 11A ) and open position ( Figure 11B) are configured between. The release mechanism device 1500 lifts the car 300 to the flight height of the car and quickly releases the car 1500 to a free swinging state of the car. The release device 1500 includes a main body 1502 and a hook 1504. The hook 1504 can rotate around an axis 1506 relative to the main body 1502 to switch between an open position and a closed position. In this embodiment, the main body 1502 includes two side plates connected to each other, wherein the hook 1504 is installed between the two side plates. The other side of the main body 1502 is connected to Figure 11A and Figure 11B The sides shown in are identical and therefore not shown separately. Figure 11A As shown, the hook 1504 captures the lifting pin 312 of the car in the lifting slot 1508, and the lifting pin of the car is free to rotate on the lifting arm 310 of the car 300. In order to control the release mechanism, the release device 1500 also includes an actuator 1510 and a coupling 1512 having two connecting rods 1513, 1514. The actuator 1510 can be, for example, a hydraulic cylinder or an electric linear actuator. The connecting rods 1513, 1514 are mounted to the body 1502 and the hook 1504 at connection points 1515, 1516, respectively, and are attached to each other via a connection point or pin 1517. The connecting pin 1517 is arranged in a slot 1518 of the piston rod 1519 of the actuator 1510. The release mechanism 1500 also includes an attachment point 1520 for connecting the guide cables 111, 112 and an attachment point 1521 for connecting the lifting cable 108 (see also Figure 10 The range of motion of the hook portion 1504 about the pivot axis 1506 is limited by stop surfaces 1523, 1524, which may be provided by a transverse plate of the body 1502 extending between and secured to the two side plates of the body 1502. The lower stop 1523 limits the hook portion 1504 to Figure 11A The upper stopper 1524 limits the hook 1504 to the closed position. Figure 11B open position.

[0046] The release system 1500 uses an over-center mechanism to keep the car 300 securely locked during ascent, so that when the weight of the car hangs on the hook 1504, the coupling 1512 rotates to a bottoming surface that it cannot exceed, such as Figure 11A As shown. The ability of the release mechanism 1500 to mechanically lock is based on the combined length of the links 1513, 1514 being greater than the distance between the coupling pins 1515, 1516 when the links 1513, 1514 are parallel to each other. This is also known as an "overcenter" coupling. When the links 1513, 1514 are above parallel, the hook 1504 can open freely, as shown. Figure 11BWhen the links 1513, 1514 are below parallel relative to each other, the links 1513, 1514 clamp downwardly against the stop surface 1525, thereby preventing the hook 1504 from opening. In this way, the eccentric coupling 1512 uses the load carried by the hook 1504 to bias the hook 1504 into the closed position.

[0047] When the car 300 is ready to be released, the actuator 1510 is retracted to pull the eccentric coupling 1512 until the eccentric coupling passes through the 180° parallel line, at which point the coupling 1512 opens and the connecting pin 1517 moves along the slot 1518 in the direction of the actuator 1510, as shown in FIG. Figure 11B As shown. In the absence of a reaction force from the coupling system, the load of the car 300 causes the hook 1504 to swing open and release the car's lifting pin 312 from the slot 1508. The stop surface 1524 prevents the opening movement of the hook 1504. In the depicted example, the actuator 1510 is arranged on the body 1502 above the coupling 1512. In another embodiment, the actuator 1510 is arranged on the body 1502 below the coupling 1512 (e.g., between two plates of the body 1502 located in the area of ​​the sensor 1525). In this case, when the car 300 is ready to be released, the actuator 1510 extends to push the eccentric coupling 1512 until it crosses the 180° parallel line, at which point the coupling 1512 opens and the connecting pin 1517 moves upward along the slot 1518 again, allowing the hook 1504 to quickly open about the pivot axis 1506.

[0048] Camera 1526 is preferably mounted on the bottom of release mechanism 1500. This allows the operator to monitor the condition of the ride and lift connections during the lift process. Two sensors 1527 and 1528 are preferably used to verify that release mechanism 1500 is properly locked before lifting car 300 to launch position 109. Due to the eccentric coupling mechanism, it is possible for coupling 1512 to be locked while hook 1504 is open, or for hook 1504 to be closed while coupling 1512 is unlocked. Sensor 1527 confirms that the head of hook 1504 is fully down. Sensor 1528 confirms that coupling 1512 is in its eccentric position for lift. Power to the electrical components of release mechanism 1500 can be supplied, for example, from lift tower 107 along lift cable 108, or from flight support tower complex 101 via guide cables 111 and / or 112.

[0049] Next, refer to Figures 12 to 22, the support structure 105 includes a bridge portion 1600 extending between the two support towers 103, 104 near the top. The bridge portion 1600 has a base structure 1601 and an upper structure 1602. A track 1603 is mounted below the base 1601, the track having two rail portions extending in the Y direction of the flight path 201 and perpendicular to the length of the bridge portion 1600. The slide 1604 has rollers or wheels 1605 that are rollably mounted on the track 1603. In the described embodiment there are eight wheels 1605, with four wheels on each side of the slide 1604, but other arrangements are possible. Figure 16 The slide 1604 is shown separately in FIG. The slide 1604, track 1603 and various damping mechanisms comprise part of a swing damping system 2300 for resisting the swinging motion of the car 300 and bringing the swinging motion of the car to a controlled stop.

[0050] The swinging motion of the swinging car 300 (particularly the Y component of the tension in the flying cables 113, 114) causes the swing damping slider 1604 to move back and forth along the track 1603. The slider 1604 slides to either side of the track 1603 to which the flying cables 113, 114 are angularly directed. The car 300 pulling the slider 1604 back and forth along the track 1603 absorbs energy from the swinging motion of the car 300, thereby providing a passive braking force. Figure 20 、 Figure 21 and Figure 22 16 shows a slider 1604 moving along track 1603 from one end to the middle and then to the other end. Additional braking force is provided by six motors 1608 mounted to a bridge structure 1600, which engages the slider 1604 via a rack and pinion system 1610. The top of the slider 1604 has a rack 1606 that interacts with a gear 1607 of a motor 1608, forming the rack and pinion system 1610. The motors 1608 provide a constant active resistance throughout the ride cycle using dynamic braking resistors to absorb dump energy, as discussed in more detail below. The motors 1608 are preferably controlled to maintain the desired speed of the slider 1604 as needed. As the slider 1604 moves back and forth along the track 1603 in a swinging motion, the motors 1608 continuously provide resistance to further decelerate the slider 1604 and remove energy / motion from the car 300. The depicted embodiment has six gear motors 1608, however, a different number may be used depending on specifications and requirements. A slide position encoder 1622 is mounted to the brake drum of one of the motors 1607. The encoder 1622 tracks the position and velocity of the slide 1604 along the track 1603, for example based on the response of a variable frequency drive and / or motor 1607 as a result of the slide 1604 moving back and forth with the rack and pinion system 1610.

[0051] At each end of the track 1603, a hydraulic rate controller 1609 and a physical end stop 1611 are provided (three at each end in the depicted embodiment). The slider track rail 1603, rate controller 1609 and end stop 1611 are mounted on a support beam structure 1613 of the bridge 1600. The rate controller 1609 provides additional resistance to the slider 1604 at the end of each swing, thereby causing further energy loss at each end of the track 1603. When the car 300 swings in the negative Y direction (see Figure 1 ), the resulting Y-direction component of the cable tension load pulls the slide 1604 along the track 1603 against the action rack and pinion system 1610 (the action rack and pinion system is connected to the braking resistor), and the slide 1604 strikes the hydraulic damper 1609 at the negative Y end of the track 703. When the car 300 swings back to the positive Y direction, the slide 1604 slides again in the direction of the cable tension, acting on the rack and pinion system 1610 and damper 1609 on the other side, thereby removing more energy from the system. The hydraulic rate control damper 1609 and end stop 1611 are arranged to act on three beams 1612 of the slide frame (see Figure 16 ). Thus, the damper 1609 and the end stop 1611 are aligned or substantially aligned in the vertical direction. The end stop 1611 may be arranged above the damper 1609 ( Figure 12 and Figure 13 ), below the damper 1609 ( Figure 14 ) or a combination thereof. For example, the end stop 1611 can be a rubber end stop.

[0052] Thus, the damping system includes at least three separate devices to resist movement of the slider 1604: the majority of the braking force is provided by a gear motor 1608 mounted to the bridge structure 1600, which is engaged with the slider 1604 via a rack and pinion system 1610, wherein the motor 1608 uses dynamic braking resistors to provide constant resistance throughout the ride cycle and active damping for final position adjustment, as described below; hydraulic dampers 1609 at each end of the track 1603 provide secondary damping when the slider 1604 reaches the limit of its travel; and flexible end stops 1610 at the limit of travel provide tertiary damping pads.

[0053] After the car 300 has been lifted and released, the ride enters the passive damping phase. During this phase, the car 300 swings freely back and forth, which in turn causes the slider 1604 to travel back and forth due to the tension in the flight cables 113 and 114. As the slider moves, various damping mechanisms decelerate it, releasing energy from the system and reducing the arc of the swing with each pass. Near the end of the ride cycle, the ride enters the active damping phase. The control system of the amusement ride 100 determines the transition to this phase after measuring that the swing angle does not exceed a predetermined threshold angle. This angle is preferably calculated to maximize the controllability of the system. For example, this angle can correspond to a swing amplitude that is smaller than the length of the slider track 1603. During the active damping phase, the position of the slider 1604 is actively controlled by the motor 1608 of the rack and pinion system 1610 to counteract the remaining motion of the car 300, slowing it sufficiently to enable the parking system to deploy, as described below.

[0054] Figure 23 A block diagram of a swing damping system 2300 is shown. System 2300 includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) 2302, a variable frequency drive (VFD) 2304 with an external dynamic braking resistor (DBR) 2306, and damping system components 2308. PLC 2302 is programmed with logic to monitor and control the state of swing damping system 2300. PLC 2302 processes inputs from system components 2308. VFD 2304 receives logic commands or instructions from PLC 2302 and executes the instructions by varying the motor input frequency and voltage to control the speed and torque of motor 1608. During the passive damping phase, rack 1606, which moves slider 1604, winds gear motor 1608, which acts as a generator to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The energy generated by motor 1608 is fed back to VFD 2304, which re-feeds the energy to external DBR 2306. The DBR 2306 dissipates energy in the form of heat. The DBR 2306 preferably provides thermal feedback to the PLC 2302 to prevent overheating. The system components 2308 include the motor 1608, the cable angle encoder 1620, and the slide position encoder 1622. The motor includes an internal passive motor brake of the motor. The system components 2308 may also include a proximity sensor 1626 for the slide zero position and / or a proximity sensor 1628 for the slide outer limit position. It should be understood that in addition to the above reference to Figure 23 In addition to the operational control system architecture discussed in the block diagram above, the swing damping system 2300 also includes the above reference Figures 12 to 22According to one embodiment, the rack and pinion motor system is in one of four states:

[0055]

[0056] Once motor 1608 stops in motor state 0, for example when the ride 100 is stationary for loading and unloading passengers, the internal motor brake is used to maintain the swing damping mechanism. In the event of an emergency stop of the ride 100, the internal motor brake can be activated. Motor 1608 is energized during motor state 1. Once the car 300 drops from the launch position 109, the ride 100 enters the passive damping phase (motor state 2). When the motion of the car 300 drops below a defined threshold (e.g., the amplitude of the swing is less than the length of the slider track 1603), the ride 100 switches to the active damping phase (motor state 3), in which motor 1608 is actively driven to quickly release the energy of the swing system. The active damping phase at the end of the ride sequence preferably removes enough energy in one swing to reduce the swing to a stable state. Preferably, the damping system mechanism stops the swing motion within approximately 14 to 16 swings, but a different number can be selected based on the desired ride experience and duration.

[0057] The criteria for exiting the active damping phase and engaging the car parking system 2700 depends on the steady-state error in the system due to wind and passenger load excursions. Once a swing amplitude is sensed or observed to be swinging in an arc smaller than an acceptable threshold, the car 300 is lowered by the flight deflection system 700 until the car is captured by the parking system 2700 and contacts the ground with its legs 311. At this point, the passenger restraints 302 can be opened to release the passengers.

[0058] Now refer to Figures 24 to 27, an exemplary car parking system 2700 is provided for safely and quickly bringing a car 300 to a complete stop. In the depicted embodiment, the parking system 2700 includes four pivoting arms 2701, 2702, 2703, 2704 mounted on a base or other surface 2710 to engage and center the car 300. Here, two arms are oriented along the Y-axis and two arms are oriented along the X-axis. In other embodiments, more or fewer arms may be used depending on the size of the car 300 and the safety parameters required for a given facility location. In the depicted embodiment, each pivoting arm 2701, 2702, 2703, 2704 has a corresponding actuator 2705, 2706, 2707, 2708, such as a hydraulic cylinder or an electric linear actuator. In some use cases, more than one arm may be powered by an actuator shared between the arms. The actuator actuates the pivoting arm to move upward from a relatively flat resting position to a vertically raised position, and then releases to allow the arm to return to the lowered position. The lowered position can be adjacent to the base 2710, for example, in the lowered position, the arms 2701, 2702, 2703, 2704 rest against the surface of the base 2710. In other embodiments, the lowered position is recessed into the base surface 2710, such that the arms 2701, 2702, 2703, 2704 do not protrude from the base surface 2710 or only partially protrude from the base surface 2710 in the lowered position. When the car 300 reaches the vertical deflection descent point, one or more encoders 1220 of the flight deflection system indicate that the car 300 has decelerated to a desired threshold, for example, approximately 0.1 radians of swing in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In this case, the parking system controller opens three pneumatic valves—one for each "primary" arm 2701, 2702 positioned along flight path 201, and one for each "secondary" arm 2703, 2704. In the depicted embodiment, arms 2701, 2702 are considered primary arms because they are oriented along the Y-axis on flight path 201, and secondary arms 2703, 2704 are considered secondary arms because they are oriented perpendicular to flight path 201 along the X-axis. Primary arms 2701, 2702 capture and constrain car 300 in the direction of the flight path, while secondary arms 2703, 2704 constrain car 300 perpendicular to flight path 201. Based on the position of car 300, the parking system controller can determine which primary arm 2701, 2702 to raise first to stop car 300. The main arm 2701 and / or 2702 is raised within the parking ring 306 of the frame 301 of the car 300, contacts the inner surface of the ring 306 and takes away momentum from the car 300. The opposite main arm is also raised (see Figure 24 Both arms 2701, 2702 extend outwardly to apply pressure to the parking ring 306 within the car frame 301 (see Figure 25). The two secondary arms 2703, 2704 are then raised together to constrain the car 300 perpendicular to the flight path (see Figure 26 In the final position, the arms 2701, 2702, 2703, 2704 have centered the car 300 and the car legs 311 rest on the ground (see Figure 27 When a new ride cycle is to begin, after the release mechanism 1500 has been successfully connected to the car 300, the parking arms 2701, 2702, 2703, 2704 will be lowered to enable the flight offset system 700 to operate to raise the car 300 to the flight position. A ground-based sensor 2712 (e.g., an optical sensor) can be used to confirm that the car 300 is in the correct airborne position for engaging the parking system 2700. Preferably, the parking system 2700 is not deployed until both the sensor 2712 and the slider zero position proximity sensor 1626 have confirmed that the car 300 is positioned for engagement with the parking system 2700.

[0059] The control system sequence of the amusement ride 100 preferably monitors and controls various aspects of operation, such as:

[0060] 1. Anemometer measurement inputs are processed before and during the run to confirm that wind speeds are acceptable; if the wind measurement exceeds a threshold level (e.g., 50 knots), the ride sequence is terminated.

[0061] 2. Check whether all the following items are met at the same time:

[0062] a. Motor state 0 starts.

[0063] b. Check that the parking system 2700 is raised via a proxy sensor.

[0064] c. Check that the flight deviation system 700 is in the lowered position via the distance sensor.

[0065] d. Check that the flight offset lock block actuator 708 is able to move via the distance sensor.

[0066] e. The over-center release coupling 1512 is unlocked and the hook 1504 is opened.

[0067] ■If only one is met, a system error is triggered.

[0068] ■ If neither is satisfied, retract the coupling actuator 1510 to reset the release mechanism 1500 .

[0069] f. The swing damping slide 1604 is centered on the swing damping track 1603 via the position encoder 1622.

[0070] ■ If not centered, initialize motor state 3 and push the swing damping slide 1604 to the center via motor group 1608, then reinitialize motor state 0.

[0071] 3. Load passengers into the passenger seats 302 of the car 300.

[0072] 4. The operator initiates the ride sequence after verifying that all passengers are locked in and the ride path 201 is fully clear.

[0073] 5. Slowly lower the hoisting cable 108 to automatically engage the release mechanism 1500 with the car 300.

[0074] 6. Actuate the release coupling actuator 1510 to lock around the car lift pin 312.

[0075] 7. Verify via sensor 1528 that the release coupling actuator 1510 is locked and via sensor 1527 that the hook 1504 is closed around the car lifting pin 312 .

[0076] 8. Start the hoist winch 120 at a low speed until the hoist cable 108 is in tension but does not start lifting.

[0077] 9. Lower the parking system 2700.

[0078] 10. Verify that the parking system 2700 is lowered.

[0079] 11. Retract the flight offset lock block 706.

[0080] 12. Verify that the flight offset locking block 706 is retracted.

[0081] 13. Raise the flight deviation system 700 to maximum altitude.

[0082] 14. Extend the flight offset locking block 706.

[0083] 15. Verify the extended position of the flight offset locking block 706.

[0084] 16. Lower the flight offset system 700 slightly to rest on the flight offset locking block 706.

[0085] 17. Verify that the flight offset joint 701 is at the elevated rest angle.

[0086] 18. Start motor state 1.

[0087] 19. Initiate the lifting sequence at a slow speed using the lifting winch 120 to maintain tension during the lifting process.

[0088] 20. Monitor the lifting height and automatically stop at the designated launch position 109.

[0089] 21. Wait for operator input after visually verifying that flight path 201 is clear.

[0090] 22. Switch the rack and pinion motor 1608 to motor state 2 (passive damping state).

[0091] 23. Retract the coupling actuator 1510 to release the car 300.

[0092] 24. After a specified delay, verify that the release coupling actuator 1510 is unlocked and the hook 1504 is open.

[0093] a. If not, the car 300 is stuck, in which case an emergency stop and motor state 0 are initiated.

[0094] 25. As the car 300 swings, monitor the position of the swing damping slider 1604 and the angle of deviation of the car flight cables 113, 114 from equilibrium to check:

[0095] a. The data falls within a defined safety threshold (slider velocity, slider position, swing angle or swing speed).

[0096] ■ If a certain safety threshold is reached or the manual emergency stop button is pressed, the emergency stop and motor state 0 are initiated.

[0097] b. The data falls within the defined swing angle threshold.

[0098] If the swivel angle threshold is not met by the encoder data after a specified time or number of swivels, or if the sensor data is invalid, an emergency stop is initiated and the motor enters state 0.

[0099] 26. When the swing angle or amplitude threshold is met, start motor state 3 (active damping state).

[0100] 27. When the swing damping slide 1604 is centered and the swing angle and speed are within specified thresholds, or when the operator presses a button, motor state 0 is initiated.

[0101] a. The operator manually centers the swing damping slide 1604 as needed.

[0102] 28. Verify that the swing damping slide 1604 is centered and alert the operator that the flight deviation system 700 is ready to descend.

[0103] 29. Wait for operator manual input confirming that the flight deviation system 700 can descend safely.

[0104] 30. If there is a sensor failure, use the manual or maintenance mode setting to enable the car 300 to be lowered in the powered state.

[0105] 31. Raise the flight deflection system 700 slightly to enable the locking actuator 708 to retract.

[0106] 32. Retract the locking actuator 708 and lower the flight deviation system 700 to a specified height above the parking system 2700.

[0107] 33. Use the flight offset encoder 1620 to determine if the car 300 has offset to one side and based on the angle sensed by the flight offset system 700, choose to raise the first parking system main arm 2701 or 2702.

[0108] 34. Verify that the primary parking system boom has been raised.

[0109] 35. Verify via the flight offset encoder 1620 that the car momentum has ceased.

[0110] 36. Raise the second parking system main arm 2701 or 2702.

[0111] 37. Verify that the secondary parking system main boom has been raised.

[0112] 38. Raise the parking system secondary arms 2703, 2704.

[0113] 39. Verify that the parking system secondary arm is raised.

[0114] 40. Fully lower the flight deviation system 700 to the lowest position of the flight deviation system.

[0115] 41. Unload passengers.

[0116] 42. When passengers are being unloaded, the hoist cables 107 are lowered down to a designated position so that the release mechanism 1500 is ready to reengage the car 300 for the subsequent ride sequence, but remains out of the way of guests or operators.

[0117] Although various aspects and embodiments have been discussed herein, those skilled in the art will recognize many possible modifications, permutations, additions, combinations, and sub-combinations without the need for specific explanation or illustration of these in the context of this disclosure. Therefore, the claims should be construed to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, and sub-combinations within the true spirit and scope of the claims. Each embodiment described herein has numerous equivalents.

[0118] The terms and expressions that have been adopted are used as descriptive and non-restrictive terms, and when using these terms and expressions, it is not intended to exclude any equivalents or parts of the features shown or described, but it should be recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, those skilled in the art can modify and change the concepts herein, and these modifications and changes are considered to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Whenever a range is given in the specification, all intermediate ranges and subranges and all individual values ​​included in the given range are incorporated into the present disclosure. When using Markush groups or other groups here, all individual components of the group and all possible combinations and subcombinations of the group are included in the present disclosure separately. Generally, the terms and phrases used here have their art-recognized meanings, and the art-recognized meanings of terms and phrases can be found by reference to standard texts, references and background content known to those skilled in the art. Any of the above definitions are provided to illustrate the specific uses of the above definitions in the context of the present invention.

[0119] Reference Signs List

[0120] 100 Amusement Rides 1518 Slot for Connecting Pin

[0121] 101 Flight Support Tower Complex 1519 Piston Rod

[0122] 103, 104 Support tower 1520 Guide cable attachment point

[0123] 105 Support structure 1521 Attachment point for lifting cables

[0124] 107 lifting tower 1523 stop surface

[0125] 108 lifting cable 1524 stop surface

[0126] 109 Launch position 1525 Stop surface

[0127] 111, 112 Guide Cable 1526 Camera

[0128] 113, 114 Flight Cable 1527 Hook Position Sensor

[0129] 120 Lifting cable winch 1528 Connecting position sensor

[0130] 121, 122 lifting cable pulley 1600 supporting structure bridge

[0131] 201 Flight Path 1601 Bridge Base Structure

[0132] 300 Passenger cabin 1602 Bridge superstructure

[0133] 301 Carriage Frame 1603 Sliding Track / Rail

[0134] 302 Passenger Seat 1604 Sliding Part

[0135] 303, 304 Flight cable pivot point 1605 Slider wheel

[0136] 305 center hub 1606 rack

[0137] 306 rack parking ring 1607 motor gear

[0138] 307 bearing assembly 1608 motor

[0139] 308 Inner slewing ring 1609 Rate controller / damper

[0140] 309 outer slewing ring 1610 rack and pinion system

[0141] 310 Carriage lifting arm 1611 End stop

[0142] 311 Carriage Legs 1612 Three Beams of Sliding Frame

[0143] 312 Lifting pin / connection point 1613 Support beam structure

[0144] 700 Flight Deflection System 1620 Cable Angle / Speed ​​Encoder

[0145] 701 frame 1622 slide position / speed encoder

[0146] 702 First frame axis / axis 1624 Control system on sliding member

[0147] 703 Second frame axis / axis 1626 Slider zero position proximity sensor

[0148] 704 Flight Cable Mounting 1628 Slider Overstroke Position Sensor

[0149] 705 Frame Actuator 2300 Swing Damping System

[0150] 706 Lock Block 2302 Programmable Logic Controller

[0151] 708 Locking Block Actuator 2304 Variable Frequency Drive

[0152] 710 Locking stop / support 2305 Dynamic brake resistor

[0153] 712 Cable Mounting Lower Shaft 2306 System Components

[0154] 714 Lower plate of cable mounting 2700 Cabin parking system

[0155] 1500 Release mechanism 2701 Main pivot arm

[0156] 1502 Main body 2702 Main pivot arm

[0157] 1504 Hook 2703 Secondary Pivot Arm

[0158] 1506 pivot shaft 2704 secondary pivot arm

[0159] 1508 Slot for car lifting pin 2705 Arm actuator

[0160] 1510 coupling actuator 2706 arm actuator

[0161] 1512 eccentric coupling 2707 arm actuator

[0162] 1513, 1514 Joint 2708 Arm actuator

[0163] 1515, 1516 Arm connection point 2709 base

[0164] 1517 Eccentric connecting pin 2710 Carriage position ground sensor

Claims

1. An amusement ride (100), the amusement ride having a first horizontal axis X-axis, a second horizontal axis Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis, and a vertical axis Z-axis, the amusement ride comprising: A flight support tower complex (101), comprising at least two support towers (103, 104) and a support structure (105), wherein the support structure is mounted on the at least two support towers at a height, wherein the at least two support towers (103, 104) are spaced apart from each other along the X-axis, A passenger car (300) suspended from the support structure (105) via at least one first flying cable (113) and at least one second flying cable (114), the at least one first flying cable (113) and the at least one second flying cable (114) extending from the support structure (105) to form a V-shape by being attached to the passenger car (300), wherein the passenger car (300) includes a frame (301) having a plurality of passenger seats (302) mounted thereon and a lifting arm (310), the lifting arm being attached to a central hub (305) of the passenger car (300), a lifting tower (107) spaced apart from the flight support tower complex (101) along the Y-axis by a distance, a lifting cable (108) retractably supported on the lifting tower (107) at a height, wherein one end of the lifting cable (108) is attached to a winch (120) and the other end of the lifting cable (108) is attached to a release mechanism (1500), the release mechanism (1500) being configurable between an open position and a closed position to releasably attach the lifting arm (310) of the passenger car (300), such that when the release mechanism (1500) is attached to the passenger car (300) and the winch (120) retracts the lifting cable (108), the passenger car (300) is raised upward from the flight support tower complex (101) toward the lifting tower (107) to a launch position (109), and when the release mechanism (1500) releases the passenger car (300) at the launch position (109), the passenger car (300) swings from the support structure (105) on the at least one first flight cable (113) and the at least one second flight cable (114) in a flight path (201) between the at least two support towers (103, 104) along the Y-axis, Wherein, the support structure (105) comprises: a bridge structure (1600) extending between the at least two support towers (103, 104), the bridge structure (1600) having a track (1603) having two parallel rails aligned along the Y-axis with the flight path (201) of the passenger car (300), a slider (1604) movably mounted on the track (1603) via wheels (1605), wherein the ends of the slider (1604) extend beyond the track (1603) on both sides along the X-axis, and a rack and pinion system (1610) acting between the bridge structure (1600) and the slider (1604) as part of a swing damping system (2300) configured to prevent the swinging motion of the passenger car (300) and to bring the passenger car (300) to a controlled stop, wherein the swinging motion of the passenger car (300) pulls the slider (1604) back and forth along the track (1603) due to tension in the at least one first flying cable (113) and the at least one second flying cable (114), so that the slider (1604) provides a passive braking force to resist the swinging motion of the passenger car (300), and the rack and pinion system (1610) includes a plurality of motors (1608), each having a motor gear (1607) mounted to a rack (1606), the motor resisting movement of the slider (1604) along the track (1603).

2. The amusement facility (100) according to claim 1, further comprising at least two first flying cables (113) and at least two second flying cables (114), such that the passenger car (300) is suspended from the support structure (105) by the at least two first flying cables (113) and the at least two second flying cables (114), and the at least two first flying cables and the at least two second flying cables extend from the support structure (105) to form a V-shape attached to the passenger car (300).

3. The amusement facility (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The frame (301) is rotatably mounted about the central hub (305) via a bearing assembly (307).

4. The amusement facility (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The bearing assembly (307) includes an inner slewing ring (308) fixed to the central hub (305) and an outer slewing ring (309) fixed to the frame (301).

5. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 1, further comprising two guide cables (111, 112) extending from the flight support tower complex (101) to form a V-shape by being attached to the release mechanism (1500), so that when the lifting cable (108) is extended to lower the release mechanism (1500) from the launch position (109) to connect to the passenger car (300) for the next ride sequence, the two guide cables (111, 112) guide the release mechanism (1500) along the Y-axis toward the passenger car (300).

6. The amusement ride (100) of claim 1, further comprising at least one flight deviation system (700), the at least one flight deviation system being configurable between a passenger loading position and a flight position.

7. The amusement facility (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The flight deviation system (700) is a height-adjustable platform base (2710) in the loading area of ​​the passenger car (300), wherein the platform base (2710) is raised in the passenger loading position and lowered in the flight position.

8. The amusement facility (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one flight offset system (700) is mounted on the slide (1604) and is configured to elevate the passenger car (300) between the passenger loading position and the flight position, wherein the flight position of the passenger car (300) is higher than the passenger loading position.

9. The amusement ride (100) of claim 6, further comprising two flight deflection systems (700) mounted on opposite sides of the slide (1604) along the X-axis, wherein: Each flight deflection system (700) has a frame (701) wherein one end of the frame (701) is pivotally attached to the slider (1604) about a first axis (702) and the other end of the frame (701) has a flight cable mount (704) attached thereto about a second pivot axis (703), The flight cable mounting member (704) of each flight deflection system (700) includes a third axis (712), and the at least one first flight cable (113) and the at least one second flight cable (114) are pivotally attached to the third axis (712) of the respective flight cable mounting members (704) of the two flight deflection systems (700), so that the passenger car (300) swings back and forth along the Y-axis about the third axis (712), Each flight deviation system (700) has a lifting system for moving the frame (701) between the passenger loading position and the flight position, and Each flight deflection system (700) has a locking mechanism for locking the frame (701) in the flight position.

10. The amusement facility (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The first axis (702) and the second pivot axis (703) are arranged parallel to the Y axis, and the third axis (712) is arranged parallel to the X axis.

11. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 9, further comprising two first flying cables (113) and two second flying cables (114), wherein: The two first flight cables (113) are pivotally attached to the third shaft (712) via a lower plate (714) of a flight cable mount (704) of one flight deflection system (700), and the two second flight cables (114) are pivotally attached to the third shaft (712) via a lower plate (714) of a flight cable mount (704) of the other flight deflection system (700).

12. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The lifting system includes at least one actuator (705) connected to the frame (701), the actuator (705) being configured to lower the frame (701) to the passenger loading position and to lift the frame (701) to a position higher than the position of the frame (701) when the flight deviation system (700) is in the flight position.

13. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The locking mechanism comprises at least one locking block (706) movably connected to an actuator (708), wherein, in the flight position, the locking block (706) is arranged below a complementary locking stop (710) of the frame (701) so that the frame (701) is supported by the locking block (706) and prevented from further pivoting downward about the first axis (702) to the passenger loading position, and wherein, when the locking block (706) is withdrawn from below the complementary locking stop (710), the frame (701) can pivot downward about the first axis (702) to the passenger loading position.

14. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The flight deviation system (700) is hydraulically actuated, and a hydraulic control system (1624) carried on the slide (1604) controls and coordinates the operation of the flight deviation system (700).

15. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 1, wherein The release mechanism (1500) comprises a body (1502) and a hook (1504), the hook being rotatably mounted to the body (1502) about a pivot axis (1506), wherein, when the release mechanism (1500) is in the closed position, a lifting slot (1508) is provided between the body (1502) and the hook (1504), and when the passenger car (300) is lifted by the lifting cable (108), the lifting slot (1508) holds the lifting pin (312) of the lifting arm (310), wherein the release mechanism (1500) further comprises a coupling actuator (1510) and an eccentric coupling portion (1512) having two link rods (1513, 1514), the two link rods being pivotable at one end via a connecting pin (1517). The two links are pivotally connected to each other, wherein the opposite end of one of the two links (1513) is pivotally connected to the body (1502) at a body connection point (1515), and the opposite end of the other of the two links (1514) is pivotally connected to the hook (1504) at a hook connection point (1516), and wherein, in order to switch from the closed position of the release mechanism (1500) to the open position, the coupling actuator (1510) moves the eccentric coupling (1512) out of the eccentric locking state, so that when the eccentric coupling (1512) passes through a 180° parallel line of the two links (1513, 1514), the eccentric coupling (1512) enters an unlocked state and the hook (1504) opens.

16. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 15, wherein: The connecting pin (1517) of the eccentric coupling (1512) is positioned within a slot (1518) formed in the piston rod (1519) of the coupling actuator (1510).

17. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 15, wherein: The range of motion of the hook (1504) is defined in the closed position by a stop surface (1523) adjacent to the closed portion of the hook (1504), and in the open position by a stop surface (1524) adjacent to the top of the hook (1504).

18. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 15, wherein: The release mechanism (1500) includes a sensor (1527) for detecting whether the hook portion (1504) is open or closed, and a sensor (1528) for detecting whether the eccentric coupling portion (1512) is locked or unlocked.

19. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The frame (301) of the passenger car (300) forms a parking ring (306), wherein the passenger seats (302) are circumferentially mounted outside the parking ring (306), and the amusement facility (100) further comprises: A car parking system (2700) comprising a base (2710) and a plurality of arms (2701, 2702, 2703, 2704) pivotably mounted to the base (2710) with first ends of the arms. wherein each of the plurality of arms (2701, 2702, 2703, 2704) is configurable between a lowered position located in or adjacent to the base (2710) and a raised position in which the free ends of the plurality of arms (2701, 2702, 2703, 2704) point away from the base (2710), wherein each of the plurality of arms (2701, 2702, 2703, 2704) is oriented to fold inwardly toward the center of the base (2710) when moving from the raised position to the lowered position, wherein first ends of the plurality of arms (2701, 2702, 2703, 2704) point radially away from the center of the base (2710), wherein the plurality of arms (2701, 2702, 2703, 2704) include two main arms (2701, 2702) and two secondary arms (2703, 2704), wherein the main arms (2701, 2702) are aligned parallel to the flight path (201) of the passenger car (300) and are elevated in the direction of the Y axis, and the secondary arms (2703, 2704) are aligned perpendicular to the flight path (201) of the passenger car (300) and are elevated in the direction of the X axis, wherein, when one or more position or motion parameters of the passenger car (300) are within a threshold, the plurality of arms (2701, 2702, 2703, 2704) are raised from the lowered position to the raised position within the parking ring (306) of the frame (301), such that the car parking system (2700) captures and holds the passenger car (300) in place.

20. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 19, wherein: The car parking system (2700) further includes actuators (2705, 2706, 2707, 2708) configured to raise and lower the plurality of arms (2701, 2702, 2703, 2704).

21. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 1, wherein The rack (1606) is fixed to the slide (1604), and the motor (1608) is mounted on the bridge structure (1600).

22. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 1, wherein The swing damping system (2300) further comprises one or more hydraulic dampers (1609) mounted to the bridge structure (1600) at either end of the track (1603) along the Y-axis such that when the slide (1604) is pulled to the end of the track (1603) by the swinging motion of the passenger car (300), the slide (1604) discharges kinetic energy into the hydraulic dampers (1609).

23. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 22, wherein: The swing damping system (2300) also includes rubber end stops (1611) mounted to the bridge structure (1600) adjacent to the hydraulic damper (1609).

24. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 1, wherein The sway damping system (2300) also includes a programmable logic controller (2302) and a variable frequency drive (2304) having one or more external dynamic braking resistors (2306).

25. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 24, wherein The motor (1608) of the rack and pinion system (1610) converts mechanical energy from the slider (1604) into electrical energy, and the electrical energy generated by the motor (1608) is transmitted via the variable frequency drive (2304) to the one or more external dynamic brake resistors (2306), where the electrical energy is dissipated as heat.

26. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 24, wherein The programmable logic controller (2302) includes a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions for a ride sequence that, when executed by the processor, cause: After the passenger car (300) is released from the release mechanism (1500) at the launch position (109), the swing damping system (2300) initiates a passive damping phase, wherein the passenger car (300) swings back and forth along the flight path (201), thereby pulling the slider (1604) back and forth along the track (1603), and the rack and pinion system (1610) resists the movement of the slider (1604) to release energy from the passenger car (300), and When the flight cable angle encoder (1620) detects that the angle of the at least one first flight cable (113) and the at least one second flight cable (114) is below or does not exceed a threshold angle, the swing damping system initiates an active damping phase, wherein the position of the slider (1604) on the track (1603) is actively controlled by the motor (1608) to counteract the swing motion of the passenger car (300).

27. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 26, wherein: The threshold angle corresponds to an amplitude of the oscillation of the passenger car (300), which is less than the length of the track (1603).

28. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 26, wherein The active damping stage removes sufficient energy in a oscillation of the passenger car (300) to reduce the oscillation to a steady state.

29. The amusement ride (100) according to claim 26, wherein: The swing damping system (2300) stops the movement of the passenger car (300) within 14 to 16 swings.

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