Movable panel for amusement park scenic spot system

Abstract

An ride vehicle (52) for an amusement park attraction system (50) includes: a plurality of walls (56) jointly defining a volume (58), the volume (58) configured to receive a tourist (54) into the ride vehicle (52); and a panel assembly (60) having a panel (62) and a wall (56A) of the plurality of walls (56). The wall (56A) is configured to receive the panel (62) in a first configuration of the panel assembly (60), and the panel (62) is configured to move relative to the wall (56A) and be positioned outside the wall (56A), actuated outside the wall (56A), and / or extend outside the wall (56A) in a second configuration of the panel assembly (60).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 536,658, filed September 5, 2023, entitled “MOVABLE PANEL FOR AMUSEMENTPARK ATTRACTION SYSTEM”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Technology

[0002] This section aims to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may relate to the various aspects of the present technology described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to help provide the reader with background information to better understand the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as an admission of prior art.

[0003] Special effects can be used throughout amusement parks and other entertainment venues to help immerse visitors in the experience of rides or attractions. Immersive environments may include three-dimensional (3D) props and sets, robots or mechanical components, and / or display surfaces that present media. Additionally, immersive environments may include audio effects, smoke effects, and / or motion effects. Therefore, immersive environments can include a combination of dynamic and static elements. Special effects enable amusement parks to offer creative ways to entertain visitors, such as by providing effects in unexpected ways. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following outlines certain embodiments commensurate with the scope of the initially claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather are intended only to provide a brief overview of the possible forms of the subject matter. In practice, the subject matter may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a ride vehicle for an amusement park attraction system includes: a plurality of walls defining a volume configured to receive a passenger into the ride vehicle; and a panel assembly having a panel and one of the walls. The walls are configured to receive the panel in a first configuration of the panel assembly, and the panel is configured to move and actuate relative to the wall out of the wall in a second configuration of the panel assembly.

[0006] In one embodiment, a panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system includes: an enclosure; a support member at least partially positioned within the enclosure; a panel coupled to the support member; and one or more actuators positioned within the enclosure. The one or more actuators are configured to move the support member relative to the enclosure, thereby moving the panel relative to the enclosure to actuate the panel outside the enclosure.

[0007] In one embodiment, a panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system includes: an enclosure defining a space and having a base and a cover configured to extend over the space; a panel configured to be positioned within the space defined by the enclosure; one or more actuators configured to drive movement of the panel relative to the enclosure; and a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more actuators. The controller is configured to instruct the one or more actuators to drive movement of the panel toward the base of the enclosure to switch the panel assembly to a first configuration; and to instruct the one or more actuators to drive movement of the panel away from the base of the enclosure to switch the panel assembly to a second configuration. Attached Figure Description

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals in all the drawings denote similar parts, wherein: Figure 1 This is a side perspective view of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction system according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 3 It is based on one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 2 A front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the panel assembly; Figure 4 This is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of a panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 5 This is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 6 This is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 7 It is based on one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 6 A front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the panel assembly; Figure 8 This is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system according to one aspect of the present disclosure; Figure 9 This is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 10 It is based on one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 9 A front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the panel assembly; Figure 11 This is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system according to one aspect of the present disclosure; Figure 12 This is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 13 It is based on one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 12 A front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the panel assembly; Figure 14 This is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system according to one aspect of the present disclosure; Figure 15 This is a partially exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 16 It is based on one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 15 A partial exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the panel assembly; Figure 17 This is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 18 This is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system according to one aspect of this disclosure; and Figure 19 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to one aspect of this disclosure, used for operating panel components of an amusement park attraction system. Detailed Implementation

[0009] When describing the 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 besides those listed. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to exclude the existence of other embodiments also incorporating the described features.

[0010] One or more specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described below. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be recognized that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be recognized that such development work can be complex and time-consuming, but will remain routine tasks of design, manufacture, and production for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0011] As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially,” etc., are intended to express that the described attribute value is likely to be within a relatively small range of that attribute value, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art. For example, when an attribute value is described as “approximately” equal to (or (e.g.) “substantially similar” to) a given value, this is intended to express that the attribute value is likely to be within + / -5%, + / -4%, + / -3%, + / -2%, + / -1%, or even closer to that given value. Similarly, when a given feature is described as “substantially parallel” to another feature, “generally perpendicular” to another feature, etc., this is intended to express that the given feature has the described property (such as parallel to another feature, perpendicular to another feature, etc.) within + / -5%, + / -4%, + / -3%, + / -2%, + / -1%, or even closer to that value. Mathematical terms such as “parallel” and “perpendicular” should not be interpreted rigidly in a strict mathematical sense, but rather as would be the interpretation of such terms by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that two lines that are substantially parallel to each other are parallel to a considerable extent, but may deviate slightly from being perfectly parallel.

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure pertain to systems for amusement parks. Amusement parks may include various attraction systems, such as rides (e.g., roller coasters, water rides, drop towers), shows, walking paths (e.g., haunted house rides), etc., that have features that can entertain visitors at the amusement park. Such features can provide visitors with entertainment effects, such as visual effects. As an example, an attraction system may include ride vehicles that can position visitors within them, and these ride vehicles can navigate through the attraction system to move visitors and provide entertainment. Entertainment effects can provide additional entertainment to visitors to complement the entertainment provided by the movement of the ride vehicles.

[0013] As tourists' expectations rise, they anticipate improved and more creative attractions. For example, offering performances in new ways can further enhance the tourist experience. Therefore, attractions systems that include improved and creative features can provide greater satisfaction to tourists.

[0014] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure pertain to attraction systems including panel assemblies with movable panels. The panel assembly may include an enclosure in which the panel can be positioned. The panel is movable to transition into and out of the enclosure. In a first configuration in which the panel may be primarily positioned within the enclosure, the panel can be concealed and thus invisible to visitors. However, in a second configuration in which the panel may be positioned outside the enclosure, actuated outside the enclosure, and / or extended primarily outside the enclosure, the panel becomes visible to visitors. Such movement of the panel can present it to visitors in a surprising or unexpected manner. For example, the enclosure may be part of a ride-on vehicle of the attraction system, such as a door or wall that serves as a barrier to secure visitors within the ride-on vehicle. The extension of the panel beyond the door or wall may be unexpected. In one embodiment, the panel may also include a display (e.g., a display screen) configured to provide images or other visual effects that can further entertain visitors. Thus, the panel can provide additional entertainment to visitors when positioned outside the enclosure, actuated outside the enclosure, and / or extended outside the enclosure. In addition to providing entertainment for visitors, the movement of the panel can also adjust the space occupied by the panel assembly. For example, retracting the panel into the enclosure reduces the space occupied by the panel assembly, while extending the panel beyond the enclosure increases the space occupied by the panel assembly. Such adjustments to the panel assembly can provide better functionality. For example, extending the panel beyond the doors or walls of the ride (e.g., to increase the height of a barrier surrounding visitors inside the ride) provides visitors inside the ride with a sense of elevated security, while retracting the panel into the doors or walls reduces obstruction of visitors' view and / or provides a more exciting experience. Therefore, the panel assembly can be moved and manipulated to provide the desired visitor experience.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the attraction system 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the attraction system 50 includes a ride facility vehicle 52 in which visitors 54 can be positioned. In one embodiment, the ride facility vehicle 52 may be configured to move throughout the attraction system 50. For example, the ride facility vehicle 52 may be configured to travel along a ride facility path (such as a track, chute, or open path). Alternatively or additionally, the ride facility vehicle 52 may move in different ways (such as around a pivot point). The movement of the ride facility vehicle 52 can transport visitors 54 for their entertainment.

[0016] The ride-on vehicle 52 may include a plurality of walls 56 defining a combined volume 58 in which a visitor 54 may be positioned. One of the walls 56A may also be part of a panel assembly 60 that may provide additional entertainment for the visitor 54. For example, the panel assembly 60 may include a panel 62 that may be movable relative to the walls 56A. For example, the panel 62 may be movable (e.g., translated) into and out of the walls 56A. In a first configuration (e.g., a retracted configuration) of the panel assembly 60 in which the panel 62 is primarily positioned (e.g., fully contained) within the walls 56A, the walls 56A may conceal the panel 62 from the view of the visitor 54. In a second configuration (e.g., an extended configuration) of the panel assembly 60, the panel 62 may be actuated out of the walls 56A, wherein the panel may be primarily actuated out of the walls 56A, positioned out of the walls 56A, and / or extended out of the walls 56A (e.g., completely outside them) and thus visible to the visitor 54. As an example, when a passenger is positioned outside the ride facility 52, the panel assembly 60 may be in a first configuration, and when the passenger is positioned inside the ride facility 52, the panel assembly 60 may switch from the first configuration to a second configuration. This switch of the panel assembly 60 from the first configuration to the second configuration may be unexpected by the passenger 54 and may therefore provide additional entertainment for the passenger 54. For example, the visual presentation of the wall 56A surrounding and concealing the panel 62 may not lead the passenger 54 to perceive the panel 62 as existing and capable of extending, actuating, and / or positioning outside the wall 56A. Therefore, the passenger 54 may be surprised by the visual presentation and movement of the panel 62 entering the passenger 54's field of vision.

[0017] Although the illustrated panel assembly 60 includes a wall 56A positioned in front of the visitor 54, in other or alternative embodiments, panel assembly 60 may include another of the walls 56, such as a side wall 56B or a rear wall 56C. Furthermore, multiple walls 56 may share a common panel assembly 60. For example, panel 62 may have angles or curves to allow panel 62 to extend or be positioned along or within different walls 56. In fact, any suitable portion of the riding facility vehicle 52 may have a movable panel 62. It should also be noted that although each wall 56 has a generally planar or linear configuration in the illustrated embodiment, in other or alternative embodiments, any wall 56 may have a different geometry (e.g., curved), and panel 62 may be configured to be surrounded by walls 56, and walls 56 may have corresponding geometries. In fact, walls 56 and panel 62 may have any suitable configuration that enables movement of panel 62 via the enclosure of walls 56 and to outside of walls 56.

[0018] In one embodiment, panel 62 may provide improved occupancy (e.g., enhanced occupancy) and / or enhanced sense of occupancy for the passenger 54 within the ride facility vehicle 52. For example, in a second configuration, panel 62 may provide an additional barrier between the volume 58 of the ride facility vehicle 52 and the external environment surrounding the ride facility vehicle 52, and may thus jointly define the volume 58 with wall 56. Therefore, the surface area of ​​the ride facility vehicle 52 surrounding the passenger 54 may be increased. Alternatively or additionally, panel 62 may provide other entertainment effects to entertain the passenger 54. By way of example, panel 62 may include a display (e.g., a display screen, a light-emitting diode) configured to display images (e.g., story-related images, scene-related images, augmented reality images), output light, or provide any other suitable effects to entertain the passenger 54 when the panel is extended beyond wall 56A, actuated beyond wall 56A, and / or positioned beyond wall 56A. Such effects may complement the entertainment provided by the movement of the ride facility vehicle 52 to enhance the experience of the passenger 54. Furthermore, panel 62 may be at least partially transparent so that visitor 54 can view through it. Therefore, when panel 62 is extended beyond wall 56A, actuated beyond wall 56A, and / or positioned beyond wall 56A, panel 62 can function as a window or observation port, allowing visitor 54 to see beyond the ride vehicle 52. As another example, panel 62 may support various props (such as stage props, physical cutouts, etc.) to provide additional performance elements visible to visitor 54. Further, panel 62 may have a discontinuous profile that forms a space allowing airflow through it. By way of example, panel 62 may include a plurality of spaced-apart rods forming gaps therebetween, panel 62 may have a mesh structure, and / or panel 62 may include any other suitable openings formed therethrough. Such a design of panel 62 may correspond to the theme of attraction system 50. In fact, panel 62 may have any suitable profile or provide any suitable functionality to entertain visitor 54. Panel 62 may also be composed of any suitable material (such as polymer, metal, composite material, another suitable material, or any combination thereof) to provide sufficient structural rigidity to enable movement into and out of wall 56A.

[0019] In one embodiment, controller 64 (e.g., electronic controller, programmable controller, automatic controller, cloud computing system, control circuitry) may instruct panel 62 to move relative to wall 56A via actuator 70. Controller 64 (e.g., control system, control circuitry) may include memory 66 and processor 68 (e.g., processing system, processing circuitry). Memory 66 may include volatile memory (such as random access memory (RAM)) and / or non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM), optical drive, hard disk drive, solid-state drive, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions for operating panel assembly 60). Processor 68 may be configured to execute such instructions. For example, processor 68 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or any combination thereof.

[0020] The controller 64 is communicatively coupled to the actuator 70 of the panel assembly 60 (e.g., an electromechanical actuator, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator) (such as a linear actuator or rotary actuator) and is configured to instruct the actuator 70 to move the panel 62 relative to the wall 56A, such as moving the panel 62 into and / or out of the wall 56A. In one embodiment, the controller 64 may instruct the actuator 70 to move the panel 62 based on data received from sensors 72 of the attraction system 50. By way of example, the data may represent operating parameters of the attraction system 50, such as the position of the ride vehicle 52, the position of the passenger 54 (e.g., within volume 58), the time associated with the ride cycle of the attraction system 50, any other suitable operating parameters, or any combination thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 64 may instruct the actuator 70 to move the panel 62 based on received user input, such as user input received from one of the passengers 54 and / or from the ride operator. In one embodiment, the panel 62 may be moved manually without the operation of the controller 64. In any of these embodiments, the panel 62 can be moved at any suitable time of operation of the attraction system 50, such as when the ride facility vehicle 52 is in motion.

[0021] Although the panel assembly 60 is implemented as the riding facility vehicle 52 in the illustrated embodiment, it should be noted that the panel assembly 60 and related embodiments discussed herein can be implemented in any other suitable system, such as a gate or fence system, a stage for theatrical performances, a table or desk (e.g., for a cafeteria, for a cashier), etc. In fact, the benefits of an adjustable panel assembly 60 can be provided for a wide variety of different types of systems.

[0022] Figure 2This is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a panel assembly 60 for an amusement park attraction system 50. The panel assembly 60 includes a panel 62 and a surrounding portion 100 (e.g., Figure 1 (Wall 56A). The illustrated panel assembly 60 has a first configuration in which the panel 62 is primarily positioned within the surround 100 (e.g., fully inserted into the surround 100). In one embodiment, an end portion 102 (e.g., the top edge) of the panel 62 may be positioned outside the surround 100 in the first configuration. That is, a portion of the panel 62 may extend outside the surround 100 in the first configuration. In another or alternative embodiment, the entire panel 62 may be positioned within the surround 100.

[0023] Panel 62 may be coupled to one or more support members 104 (e.g., guide rails, sliders, rods), and one or more support members 104 may be coupled (e.g., operably coupled) to one or more actuators 70 and may extend into and / or through the enclosure 100. For example, panel assembly 60 may include one or more actuators 70 that are fixedly positioned within the enclosure 100 (e.g., secured to the wall of the enclosure 100). Each support member 104 may extend through a corresponding actuator 70, and actuators 70 may be coupled (e.g., operably coupled to, support) one or more support members 104 to support panel 62. The illustrated panel 62 includes a central portion 106 and a side portion 108 connected to each other along end portions 102, but the central portion 106 and the side portion 108 may be offset from each other to accommodate the positioning of the actuators 70 and / or one or more support members 104 between the central portion 106 and the side portion 108. However, in other or alternative embodiments, the central portion 106 and the side portions 108 may be adjacent across the actuator 70 and / or across one or more support members 104. For example, adjacent central portions 106 and side portions 108 may include corresponding internal spaces or volumes that can be adapted to the positioning of the actuator 70 and / or one or more support members 104 to provide a connection surface (e.g., a seamless surface) for the combined central portions 106 and side portions 108.

[0024] As discussed herein, controller 64 may be configured to instruct actuator 70 to drive movement of panel 62. For example, controller 64 may instruct actuator 70 to move one or more support members 104, such as translating one or more support members 104 in direction 114. Movement of one or more support members 104 in direction 114 may drive a corresponding movement of panel 62 in direction 114. In this way, controller 64 may instruct actuator 70 to move panel 62 via one or more support members 104.

[0025] The panel assembly 60 may also include a plate 110 coupled to one or more support members 104. For example, the plate 110 may include one or more flanges 112, each of which may be coupled to one or more support members 104. The plate 110 may be secured in a first configuration and / or a second configuration of the panel assembly 60 via one or more connectors (e.g., magnets, clamps, fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners)). As an example, the panel assembly 60 may include one or more first magnets 116 positioned within the enclosure 100 near the enclosure base 117 of the enclosure 100 (e.g., fixed to the enclosure base 117 of the enclosure 100). The plate 110 may be made of a magnetically polarized material (such as a metal alloy), and the flanges 112 of the plate 110 may be configured to engage with one or more first magnets 116 that can provide magnetic force, which can hold the plate 110 against the one or more first magnets 116, thereby holding the panel assembly 60 in a first configuration. However, operation of the controller 64, which instructs the actuator 70 to move one or more support members 104, can cause the actuator 70 to provide sufficient force to overcome the magnetic force provided by one or more first magnets 116, thereby disengaging the flange 112 from the one or more first magnets 116. Therefore, this operation of the controller 64 allows the plate 110 to move away from the one or more first magnets 116 and instructs the panel 62 to be positioned, actuated, and / or extended further beyond the enclosure 100 via the actuator 70. In another or alternative embodiment, one or more first magnets 116 (e.g., electropermanent magnets) can be selectively polarized (e.g., via control signals output from the controller 64). Thus, the controller 64 can output a control signal to polarize one or more first magnets 116 and maintain the engagement between the plate 110 and the first magnets 116, thereby stabilizing the position of the plate 110 against one or more first magnets 116. The controller 64 can also interrupt the output of the control signal to stop the polarization of one or more first magnets 116, thereby allowing the plate to become detached from the first magnets 116, which facilitates the movement of the plate 110 away from one or more first magnets 116.

[0026] Additionally, plate 110 may include an intermediate segment 118 coupled to flange 112 and extending between flanges 112. The intermediate segment 118 may be coupled to a biasing member 120 positioned within the enclosure 100. As an example, biasing member 120 may include a helical spring, gas spring, or the like configured to facilitate a specific movement of plate 110 relative to enclosure 100. For example, biasing member 120 may facilitate movement of one or more support members 104 relative to enclosure 100 when driven by actuator 70, thereby facilitating movement of panel 62 relative to enclosure 100. In this way, biasing member 120 enables effective and desired operation of controller 64 to instruct movement of panel 62.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the intermediate segment 118 may be offset in position from the extension of the flange 112 to form a U-shaped, C-shaped, or stepped configuration. In this way, each flange 112 may form a recess 122 (e.g., a step) that engages with the intermediate segment 118. As discussed herein, each recess 122 may be configured to receive a corresponding actuator 70 in a second configuration of the panel assembly 60. Thus, in the second configuration of the panel assembly 60, the plate 110 may be adapted to the positioning of the actuator 70 via the recess 122.

[0028] The positioning of various components (such as actuator 70, plate 110, first magnet 116, and biasing component 120) within the enclosure 100 conceals these components from the view of the visitor 54 and provides stability. Concealment of components allows for unexpected movement of the panel 62. Additionally, the enclosure 100 protects components from external elements such as dust and debris, thereby increasing the potential lifespan of the components. In another or alternative embodiment, one or more of the components may be positioned at different locations outside the enclosure 100, such as below the enclosure 100 (e.g., under the volume 58 of the ride vehicle 52 in which the visitor 54 is positioned) to conceal the components.

[0029] It should be noted that in other or alternative embodiments, different components may be used to drive the movement of panel 62. For example, pulley systems, counterweight systems, pumps, hydraulic devices, etc., may be used. Furthermore, any other suitable components may be used to secure the construction of panel assembly 60 (e.g., to secure the position of plate 110). As an example, actuator 70 may output force to maintain the position of one or more support members 104. As another example, additional components specifically designed to maintain the construction of panel assembly 60, such as pins, locks, latches, etc., may be used.

[0030] Figure 3This is a front cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the panel assembly 60. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly 60 is in a second configuration in which the panel 62 may be positioned outside, actuated to, and / or extended outside the surround 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire panel 62 may be positioned outside, actuated to, and / or extended outside the surround 100. For example, a first edge 142 (e.g., bottom edge) of the panel 62 may be spaced apart from a second edge 144 (e.g., top edge) of the surround 100. For example, the space formed between the first edge 142 of the panel 62 and the second edge 144 of the surround 100 may be less than 5 cm, between 5 cm (2 inches) and 10 cm (4 inches), or between 10 cm and 18 cm (7 inches). However, in another or alternative embodiment, a portion of the panel 62 may remain within the surround 100 in the second configuration. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the panel assembly 60 may be arranged between the first configuration and the second configuration, in which the panel 62 may not be fully positioned outside the enclosure 100, actuated outside the enclosure 100, and / or extended outside the enclosure 100.

[0031] To transition panel assembly 60 from a first configuration to a second configuration, controller 64 may instruct actuator 70 to drive one or more support members 104 to move away from the base 117 of the enclosure 100 in a first direction 140. Movement of the one or more support members 104 in the first direction 140 may also drive movement of panel 62 and plate 110 in the first direction 140. Thus, actuator 70 may be positioned in a corresponding recess 122 of plate 110 in the second configuration. In one embodiment, panel assembly 60 may include one or more second magnets 146 positioned near the open end portion 148 of enclosure 100. In the second configuration, intermediate segment 118 of plate 110 may engage with one or more second magnets 146 to secure panel assembly 60 in the second configuration. For example, one or more second magnets 146 may apply magnetic force that holds plate 110 against the one or more second magnets 146 to maintain panel assembly 60 in the second configuration. However, operation of the controller 64, which instructs the actuator 70 to move one or more support members 104, can cause the actuator 70 to provide sufficient force to overcome the magnetic force provided by one or more second magnets 146, thereby disengaging the intermediate segment 118 from the one or more second magnets 146. Therefore, operation of the controller 64 allows the plate 110 to move away from the one or more second magnets 146 in a second direction 150 (opposite to the first direction 140) and toward the base 117 of the enclosure, to move the panel 62 into the enclosure 100, thereby converting the panel assembly 60 from the second configuration to the first configuration. The one or more second magnets 146 can be selectively polarized via control signals output from the controller 64, such as selectively polarizing the one or more second magnets 146 to maintain engagement between the plate 110 and the one or more second magnets 146 (e.g., in the second configuration), and to suspend the polarization of the one or more second magnets 146 so that the plate 110 can disengage from the one or more second magnets 146.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a side cross-sectional view as part of one embodiment of the panel assembly 60. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly 60 is in a first configuration, and the side cross-sectional view is along... Figure 2The cross-sectional line AA is obtained. In the first configuration, the panel base 170 of panel 62 extends into the space 172 formed within the enclosure 100. Additionally, the frame 174 of panel 62 may engage with the top portion 176 of enclosure 100. For example, the frame 174 may rest on the top portion 176 such that the visual presentation of panel 62 relative to enclosure 100 does not provide any expectation of movement of panel 62 relative to enclosure 100 (e.g., to extend panel base 170 beyond enclosure 100). Panel base 170 may be positioned within the opening 178 of top portion 176 (e.g., centered between first side 176A and second side 176B of top portion 176, offset toward one of first side 176A or second side 176B) and / or coupled to and / or engaged with one of first side 176A or second side 176B of top portion 176.

[0033] In the second configuration, the panel base 170 can be actuated beyond the space 172, extending beyond the space 172, and / or visible to visitor 54 (e.g., at least partially visible). Additionally, the plate 110 of the panel 62 can engage with the second magnet 146 in the second configuration. For example, one or more second magnets 146 can be coupled to the top portion 176 (e.g., each of the first side 176A and / or the second side 176B of the top portion 176 is coupled to a corresponding second magnet 146), and the plate 110 of the panel 62 can extend across each of the one or more second magnets 146 to engage with them, thereby enabling the panel 62 to be securely positioned in the second configuration. In another or alternative embodiment, the plate 110 of the panel 62 can engage with one of the second magnets 146 but not with the other.

[0034] Figure 5This is a front cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the panel assembly 60. Specifically, the panel assembly 60 may have a plurality of panels 62 coupled to each other. For example, a first panel 62A may be coupled to a second panel 62B at a first pivot 200. Each panel 62A, 62B may be configured to be positioned within and / or configured to extend through and / or into a respective enclosure 100. That is, the first panel 62A may be configured to be positioned within and / or configured to extend through and / or into the first enclosure 100A, and the second panel 62B may be configured to be positioned within and / or configured to extend through and / or into the second enclosure 100B. The enclosures 100A, 100B may also be coupled to each other (e.g., at a second pivot 202). Panels 62A and 62B may be configured to rotate relative to each other via a first pivot 200, and enclosures 100A and 100B may be configured to rotate relative to each other via a second pivot 202 (such as about a common axis of rotation 204). By way of example, each of enclosures 100A and 100B may be a corresponding wall 56 of the ride-on facility 52, and the second enclosure 100B may be rotated relative to the first enclosure 100A to open the volume 58 of the ride-on facility 52 and expose it to the external environment, thereby enabling the transfer of the passenger 54 to and from the ride-on facility 52. ​​Thus, the first enclosure 100A may serve as a door or gate for the ride-on facility 52. ​​For example, enclosures 100A and 100B may be rotated relative to each other, and / or panels 62A and 62B may be rotated relative to each other by a manually applied force. Alternatively, the enclosures 100A and 100B may be rotated relative to each other, and / or the panels 62A and 62B may be rotated relative to each other via the operation of the controller 64 (e.g., by instructing the actuator to drive the rotation of the enclosures 100A and 100B relative to each other and / or the panels 62A and 62B relative to each other).

[0035] The first panel 62A is also movable relative to the first enclosure 100A, and the second panel 62B is movable relative to the second enclosure 100B, thereby adjusting the extensions of the enclosures 100A and 100B beyond their respective enclosures 100A and 100B. By way of example, the first panel 62A may be coupled to the first support member 104A, and the first actuator 70A may be configured to drive movement of the first support member 104A. The second panel 62B may be coupled to the second support member 104B, and the second actuator 70B may be configured to drive movement of the second support member 104B. A controller 64 may be communicatively coupled to each of the actuators 70A and 70B. Thus, the controller 64 may instruct the actuators 70A and 70B to drive a corresponding movement (e.g., translation) of one or more support members 104A and 104B, thereby driving movement of the panels 62A and 62B. For example, the panels 62A and 62B may move in conjunction with each other due to coupling at the first pivot 200. Thus, the effect provided by the movement of panels 62A and 62B can be achieved for the multiple enclosures 100A and 100B connected to each other.

[0036] Additionally, the first plate 110A may be coupled to the first support member 104A, and the second plate 110B may be coupled to the second support member 104B. The first plate 110A and the second plate 110B may be configured to engage with corresponding first magnets 116 (e.g., first magnets 116A, 116B) to maintain the positioning of panels 62A, 62B within corresponding enclosures 100A, 100B (e.g., in the first configuration). The first plate 110A and the second plate 110B may also be configured to engage with corresponding second magnets 146 to maintain the positioning of panels 62A, 62B outside the corresponding enclosures 100A, 100B (e.g., in the second configuration). Thus, the desired positioning of each of panels 62A, 62B can be achieved.

[0037] Figure 6This is a front cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the panel assembly 60. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly is in a first configuration. In the first configuration, the panel 62 may be positioned within the enclosure 100. For example, the frame 174 of the panel 62 may be attached to and / or engaged with the top portion 176 of the enclosure 100 in the first configuration. The panel 62 of the illustrated panel assembly 60 is attached to a guide 600. For example, the guide 600 may be attached to a side end 230 of the panel 62. In one embodiment, the guide 600 may be configured to be positioned within, extend through, extend within, and / or extend into a further enclosure 232 dedicated to enclosing the guide 600. Thus, the further enclosure 232 may conceal the guide 600 and reduce the visual appearance of the panel 62 being able to move outside the enclosure 100 and decrease expectations of it. Panel 62 may be positioned within the enclosure 100, extend through the enclosure 100, extend within the enclosure 100, and / or at least partially extend into the enclosure 100 to be coupled to guide 600.

[0038] Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, panel 62 may be coupled to plate 110, plate 110 to one or more actuators 70, and actuators 70 to the enclosure base 117. Controller 64 may be communicatively coupled to actuators 70 and may instruct actuators 70 to drive movement of plate 110, thereby driving movement of panel 62 coupled to plate 110. Guide 600 may remain fixed during movement of panel 62, and panel 62 may move along guide 600 in direction 114. The arrangement of guide 600 at the side end 230 of panel 62 and the positioning of actuators 70 between plate 110 and enclosure base 117 allow panel 62 to have a continuous profile. That is, panel 62 may not have offset portions for accommodating the positioning of guide 600 and / or actuators 70. Such arrangement of guide 600 and such positioning of actuators 70 also allow plate 110 to have a linear configuration rather than a U-shaped or C-shaped configuration. That is, plate 110 may not have a recess to receive actuator 70 (e.g., in a second configuration). In another or alternative embodiment, actuator 70 may be directly attached to panel 62, and panel assembly 60 may not include plate 110.

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 6A front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the panel assembly 60. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly is in a second configuration. In the second configuration, the panel 62 may be positioned outside the enclosure 100, actuated outside the enclosure 100, and / or extended outside the enclosure 100. For example, a controller 64 may instruct an actuator 70 to drive the plate 110 away from the base 117 of the enclosure to switch the panel assembly 60 from the first configuration to the second configuration. In the second configuration, the plate 110 may be coupled to and / or engaged with the top portion 176 of the enclosure 100. Thus, the plate 110 may remain within the enclosure 100.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the panel assembly 60. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly is in a second configuration, and the side cross-sectional view is along... Figure 7 The cross-sectional line AA was obtained. In the illustrated second configuration, plate 110 is positioned within space 172 of enclosure 100 and is coupled to and / or engaged with top portion 176 of enclosure 100 (e.g., adjacent to top portion 176 of enclosure 100). For example, top portion 176 may include a lip 260 extending over space 172, and plate 110 may abut lip 260 in the second configuration. Thus, lip 260 prevents further movement of plate 110 outside enclosure 100 to avoid undesired positioning of panel assembly 60 (e.g., plate 110 extending outside enclosure 100). In some embodiments, additional components (such as magnets) may be used to maintain engagement between plate 110 and lip 260, thereby holding panel assembly 60 in the second configuration.

[0041] Figure 9This is a front cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the panel assembly 60. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly is in a first configuration. In the first configuration, the entire panel 62 is positioned within the enclosure 100, and one or more guides 278 to which the panel 62 is coupled are positioned within and / or extend within the enclosure 100. Alternatively, the plate 110 may be positioned outside the enclosure 100, such as in a compartment 280 separate from the enclosure 100. For example, the compartment 280 may be positioned under the enclosure 100 in the first configuration (e.g., under the floor of the ride vehicle 52 having the panel assembly 60). For this reason, one or more guides 278 may be positioned in the first configuration within the compartment 280, extend through the compartment 280, extend within the compartment 280, and / or extend into the compartment 280 to connect to the plate 110. The actuator 70 may also be disposed in the compartment 280 instead of in the enclosure 100. Furthermore, the actuator 70 and the plate 110 can be connected to each other via a link 282, which can also be accommodated within the compartment 280 in the first configuration. The illustrated link 282 includes a scissor-type segment, but the link 282 can include any other suitable mechanism, such as a telescopic segment, bellows, pouch, strut, etc. When one or more guides 278 and the panel 62 are in the first configuration, positioning the plate 110, link 282, and actuator 70 within the compartment 280 (rather than within the enclosure 100) reduces the amount of space occupied by one or more components of the panel assembly 60 within the enclosure 100. Thus, a larger panel 62 can be implemented and positioned within the enclosure 100.

[0042] Actuator 70 can adjust linkage 282 to drive movement of panel 62. For example, controller 64 can instruct actuator 70 to extend and retract linkage 282 relative to enclosure 100, thereby driving movement of panel 62 relative to enclosure 100. One or more guides 278 can be held fixed and enable desired movement of panel 62, such as movement in direction 114.

[0043] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the panel assembly 60. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly is in a second configuration. In the second configuration, a link 282 is extended via an actuator 70 to drive the panel 62 out of or actuate it outside the enclosure 100. For example, the actuator 70 may extend the link 282 at least partially into the enclosure 100. Such operation of the actuator 70 may push the panel 62 along one or more guides 278 away from the enclosure base 117 and out of the enclosure 100. In one embodiment, a plate 110 may be coupled to and / or engaged with the cover 176 of the enclosure 100 in the second configuration.

[0044] Figure 11 This is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the panel assembly 60. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly is in a second configuration, and the side cross-sectional view is along... Figure 10 The cross-sectional line AA was obtained. In the second configuration, the cover 292 of the enclosure 100 is positioned to expose the space 172 of the enclosure 100, thereby allowing the panel 62 to be positioned outside the enclosure 100, actuated outside the enclosure 100, and / or extended outside the enclosure 100. By way of example, in the first configuration, the cover 292 may extend or be positioned above or above the space 172 (e.g., and the panel 62) to prevent exposure of the space 172 (e.g., to completely contain and hide the panel 62 within the enclosure 100). Thus, the cover 292 may reduce the visual appearance of the panel 62 being able to move outside the enclosure 100 and reduce expectations of it. Movement of panel 62 in the first direction 140 (e.g., achieved by operation of actuator 70) allows panel 62 to contact cover 292 and drive cover 292 to rotate about hinge 284 in the first rotational direction 283, thereby rotating cover 292 away from space 172 to expose space 172 and allowing panel 62 to be actuated outside or extend outside space 172. Alternatively, in one embodiment, when panel 62 is received within enclosure 100 (e.g., when panel 62 is not positioned outside or extends outside enclosure 100), cover 292 can rotate in a second rotational direction 286 (opposite to the first rotational direction 283) to extend over space 172. For example, a biasing member (e.g., a spring) can drive rotation of cover 292 in the second rotational direction 286.

[0045] In one embodiment, the lip 288 of the surrounding wall 290 prevents the plate 110 from moving outside the surrounding portion 100. That is, the plate 110 may be coupled to and / or engaged with (e.g., abutted against) the lip 288 in the second configuration and prevent further movement of the plate 110 and the panel 62 in the first direction 140. Thus, the lip 288 may enable the desired positioning of the panel 62 and / or the plate 110 in the second configuration.

[0046] Figure 12This is a front cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the panel assembly 60. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly is in a first configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 62 has an irregular shape, but in other or alternative embodiments, the panel 62 may have any other suitable shape, such as a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape, etc. Additionally, in the first configuration, the panel 62 may be coupled to a pivot 310 and may be positioned within the enclosure 100. The controller 64 may be configured to instruct the actuator 70 to rotate the panel 62 about the pivot 310 relative to the enclosure 100. For example, controller 64 may instruct actuator 70 to rotate panel 62 about pivot 310 in a first rotation direction 312 to move panel 62 away from the base 117 of the enclosure and actuate it outside or beyond the enclosure 100, and controller 64 may instruct actuator 70 to rotate panel 62 about pivot 310 in a second rotation direction 314 (opposite to the first rotation direction 312) to move panel 62 toward the base 117 of the enclosure and retract it into the enclosure 100. Alternatively or additionally, panel 62 may be moved in the first rotation direction 312 and / or the second rotation direction 314 by externally applied forces (such as manual force applied by the user and / or gravity).

[0047] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the panel assembly 60. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly is in a second configuration. In the second configuration, the panel 62 is at least partially positioned outside the enclosure 100, at least partially extended outside the enclosure 100, and / or at least partially actuated outside the enclosure 100. For example, the controller 64 may instruct the actuator 70 to rotate the panel 62 in a first rotational direction 312 to switch the panel assembly 60 from the first configuration to the second configuration. The pivot 310 may remain within the enclosure 100 in the second configuration.

[0048] Figure 14 This is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the panel assembly 60. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly is in a second configuration, and the side cross-sectional view is along... Figure 13The cross-sectional line AA was obtained. In the second configuration, the first covering portion 344A of the movable enclosure 100 exposes the space 172 of the enclosure 100 so that the panel 62 can extend or actuate outside the enclosure 100. For example, in the first configuration, the first covering portion 344A may extend above the space 172 to connect to and / or engage (e.g., abut) the second covering portion 344B to prevent exposure of the space 172 and allow the enclosure 100 to completely conceal and accommodate the panel 62. The first covering portion 344A may move (e.g., slide, translate) along the corresponding enclosure wall 290 in the first direction 340 to move away from the second covering portion 344B, thereby exposing the space 172 and allowing the panel 62 to extend or actuate outside the space 172. The first covering portion 344A may also be configured to move along the corresponding enclosure wall 290 in the second direction 342 (opposite to the first direction 340) toward the second covering portion 344B to extend above the space 172. For example, a biasing component (e.g., a spring) can drive the first cover portion 344A to move in the second direction 342. Alternatively, the second cover portion 344B can be configured to move along its corresponding surrounding wall 290 to expose or prevent exposure of the space 172. In practice, each of the first cover portion 344A and the second cover portion 344B can move relative to each other such that the panel 62 can extend or actuate beyond the space 172, and / or prevent the panel 62 from extending beyond the space 172.

[0049] Figure 15This is a partially exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the panel assembly 60. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly 60 is in a first configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire panel 62 and one or more guides 414 are positioned within the enclosure 100. Additionally, a plate 110 (e.g., a panel retainer) may be coupled to and / or engaged with the panel 62 and one or more guides 414. Furthermore, the plate 110 and one or more guides 414 may be configured to guide movement of the panel 62 in direction 114. For example, the plate 110 is positioned beneath the panel 62 and includes one or more plate extensions 400 projecting from the plate 110, each plate extension 400 configured to engage a corresponding guide 414. Additionally, each guide 414 may include a corresponding guide cavity 402 disposed on one side of the corresponding guide 414, the guide cavity 402 being configured to face the plate 110 during mounting of the panel assembly 60. Specifically, the geometry (e.g., shape) of the guide cavity 402 may correspond to the geometry of the corresponding plate extension 400, wherein the volume of the guide cavity 402 is larger than the volume of the corresponding plate extension 400, such that in operation, the corresponding plate extension 400 can be positioned within the guide cavity 402 or extend within the guide cavity 402 and slide along the guide cavity 402 in direction 114. Therefore, one or more guides 414 can maintain the stability of the panel 62 and enable flexible and controllable positioning of the panel 62 via the plate 110 at corresponding positions along the height 404 of one or more guides 414. In some embodiments, one or more guides 414 and / or the plate 110 may be magnetically and / or controllably polarized (e.g., via a controller 64). In such embodiments, polarization facilitates smooth (e.g., reduced friction) movement of the plate 110 (e.g., the plate extension 400) within and relative to one or more guides 414 (e.g., the guide cavity 402).

[0050] Additionally, panel 62 is coupled to plate 110, and plate 110 is configured to engage with one or more actuators 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more actuators 70 are electromagnetic actuators 70. Furthermore, controller 64 is communicatively coupled to the electromagnetic actuators 70 and can instruct the electromagnetic actuators 70 to adjust their magnetic fields, thus driving movement of plate 110 and thereby driving movement of panel 62 coupled to plate 110. One or more guides 414 and / or electromagnetic actuators 70 may be held stationary during movement of panel 62, and panel 62 may move along one or more guides 414 in direction 114. The arrangement of one or more guides 414 at corresponding side ends 406 of panel 62 and the positioning of electromagnetic actuators 70 between plate 110 and the base 117 of the enclosure allow panel 62 to have a continuous profile. That is, panel 62 may not have offset portions for accommodating the positioning of one or more guides 414 and / or electromagnetic actuators 70. Such arrangement of one or more guides 414 and such positioning of the electromagnetic actuator 70 also allows the plate 110 to have a linear configuration rather than a U-shaped or C-shaped configuration. The plate 110 may not have a recess for (e.g., in the first configuration) receiving the electromagnetic actuator 70. In another or alternative embodiment, the electromagnetic actuator 70 may engage directly with the panel 62 (e.g., the panel 62 may include a panel extension similar to the plate extension 400), and the panel assembly 60 may not include the plate 110.

[0051] Figure 16 yes Figure 15A partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of panel assembly 60. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, panel assembly 60 is in a second configuration. In the second configuration, panel 62 may be positioned outside the enclosure 100, actuated outside the enclosure 100, or extend outside the enclosure 100. For example, controller 64 may instruct electromagnetic actuator 70 to adjust the magnetic field to drive plate 110 away from enclosure base 117 and thus switch panel assembly 60 from the first configuration to the second configuration. Additionally, panel assembly 60 may include one or more biasing elements 410 configured to be coupled to and support at least a portion of plate 110 and thus support at least a portion of panel 62. In particular, in some embodiments, biasing element 410 may be coupled to electromagnetic actuator 70 and extend between electromagnetic actuator 70 and plate 110. However, in other or alternative embodiments, biasing element 410 may be coupled to enclosure base 117 and extend between enclosure base 117 and plate 110. As an example, the biasing member 410 may include a coil spring, a gas spring, and the like, configured to facilitate a specific movement of the plate 110 relative to the enclosure 100. For example, the biasing member 410 may facilitate movement of the plate 110 (e.g., the plate extension 400) relative to the enclosure 100 within one or more guides 414 (e.g., guide cavities 402) when driven by the electromagnetic actuator 70, and thereby facilitate movement of the panel 62 relative to the enclosure 100. In this way, the biasing member 410 enables effective and desired operation of the controller 64 to instruct movement of the panel 62.

[0052] Although the electromagnetic actuator 70 is positioned within the enclosure 100 in the illustrated embodiment, it should be noted that the electromagnetic actuator 70 may be positioned outside the enclosure 100, such as in a compartment 412 separate from the enclosure 100. For example, the compartment 412 may be positioned under the enclosure 100 (e.g., under the floor of the ride vehicle 52 having the panel assembly 60). Additionally, in some embodiments, at least a portion of one or more guides 414 may also be positioned within the compartment 412. In these embodiments, at least a portion of the plate 110 may be additionally positioned within, through, and / or into the compartment 412. When one or more guides 414 and the panel 62 are in the first configuration, positioning the electromagnetic actuator 70, and at least a portion of one or more guides 414 and / or the plate 110 in the compartment 412 (rather than within the enclosure 100) reduces the amount of space occupied by one or more components of the panel assembly 60 within the enclosure 100. Thus, a larger panel 62 can be realized and positioned within the enclosure 100.

[0053] Figure 17This is a front cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the panel assembly 60. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly 60 includes a locking component 420 (e.g., a locking system, locking device) configured to hold (e.g., lock) the panel 62 in a desired position (e.g., a first configuration and / or a second configuration). In some embodiments, the panel assembly 60 may include one or more biasing elements 422 (e.g., springs) configured to bias the panel 62 by applying a force to the panel 62 and / or the plate 110 (e.g., via the plate 110 coupled to the panel 62). In some embodiments, the one or more biasing elements 422 may apply a force to the panel 62 in a second direction 150. In other words, the biasing elements 422 may bias the panel 62 and / or the plate 110 toward the disclosed first configuration (e.g., a retracted configuration) such that the panel 62 is primarily enclosed within the enclosure 100 and therefore invisible to the visitor 54 (e.g., hidden). In other embodiments, the biasing element 422 may apply a force to the panel 62 and / or plate 110 in a first direction 140, such that the panel 62 and / or plate 110 is biased toward the disclosed second configuration (e.g., an extension configuration), such that the panel 62 is positioned primarily outside the enclosure 100, actuated outside the enclosure 100, or extended outside the enclosure 100 (e.g., wholly or partially outside the enclosure 100), and is thus visible to the visitor 54. Additionally, the locking assembly 420 may lock (e.g., hold) the panel 62 and / or plate 110 in a desired position and / or prevent movement of the panel 62 and / or plate 110 attributable to forces attributable to the biasing element 422 (e.g., forces against biasing element 442), weight, or forces, or combinations thereof, attributable to the gravity of the panel 62 (e.g., and plate 110). In some embodiments, the controller 64 may instruct one or more bias elements 422, actuators (not shown), and / or locking components 420 to controllably adjust or drive the movement of the panel 110 away from and / or toward the enclosure base 117, and thus switch the panel assembly 60 from a first configuration to a second configuration, and from a second configuration to a first configuration.

[0054] Figure 17The locking assembly 420 may include one or more locking members 424 (e.g., pawl member, ratchet member, positioning member, engagement member). In some embodiments, the one or more locking members may be configured to rotate freely in a first rotational direction 426 and lock (e.g., not rotate) when a force is applied to cause the one or more locking members 424 to rotate in a second rotational direction 428 opposite to the first rotational direction 426. The one or more locking members 424 may engage with one or more teeth 430 disposed along at least one of the side sides 432 of the plate 110. In some embodiments, the one or more teeth 430 may be disposed along the side side of the panel 62, and the plate 110 may be omitted from the design. Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or more biasing elements 422 may bias the plate 110 (e.g., therefore, the panel 62 coupled to the plate 110) toward a first direction 140 to extend, actuate, and / or position the panel 62 outside the enclosure 100. One or more biasing elements 422 may be configured to apply a force to plate 110 in a first direction 140 and thus cause panel 62 to actuate toward a second configuration. When panel 62 reaches a desired position (e.g., such as the second configuration), the force applied by the one or more biasing elements 422 in the first direction 140 may be reduced and the weight of panel 62 and / or plate 110 (e.g., due to gravity) may be greater than the force applied by the one or more biasing elements 422. Panel 62 and / or plate 110 may then be forced in a second direction 150 and cause one or more locking members 424 to hold (e.g., lock) plate 110 (and thus panel 62) in the desired position.

[0055] One or more locking members 424 can hold plate 110 in a desired position by engaging with one or more teeth 430 and resisting rotational movement of one or more locking members 424 in a second rotational direction 428, the rotational movement being caused by the weight of panel 62 and / or plate 110. Additionally, to actuate panel 62 from a second configuration toward a first configuration, one or more locking members 424 can be controllably released (e.g., via controller 64) such that the one or more locking members 424 can rotate freely in the second rotational direction 428 and enable movement of plate 110 toward base 117 of enclosure 100 in a second direction 150. In some embodiments, an actuator (not shown) can cause plate 110 (e.g., and therefore panel 62) to move in the second direction 150 by applying a force greater than the force applied by one or more biasing elements 422 in the first direction 140. Specifically, in some embodiments, the weight of panel 62 and / or plate 110 plus the force applied by the actuator is greater than the force applied by the biasing element 422. It should be recognized that the locking component 420 can engage with one or more teeth 430 (e.g., engagement is caused via controller 64) and lock, retain or cause the plate 110 and thus the panel 62 to be positioned at any desired location within a range of positions from a first configuration (e.g., the entire panel 62 is retracted into the enclosure 100) to a second configuration (e.g., the panel 62 is fully extended to the outside of the enclosure 100, actuated to the outside of the enclosure 100, and / or positioned to the outside of the enclosure 100).

[0056] Additionally, in some embodiments, Figure 17 The panel assembly 60 may include one or more guides 440 and one or more guide followers 442, the guides 440 and the guide followers 442 being configured to facilitate stability of the panel 62 and / or plate 110 during movement and / or ensure the desired positioning of the panel 62 during operation. In some embodiments, the panel assembly 60 may additionally or alternatively include a damper 438 (such as... Figure 18 As illustrated in the figure, damper 438 is configured to reduce the abruptness of the force applied by one or more bias elements 422 (e.g., to slow down the initial force applied by the one or more bias elements 422).

[0057] It should be recognized that, despite Figure 17The panel assembly 60 includes one or more biasing elements 422 configured to apply a force to the plate 110 and therefore the panel 62 in a first direction 140. However, in some embodiments, the one or more biasing elements 422 may be configured to apply a force to the plate 110 and therefore the panel 62 in a second direction 150 toward the base 117 of the surrounding portion 100. For example, the biasing elements 422 may hold the plate 110 and therefore the panel 62 in a first configuration. Furthermore, to change the panel 62 from the first configuration to the second configuration, an actuator (not shown) may (e.g., via a controller 64) cause the plate 110 (e.g., and therefore the panel 62) to actuate or extend in the first direction 140. The actuator may apply a force greater than the force of the one or more biasing elements 422 in the second direction 150 to the plate 110. When panel 62 is in a desired position (e.g., such as the second configuration), the actuator may stop applying force in the first direction 140, and one or more biasing elements 422 may continue to apply force in the second direction 150. One or more locking members 424 may lock plate 110 (and thus panel 62) in the desired position by engaging with one or more teeth 430. To change panel 62 from the second configuration to the first configuration, one or more locking members 424 may be controllably released (e.g., via controller 64) such that the one or more locking members 424 are free to rotate in the second rotation direction 428, and such that plate 110 can be moved in the second direction 150 toward the base 117 of enclosure 100 by force applied by one or more biasing elements 422.

[0058] Figure 18This is a front cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the panel assembly 60. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly 60 includes one or more engagement elements 500 (e.g., locking members, positioning members) configured to rotate freely in a first rotational direction 502 and lock (e.g., not rotate) when a force is applied to cause rotation of the one or more engagement elements 500 in a second rotational direction 504 opposite to the first rotational direction 502. In some embodiments, each of the one or more engagement elements may include an actuable ratchet assembly configured to be locked (e.g., controllably locked) in a desired position. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more engagement elements 500 may directly engage with a plate 110 coupled to and below the panel 62. Specifically, the plate 110 may include one or more extensions 434 at a side end 436 of the plate 110, and one or more engagement elements 500 may engage with the extensions 434. Additionally, the panel assembly 60 may include one or more biasing elements 422, actuators (not shown), or both, which may (e.g., via controller 64) bias and / or actuate the plate 110 (e.g., therefore, the panel 62 coupled to the plate 110) toward a first direction 140 to position, actuate, and / or extend the panel 62 outside the enclosure 100. In other words, one or more biasing elements 422, actuators, or both may be configured to bias or actuate the plate 110 and therefore the panel 62 toward a second configuration. Furthermore, when the plate 110 is moved in the first direction 140 (e.g., via engagement of the extension 434 with one or more engagement elements 500), the one or more engagement elements 500 may rotate in a first rotational direction 502.

[0059] When panel 62 reaches a desired position (e.g., such as the second configuration), the force applied in the first direction 140 by one or more biasing elements 422, actuators, or both can be reduced, and the weight of panel 62 and / or plate 110 (e.g., due to gravity) can be greater than the force applied by the one or more biasing elements 422, actuators, or both. Panel 62 and / or plate 110 can then be force applied in the second direction 150, and one or more engagement elements 500 can hold (e.g., lock) plate 110 in the desired position. One or more engagement elements 500 can hold plate 110 in the desired position by engaging with extension 434 of plate 110 and resisting rotational movement of one or more engagement elements 500 (e.g., via one or more ratchet assemblies) in the second rotational direction 504, which rotational movement is caused by the weight of panel 62 and / or plate 110. Additionally, to change the orientation of panel 62 from the second configuration to the first configuration, one or more engagement elements 500 can be controllably released (e.g., one or more ratchet assemblies, via controller 64) so ​​that the one or more engagement elements 500 can rotate freely in the second rotation direction 504 and enable the plate 110 to move in the second direction 150 toward the base 117 of the enclosure 100. In some embodiments, an actuator (not shown) can cause the plate 110 (e.g., and therefore panel 62) to move in the second direction 150 by applying a force in the second direction 150 greater than the force applied by one or more biasing elements 422 in the first direction 140 (e.g., via controller 64). Specifically, in some embodiments, the weight of panel 62 and / or plate 110 plus the force applied by the actuator is greater than the force applied by one or more biasing elements 422.

[0060] In some embodiments, Figure 18 The panel assembly 60 may include one or more guides 440 and one or more guide followers 442, which are configured to facilitate stability of the panel 62 and / or plate 110 during movement and / or ensure the desired positioning of the panel 62 during operation. In some embodiments, the panel assembly 60 may additionally or alternatively include a damper 438 configured to reduce the abruptness of forces applied by one or more biasing elements 422 (e.g., slowing down the initial force applied by the one or more biasing elements 422).

[0061] It should be recognized that, despite Figure 18The panel assembly 60 includes one or more biasing elements 422 configured to apply a force to the plate 110 and therefore the panel 62 in a first direction 140. However, in some embodiments, the one or more biasing elements 422 may be configured to apply a force to the plate 110 and therefore the panel 62 in a second direction 150 toward the base 117 of the surrounding portion 100. For example, the biasing elements 422 may hold the plate 110 and therefore the panel 62 in a first configuration. Furthermore, to change the panel 62 from the first configuration to the second configuration, an actuator (not shown) may (e.g., via a controller 64) cause the plate 110 (e.g., and therefore the panel 62) to actuate or extend in the first direction 140. The actuator may apply a force greater than the force of the one or more biasing elements 422 in the second direction 150 to the plate 110. When panel 62 is in a desired position (e.g., such as the second configuration), the actuator may stop applying force in the first direction 140, and one or more biasing elements 422 may continue to apply force in the second direction 150. One or more engagement elements 500 may resist rotational movement in the second rotational direction 504 caused by the force of the one or more biasing elements 422 in the second direction 150. To change panel 62 from the second configuration to the first configuration, one or more engagement elements 500 may be controllably released (e.g., via controller 64) such that the one or more engagement elements 500 may be freely rotated in the second rotational direction 504, and such that plate 110 can be moved in the second direction 150 toward base 117 of enclosure 100 via the force applied by the one or more biasing elements 422.

[0062] Figure 19 This is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method 370 for operating a panel assembly. Method 370 may be performed by a single component or system, such as a controller (e.g., a processor). In other or alternative embodiments, multiple components or systems may perform operations for method 370. It should also be noted that additional operations for method 370 may be performed. Furthermore, certain operations of the depicted method 370 may be removed, modified, and / or performed in a different order.

[0063] At frame 372, a first instruction for positioning, extending, and / or actuating the panel outside the enclosure can be received. The first instruction may include sensor data representing the position of the ride-on vehicle, the passenger's position (e.g., within the ride-on vehicle), the time associated with the ride cycle of the attraction system, any other suitable operating parameters, or any combination thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the first instruction may include user input that directly requests the panel to be positioned, extended, and / or actuated outside the enclosure.

[0064] At frame 374, the actuator can be instructed to position, extend, and / or actuate the panel outside the enclosure based on a first indication. Specifically, the controller can in response to receiving the first indication, instruct, generate, and / or propagate instructions to cause the actuator to position, actuate, and / or extend the panel outside the enclosure. In one embodiment, the actuator can translate the panel outside the enclosure, such as by driving movement of a guide to which the panel is coupled, driving movement of a plate to which the panel is coupled, adjusting a linkage to which the panel is coupled, etc. In another or alternative embodiment, the actuator can rotate the panel outside the enclosure, such as about a pivot. Movement of the panel outside the enclosure can be unexpected for visitors and can therefore provide an effect to entertain them.

[0065] At block 376, a second instruction for positioning, extending, and / or actuating the panel into the enclosure can be received, such as via sensor data and / or user input. At block 378, the actuator can be instructed based on the second instruction to position, extend, and / or actuate the panel into the enclosure (e.g., via rotation, via translation). Specifically, the controller can instruct, generate, and / or propagate instructions in response to receiving the second instruction to cause the actuator to position, extend, and / or actuate the panel into the enclosure. Movement of the panel into the enclosure can conceal the panel away from visitors. For example, the visual presentation of a panel assembly where the panel is housed within the enclosure may not indicate that the panel can move relative to the enclosure. Thus, panel movement can be provided in more unexpected circumstances.

[0066] Although 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 is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure.

[0067] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and specific examples that can arguably improve the practical nature of the art, and are therefore not abstract, abstract, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “device for (performing)...(function)” or “step for (performing)...(function)”, such elements are intended to be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not intended to be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f).

Claims

1. A ride-on vehicle for an amusement park attraction system, the ride-on vehicle comprising: Multiple walls, which together define a volume, the volume being configured to receive passengers into the ride facility vehicle; as well as A panel assembly including a panel and a wall among the plurality of walls, wherein the wall is configured to receive the panel in a first configuration of the panel assembly, and the panel is configured to move and actuate relative to the wall outside the wall in a second configuration of the panel assembly.

2. The passenger facility vehicle of claim 1, comprising one or more actuators and a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more actuators, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the one or more actuators to adjust the panel relative to the wall to switch the panel assembly between a first configuration and a second configuration.

3. The vehicle for use as claimed in claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the one or more actuators to rotate the panel about a pivot to move the panel relative to the wall.

4. The passenger vehicle of claim 2, comprising a linkage coupled to the one or more actuators and a linkage coupled to the panel, wherein the one or more actuators are configured to actuate the linkage to move the panel relative to the wall.

5. The vehicle for transporting passengers according to claim 2, wherein one or more actuators are disposed outside the wall.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the panel includes a first panel and the wall includes a first wall, the panel assembly includes a second panel and a second wall of the plurality of walls, the second wall being configured to receive the second panel in the first configuration of the panel assembly, and the second panel being configured to actuate outside the second wall in the second configuration of the panel assembly.

7. The passenger facility vehicle of claim 1, comprising a guide, wherein the panel is coupled to the guide and configured to move along the guide in a second configuration of the panel assembly to cause it to move outside the wall.

8. A panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system, the panel assembly comprising: Enclosure; A support member, which is at least partially positioned within the enclosure; A panel, which is connected to the support member; as well as One or more actuators are positioned within the enclosure, wherein the one or more actuators are configured to move the support member relative to the enclosure, thereby moving the panel relative to the enclosure to actuate the panel outside the enclosure.

9. The panel assembly of claim 8, wherein the surrounding portion includes a base, and one or more actuators are configured to move the support member away from the base to actuate the panel outside the surrounding portion.

10. The panel assembly of claim 9, comprising a first connector coupled to the base and a plate coupled to the support member, wherein the plate is configured to engage with the first connector.

11. The panel assembly of claim 10, wherein the plate is configured to engage with the first connector in a first configuration of the panel assembly, the enclosure includes a cover and a second connector, the one or more actuators are configured to move the support member and the panel away from the base to convert the panel assembly from the first configuration to a second configuration, and the plate is configured to engage with the second connector in the second configuration of the panel assembly.

12. The panel assembly of claim 9, further comprising a biasing member coupled to the base.

13. The panel assembly of claim 8, wherein the one or more actuators are configured to at least partially actuate the support member outside the enclosure to actuate the panel outside the enclosure.

14. A panel assembly for an amusement park attraction system, the panel assembly comprising: An enclosure that defines a space, wherein the enclosure includes a cover configured to extend over the space, and the enclosure includes a base; A panel configured to be positioned within the space defined by the surrounding portion; One or more actuators configured to drive movement of the panel relative to the enclosure; as well as A controller communicatively coupled to the one or more actuators, wherein the controller is configured to: Instructing the one or more actuators to drive the panel toward the base of the surrounding portion to convert the panel assembly to a first configuration; and The one or more actuators are instructed to drive the panel away from the base of the enclosure to switch the panel assembly to a second configuration.

15. The panel assembly of claim 14, comprising a plate, wherein the panel is coupled to the plate, and the one or more actuators are configured to drive movement of the plate relative to the enclosure to drive movement of the panel relative to the enclosure.

16. The panel assembly of claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the one or more actuators to drive the panel toward the one or more actuators to drive the panel away from the base.

17. The panel assembly of claim 14, wherein the enclosure includes a wall defining the space, the cover is coupled to the wall, the cover is configured to move relative to the wall to expose the space, and the controller is configured to instruct the one or more actuators to drive the panel away from the base and out of the enclosure via the space exposed by the cover to convert the panel assembly to the second configuration.

18. The panel assembly of claim 17, wherein the cover is configured to rotate about a hinge relative to the wall or translate along the wall to expose the space.

19. The panel assembly of claim 14, wherein the panel includes a frame, and the frame is configured to engage with the cover in the first configuration of the panel assembly.

20. The panel assembly of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the one or more actuators to rotate the panel relative to the enclosure to switch the panel assembly between the first configuration and the second configuration.

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