Overhung Vehicle Assembly

Abstract

The ride system includes a track and an overhung vehicle assembly. The overhung vehicle assembly includes a transport platform coupled to the track, a ride vehicle, and a heave system extending between the transport platform and the ride vehicle. The heave system is configured to lift the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform. The heave system includes an extendable tube defining a variable volume configured to store a gaseous fluid. The extendable tube is configured to extend in response to the heave system lowering the ride vehicle off the transport platform such that the gaseous fluid within the variable volume of the extendable tube provides a fluid force that urges the extendable tube toward a contracted configuration to assist the heave system in lifting the ride vehicle toward the transport platform.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 166,130, entitled "OVERHUNG RIDE ASSEMBLY," filed March 25, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Theme park or amusement park attractions have become increasingly popular and are designed to provide guests with a unique immersive experience. Many theme parks or amusement parks include ride systems that move ride vehicles relative to a track. Some ride systems can include an overhung ride assembly, i.e., the ride vehicles and other features of the ride system (e.g., transportation platform, heave system, motion base platform) are located below the track of the ride system relative to the gravity vector (e.g., while the overhung ride assembly is in a stationary or home position). Unfortunately, conventional ride systems employing overhung ride assemblies may limit the range of motion of the ride vehicles relative to the track. Additionally, conventional ride systems employing overhung ride assemblies may be expensive to manufacture (e.g., due to excessive part count and expensive parts) and expensive to operate (e.g., due to wasted energy). It is now recognized that an improved ride system employing an improved overhung ride assembly is desirable. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The following summarizes certain embodiments common in scope to the subject matter of the original claims. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather to provide merely a brief summary of some disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may include a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a ride system includes a track and an overhung vehicle assembly. The overhung vehicle assembly includes a transport platform coupled to the track, a ride vehicle, and a heave system extending between the transport platform and the ride vehicle. The heave system is configured to lift the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform. The heave system includes an extendable tube defining a variable volume configured to store a gaseous fluid. The extendable tube is configured to extend in response to the heave system lowering the ride vehicle off the transport platform such that the gaseous fluid within the variable volume of the extendable tube enables a fluid force that urges the extendable tube toward a contracted configuration to assist the heave system in lifting the ride vehicle toward the transport platform.

[0006] In one embodiment, a vehicle system includes a track and an overhung vehicle assembly. The overhung vehicle assembly includes a transport platform coupled to the track, a ride vehicle, and a heave system extending between the transport platform and the ride vehicle. The heave system is configured to lift the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform. The heave system includes a strong arm assembly having a backhoe configuration including a first rigid arm coupled via a first hinge to the ride vehicle or a motion base platform coupled to the ride vehicle, and a second rigid arm coupled to the first rigid arm via a second hinge and coupled to a transport hinge at the transport platform.

[0007] In one embodiment, a ride system includes a track and an overhung vehicle assembly. The overhung vehicle assembly includes a transport platform coupled to the track, a ride vehicle, and a heave system configured to lift the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform. The heave system includes a winch assembly having a spool, a cable coupled to the spool, and a motor. The motor is configured to rotationally drive the spool in a first circumferential direction to lift the ride vehicle via the cable towards the transport platform and generate potential energy in the ride vehicle. The motor is also configured to generate electricity in response to the spool rotating in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction as the ride vehicle descends away from the transport platform via the cable and potential energy of the ride vehicle is converted to kinetic energy.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of an overhung ride assembly of a ride system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of a ride system having the overhung ride assembly of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a ride system having the overhung ride assembly of FIG. 1 with the ride vehicles of the overhung ride assembly extending away from the transportation platform of the overhung ride assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of the overhung vehicle assembly of FIG. 1 with a ride vehicle of the overhung vehicle assembly extending away from the transportation platform of the overhung vehicle assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 2 is a perspective view of the overhang vehicle assembly of FIG. 1 with the overhang vehicle assembly retracted such that a ride vehicle of the overhang vehicle assembly is adjacent to the transportation platform of the overhang vehicle assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a power assembly of the strong arm assembly and winch assembly of the overhung vehicle assembly of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an overhung ride assembly of a ride system with a ride vehicle of the overhung ride assembly extending away from a transportation platform of the overhung ride assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a perspective view of the overhang vehicle assembly of FIG. 7 with the overhang vehicle assembly retracted such that a ride vehicle of the overhang vehicle assembly is adjacent to the transportation platform of the overhang vehicle assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a winch assembly for use in the overhung ride assembly of FIG. 7 and configured to lift a ride vehicle of the overhung ride assembly of FIG. 7 and generate electricity as the ride vehicle descends, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In order to concisely describe these embodiments, not all of the features of the implementations are described herein. It should be understood that the development of any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project, requires numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made in order to achieve the developer's particular goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. Moreover, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but are a routine undertaking of design, fabrication and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0011] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. It should also be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also contain the recited features.

[0012] The present disclosure generally relates to ride systems having overhung ride assemblies. For example, the overhung ride assembly may include a ride vehicle and other features that are positioned below a track or mount of the ride system relative to a gravity vector (e.g., while the overhung ride assembly is in a stationary or home position). The overhung ride assembly may also include a transport platform connected to the track and configured to move along the track, and one or more motion systems or assemblies (e.g., a heave system and a motion base platform) disposed on the transport platform and / or between the transport platform and the ride vehicle. The one or more motion systems or assemblies may be configured to move (e.g., lift, translate, roll, pitch, yaw) the ride vehicle in various directions relative to the transport platform.

[0013] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an overhung ride assembly can include a heave system configured to raise and lower the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform, and a motion base platform between the heave system and the ride vehicle. The motion base platform can include, for example, a Stewart platform or an octopod. In general, the motion base platform can cause the ride vehicle to roll, pitch, and / or yaw relative to the heave system and the transport platform. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the ride system can also not include a motion base platform, and the heave system can be directly connected to the ride vehicle.

[0014] The heave system may include multiple assemblies that cooperate to lift the ride vehicle towards the transport platform and lower the ride vehicle away from the transport platform. For example, the heave system may include a winch assembly having a spool, a cable extending from the ride vehicle (or motion base platform) to the spool, and a motor to rotate the spool. The motor may perform an operation to rotate the spool in a first circumferential direction to wind the cable onto the spool and raise the ride vehicle towards the transport platform. The spool may also rotate in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction to pay out the cable from the spool and lower the ride vehicle away from the transport platform. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the spool may receive multiple cables extending between the transport platform and the ride vehicle or motion base platform, or multiple cable-dedicated spools may be employed. Additionally, multiple motors may be employed to drive the rotation of one or more spools. In general, the use of multiple cables attached to various points on the ride vehicle or motion base platform may improve stability of the ride vehicle and improve control of the ascent and descent of the ride vehicle. Other actuation mechanisms for actuating the cables are possible.

[0015] The heave system of the overhung vehicle assembly may also include a strong arm assembly that extends between the transport platform and the vehicle vehicle (or motion base platform) to assist in raising and lowering the vehicle relative to the transport platform. The strong arm assembly may resemble an excavation device or machine known as a backhoe, and thus the present disclosure may refer to embodiments of the strong arm assembly as forming a backhoe configuration. The strong arm assembly may include multiple rigid arms connected by hinges that allow for rotation of a portion of the rigid arm. In the present disclosure, the rigid arms of the strong arm assembly may be described as rigid to indicate the material strength and shape of each rigid arm of the strong arm assembly. The strong arm assembly is configured to move, and while the rigid arms of the strong arm assembly can move (e.g., rotate) relative to one another, each rigid arm of the strong arm assembly includes a material and geometric configuration that prevents a portion of the rigid arm of the strong arm assembly from bending relative to another portion of the rigid arm of the strong arm assembly. For example, in contrast to a cable of a winch assembly that is configured to flex as it is wound onto (and unwound from) a spool of the winch assembly, the rigid arms of the strong arm assembly are configured to maintain structural rigidity as they move in accordance with the above description. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the rigid arms of the strong arm assembly may not be completely rigid, and in accordance with the present disclosure, the term rigid is used to distinguish them from substantially less rigid members, such as a cable that is configured to be wound onto (and unwound from) a spool of the winch assembly.

[0016] The strong arm assembly may include a first rigid arm having a proximal end connected to the ride vehicle (or motion base platform) at a first passive hinge. The strong arm assembly may also include a second rigid arm having a proximal end connected to the transport platform at a transport hinge that operates via one or more motors (e.g., the motors described above configured to drive rotation of a spool) to impart motion to the strong arm assembly. The distal end of the first rigid arm and the distal end of the second rigid arm may be coupled to one another via a second passive hinge that allows the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm to form a variable angle, the variable angle between the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm changing as the strong arm assembly is used to raise and / or lower the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform. In this disclosure, the first and second passive hinges may be referred to as passive to indicate that they are not motorized or power driven, while the transport hinge may be driven by one or more motors described above. In this disclosure, the first passive hinge between the first rigid arm and the ride vehicle (or motion base platform), the transport hinge between the second rigid arm and the transport platform, and the second passive hinge between the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm can be referred to as a three-hinge design of the strong arm assembly.

[0017] A stabilizing boom connected to the transport platform and coupled to the first rigid arm can support the weight of the assembly and / or facilitate controlled rotation of the first rigid arm about the axis of the second passive hinge between the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm. For example, the stabilizing boom can provide a level of resistance to the first rigid arm to prevent the first rigid arm from freely rotating about the axis of the second passive hinge, such that the first rigid arm rotates about the axis of the second passive hinge only in response to the second rigid arm rotating about the axis of the transport hinge. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second rigid arm is rotationally driven about the axis of the transport hinge, the stabilizing boom connected to the first rigid arm moves laterally (e.g., across the transport platform and / or below the first rigid arm), thus allowing the first rigid arm to rotate about the axis of the second passive hinge. The variable angle between the distal end of the first rigid arm and the distal end of the second rigid arm coupled via the second passive hinge can decrease (e.g., become more acute) as the ride vehicle is lifted toward the transport platform, and further, the variable angle between the distal end of the first rigid arm and the distal end of the second rigid arm can increase (e.g., become more obtuse) as the ride vehicle is lowered away from the transport platform.

[0018] A proximal end of a second rigid arm of the strong arm assembly connected to the transport hinge at the transport platform can rotate about an axis of the transport hinge in response to rotation of the transport hinge by one or more motors. For example, the second rigid arm can be rigidly coupled to the transport hinge and rotates with the transport hinge when the transport hinge is rotated by the one or more motors. Thus, to lift the ride vehicle, the transport hinge can be rotated in a first circumferential direction by the one or more motors to rotate the second rigid arm about the axis of the transport hinge, thereby further rotating the first rigid arm about the axis of a second passive hinge between the first and second rigid arms. As the ride vehicle is lifted toward the transport platform, the variable angle between the distal end of the first and second rigid arms can decrease (e.g., become more acute). Additionally, to lower the ride vehicle, the one or more motors may rotate the transport hinge in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction to rotate the second rigid arm about the axis of the transport hinge, thereby further rotating the first rigid arm about the axis of a second passive hinge between the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm. As the ride vehicle descends away from the transport platform, the variable angle between the distal end of the first rigid arm and the distal end of the second rigid arm may increase (e.g., become more obtuse). Note that while the strong arm assembly is used to raise and lower the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform, it may also provide an amount of lateral movement of the ride vehicle as it ascends and descends relative to the transport platform.

[0019] In addition to the winch assembly and strong arm assembly described above, the heave system can include a compensation assembly configured to assist in lifting the ride vehicle towards the transport platform. The compensation assembly can be located at or adjacent to the transport platform and can include a plurality of extendible tubes with corresponding reservoirs that store a gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen. For example, a first end of the extendible tube can be connected to a fixed anchor of the transport platform and a second end of the extendible tube can be connected to a rotating feature at or adjacent to the transport platform, such as a second rigid arm of the strong arm assembly and / or an extension of the transport hinge described above. When the strong arm assembly is utilized to lower the ride vehicle, the rotating feature (e.g., the second rigid arm and / or the extension of the transport hinge) can move away from the anchor of the transport platform, pulling the second end of the extendible tube away from the first end of the extendible tube to extend the length of the extendible tube. For example, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the second ends of the expandable tubes can include or be coupled to a plunger that extends into the first ends of the expandable tubes, and a vacuum can be formed at the first ends of each tube, at least partially defined by the plunger.

[0020] As the length of the extendable tube is expanded, a gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, can move into the body of the extendable tube. For example, the plunger described above can move along the first end of the extendable tube to expand the interior volume of the extendable tube. In embodiments of the present disclosure, when the extendable tube is extended or in an extended state, gaseous fluid can be present in both the reservoir and the body of the extendable tube. The expanded volume increases the pressure difference between the interior of the extendable tube and the atmosphere surrounding the extendable tube, generating a fluid force. This fluid force can tend to force the extendable tube to contract.

[0021] In an embodiment of the disclosure, a motor corresponding to the transport hinge and / or winch described above can urge the strong arm assembly downward to overcome fluid forces generated by the extendable tube and / or maintain the ride vehicle in a lowered (e.g., extended) position as the ride vehicle descends. When the motor is stopped and / or used to raise the ride vehicle towards the transport platform, the fluid forces generated by the extendable tube can cause the extendable tube to contract. When the fluid forces are released and the extendable tube contracts, the extendable tube can exert a force on the second rigid arm and / or the extension of the transport hinge to pull the second rigid arm and / or the extension of the transport hinge back towards the anchor of the transport platform. A pulley assembly between each extendable tube and the second rigid arm and / or the extension of the transport hinge can be configured to convert lateral movement of the extendable tube to rotational movement of the second rigid arm and / or the extension of the transport hinge. The extendable tube can thus assist in lifting the ride vehicle towards the transport platform, thereby reducing the amount of work required by the motor to rotate the spool of the transport hinge and / or heave system winch during the lifting procedure.

[0022] The combination of one or more winch assemblies, strong arm assemblies, and compensation assemblies is collectively referred to as a heave system and is utilized to raise and lower the ride vehicle as described above. Generally, the heave system can facilitate improved lift control and reduced power consumption required to raise the ride vehicle as compared to conventional embodiments.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the heave system may include a pantograph that does not include the backhoe configuration described above, such as a jointed mechanical linkage framework having a generally rectangular configuration extending between the ride vehicle (or motion base platform) and the transport platform. The winch, winch motor, and cable as described above may be used to lift and / or support the weight of the ride vehicle and motion base platform, while the pantograph may extend and retract to increase the stability of the ride vehicle and / or motion base platform. The winch motor may be connected to a regenerative drive system. In general, the winch motor performs the task of lifting the ride vehicle using the cable as the pantograph retracts. That is, the electric torque of the winch motor performs the task of overcoming the gravity of the ride vehicle and other features of the overhung ride assembly (e.g., the motion base platform). However, lifting the ride vehicle generates potential energy, and lowering the ride vehicle converts potential energy into kinetic energy. As the ride vehicle is lowered, the winch motor acts as a generator to regenerate power via kinetic energy generated during the lowering of the ride vehicle. Induced current from the winch motor acting as a generator during the lowering of the ride vehicle can be passed through a drive to the bus rail system typically used to power the winch motor so that the bus rail system can store the generated power for future use during future lifting of the ride vehicle or another ride vehicle associated with the ride system. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the regenerative power feature described above in conjunction with the generally rectangular pantograph can also be employed with a strong arm assembly having a backhoe configuration.

[0024] Generally, the above-described features may improve the experience of guests located within the ride vehicle through improved motion (e.g., rise and fall, roll, pitch, yaw) of the ride vehicle as compared to conventional embodiments. Additionally, the above-described features may generally reduce manufacturing costs (e.g., through fewer parts, less expensive parts, and simpler construction) and operating costs (e.g., through utilization of fluid power in the power regeneration features of the compensation assembly and / or winch assembly) of the ride system as compared to conventional embodiments. These and other features are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of an overhung vehicle assembly 10 of a ride system 12. The ride system 12 may also include a track, as shown in subsequent figures (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3). The overhung vehicle assembly 10 may be located below (or hang from) the track (e.g., while the overhung vehicle assembly 10 is in a stationary or home position). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the overhung vehicle assembly 10 of the ride system 12 includes a transport platform 13 and a heave system 14 configured to raise and lower a ride vehicle 16 of the overhung vehicle assembly 10 relative to the transport platform 13. The transport platform 13 may be coupled to the track of the ride system 12 via wheel assemblies 15. As described in more detail below, the heave system 14 may include a number of assemblies configured to assist in the raising and lowering of the ride vehicle 16 relative to the transport platform 13. The overhung ride assembly 10 may also include a motion base platform 18 between the heave system 14 and the ride vehicle 16. The motion base platform 18 may include, for example, a Stewart platform or an octopod. In general, the motion base platform 18 may enable the ride vehicle 16 to roll, pitch and / or yaw relative to the heave system 14 and the transport platform 13. In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 12 may not include a motion base platform 18, and the features of the heave system 14 may be directly connected to the ride vehicle 16.

[0026] As discussed above, the heave system 14 may include multiple assemblies that cooperate to lift the ride vehicle 16 towards and lower the ride vehicle 16 away from the transport platform 13. For example, the heave system 14 may include a winch assembly 19 that is defined at least in part by one or more cables 20 that extend from the motion base platform 18 (or directly from the ride vehicle 16) to the transport platform 13. Although only one cable 20 is visible in the side view of the overhung vehicle assembly 10 in FIG. 1, additional cables 20 may be located on the opposite side of the overhung vehicle assembly 10. The one or more cables 20 may be coupled to one or more spools 22 of the winch assembly 19 that is located on the transport platform 13. It is noted that a single spool 22 may be used for multiple cables 20, or multiple cable-specific spools 22 may be used. For example, although only one spool 22 is visible in the side view of the overhung vehicle assembly 10 in FIG. 1, another spool 22 may be located on the opposite side of the overhung vehicle assembly 10. The spool 22 in the illustrated embodiment may rotate in a first circumferential direction to pay out the cable 20 from the spool 22 and lower the ride vehicle 16 away from the transport platform 13. The spool 22 may also be rotated in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction by a motor 24 to reel the cable 20 onto the spool 22 and raise the ride vehicle 16 towards the transport platform 13. Although the illustrated embodiment shows a collapsible pole 26 that may be used to stabilize undesired movement (e.g., undesired rolling motion) of the ride vehicle 16, the collapsible pole 26 may not be considered part of the winch assembly 19 described above.

[0027] The heave system 14 of the overhung vehicle assembly 10 may also include a strong arm assembly 28 that extends between the transport platform 13 and the ride vehicle 16 forming a backhoe configuration. An embodiment of the strong arm assembly 28 may be described as forming a backhoe configuration, as it may resemble an excavation device or machine known as a backhoe. The strong arm assembly 28 may also assist in raising and lowering the ride vehicle 16 relative to the transport platform 13. It is noted that, as described in more detail below, the strong arm assembly 28 includes multiple rigid arms connected by hinges, some of which may rotate about the hinges, and "rigid" is used herein to refer to the material strength and geometry of each rigid arm of the strong arm assembly 28. That is, while the strong arm assembly 28 is configured to move, each rigid arm of the strong arm assembly 28 includes a material and geometric configuration that prevents one portion of the rigid arm from flexing relative to another portion of the rigid arm.

[0028] For example, the strong arm assembly 28 can include a first rigid arm 30 having a proximal end 32 connected to the motion base platform 18 at a first passive hinge 35. That is, the proximal end 32 of the first rigid arm 30 is proximal to the motion base platform 18. Alternatively, the proximal end 32 can be coupled to the ride vehicle 16 via the passive hinge 35, thereby causing the proximal end 32 to be proximal to the ride vehicle 16. The strong arm assembly 28 can also include a second rigid arm 34 having a proximal end 36 connected to the transport platform 13 at a transport hinge 38 that is actuated (e.g., via the motor 24 or another motor) to impart motion to the strong arm assembly 28. That is, the proximal end 36 of the second rigid arm 34 is proximal to the transport platform 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the transport hinge 38 and the spool 22 of the strong arm assembly 28 are axially aligned and driven by the motor 24, however, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the transport hinge 38 and the spool 22 may be misaligned. The alignment of the transport hinge 38 and the spool 22 is more clearly shown and explained below in FIG. 6. The distal end 40 of the first rigid arm 30 and the distal end 42 of the second rigid arm 34 may be coupled via a second passive hinge 44 that allows the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 34 to form a variable angle 46. The first passive hinge 35, the transport hinge 38, and the second passive hinge 44 may be referred to herein as a three-hinge design of the strong arm assembly 28. It should be noted that in embodiments of the present disclosure, first passive hinge 35 and second passive hinge 44 may be described as passive to indicate that they are not powered, while transport hinge 38 is powered (e.g., by motor 24 or another motor), as described in more detail below.

[0029] A stabilizing boom 48 connected to the transport platform 13 and coupled to the first rigid arm 30 can facilitate controlled rotation of the first rigid arm 30 about the axis of the second passive hinge 44 between the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 34. For example, the stabilizing boom 48 can provide resistance to the first rigid arm 30 to prevent the first rigid arm 30 from rotating about the axis of the second passive hinge 44 unless the second rigid arm 34 is rotationally driven about the axis of the transport hinge 38. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second rigid arm 34 is rotationally driven about the axis of the transport hinge 38, the stabilizing boom 48 moves laterally (e.g., across the transport platform 13), thus allowing the first rigid arm 30 to rotate about the axis of the second passive hinge 44. Thus, the variable angle 46 between the distal end 40 of the first rigid arm 30 and the distal end 42 of the second rigid arm 34, which are coupled via the second passive hinge 44, can decrease (e.g., become more acute) as the ride vehicle 16 is lifted toward the transport platform 13. Additionally, the variable angle 46 between the distal end 40 of the first rigid arm 30 and the distal end 42 of the second rigid arm 34 can increase (e.g., become more obtuse) as the ride vehicle 16 is lowered away from the transport platform 13.

[0030] The stabilizing boom 48 may provide resistance to free rotation of the first rigid arm 30 about the axis of the second passive hinge 44, but may also include other resistances (e.g., frictional resistance) to prevent free rotation of the first rigid arm 30 about the second passive hinge 44 and / or the first passive hinge 35. As noted above, in this disclosure, the configuration of the strong arm assembly 28 described above, which may employ a three-hinge design including the first rigid arm 30, the second rigid arm 34, the first passive hinge 35, the transportation hinge 38, and the second passive hinge 44, may generally be referred to as a backhoe configuration. The power features that impart motion to the strong arm assembly 28 are described in more detail below.

[0031] A proximal end 36 of a second rigid arm 34 of the strong arm assembly 28 connected to a transport hinge 38 at the transport platform 13 may rotate about the axis of the transport hinge 38 in response to the transport hinge 38 being rotated by one or more motors 24 (or via one or more separate motors) as described above with respect to the one or more spools 22. For example, the second rigid arm 34 may be rigidly coupled to the transport hinge 38 and rotate with the transport hinge 38 when the transport hinge 38 is rotated by the one or more motors 24. Thus, to lift the ride vehicle 16 towards the transport platform 13, the one or more motors 24 may rotate the transport hinge 38 in a first circumferential direction to rotate the second rigid arm 34 about the axis of the transport hinge 38, thereby further moving the first rigid arm 30 about the axis of a second passive hinge 44 between the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 34. As the ride vehicle 16 is raised toward the transport platform 13 (e.g., referred to herein as a retracted motion or state), the variable angle 46 between the distal end 40 of the first rigid arm 30 and the distal end 42 of the second rigid arm 34 may decrease (e.g., become more acute). Further, to lower the ride vehicle 16, the first rigid arm 30 may be further moved about the axis of the second passive hinge 44 between the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 34 by rotating the transport hinge 38 in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction by the one or more motors 24 to rotate the second rigid arm 34 about the axis of the transport hinge 38. As the ride vehicle 16 descends away from the transport platform 13 (e.g., referred to herein as an extended motion or extended state), the variable angle 46 between the distal end 40 of the first rigid arm 30 and the distal end 42 of the second rigid arm 34 may increase (e.g., become more obtuse). Note that while the strong arm assembly 28 may be used to raise and lower the ride vehicle 16 relative to the transport platform 13 as described above, it may also provide an amount of lateral or horizontal movement of the ride vehicle 16 as it ascends and descends relative to the transport platform 13.Further features of the strong arm assembly 28 and compensation assembly of the heave system 14 are described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0032] 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ride system 12 having the overhung ride assembly 10 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the transport platform 13 of the overhung ride assembly 10 is coupled to a track 60 via a wheel assembly 15 that allows for movement of the transport platform 13 along the track 60. The strong arm assembly 28 in the illustrated embodiment includes two separate segments of a second rigid arm 34. For example, the two separate segments of the second rigid arm 34 extend on either side of a passive hinge 44 between the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 34, and the first rigid arm 30 extends intermediate the passive hinge 44. The two separate segments of the second rigid arm 34 can be rigidly coupled to the passive hinge 44, and the first rigid arm 30 can be rotatably coupled to the passive hinge 44 to allow for a variable angle 46 between the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 34 to change as the ride vehicle 16 rises and falls. Alternatively, two separate segments of the second rigid arm 34 can be rotatably coupled to the passive hinge 44, and the first rigid arm 30 can be rigidly coupled to the passive hinge 44. Extending below the first rigid arm 30 is a stabilizing boom 48 that supports the first rigid arm 30 (e.g., supports the weight of the first rigid arm 30) to permit the rotation described above, and prevents the first rigid arm 30 from freely rotating about the second passive hinge 44 when the second rigid arm 34 is not rotationally actuated.

[0033] The heave system 14 may also include a compensation assembly 62 used to assist in lifting the ride vehicle 16 towards the transport platform 13. The compensation assembly 62 may be located on or adjacent to the transport platform 13 and may include a plurality of extendable tubes 64 with corresponding reservoirs for storing a gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen. Aspects of the extendable tubes 64 described herein that are not depicted in FIG. 2 (e.g., the reservoirs and body of each extendable tube 64) are depicted in FIG. 3 and will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. With continued reference to FIG. 2, a first end 66 of the extendable tube 64 may be connected to a fixed anchor 68 of the transport platform 13 and a second end 70 of the extendable tube 64 may be connected to the second rigid arm 34 of the strong arm assembly 28 (or an extension of the transport hinge 38 depicted in FIG. 1) described above. In embodiments of the present disclosure, a vacuum may exist or be formed within each extendable tube 64. When the ride vehicle 16 is lowered away from the transport platform 13 using the strong arm assembly 28, the second rigid arm 34 (and / or an extension of the transport hinge 38 as shown in FIG. 1 ) moves away from the fixed anchor 68 of the transport platform 13, thereby pulling the second end 70 of the extensible tube 64 away from the first end 66 of the extensible tube 64 to extend the length of the extensible tube 64.

[0034] As the length of the extendable tube 64 increases, gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, can move from a reservoir of the extendable tube 64 into the body of the extendable tube 64. In embodiments of the present disclosure, gaseous fluid can be present in both the reservoir and the body of the extendable tube 64 when the extendable tube 64 is extended. That is, the extendable tube 64 can include a variable volume that increases when the extendable tube 64 is extended and decreases when the extendable tube 64 is retracted. The expanded volume when the extendable tube 64 is extended can increase the pressure differential between the gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, within the extendable tube 64 and the environment or atmosphere surrounding the extendable tube 64. This pressure differential can generate a fluid force that urges the extendable tube 64 to retract. Although the extendable tube 64 described above has been described in the context of storing a gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, embodiments of the present disclosure can also include the storage of air or liquid fluids. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the motor(s) 24 (as shown more clearly in FIG. 1 ) performs the task of overcoming the fluid forces generated by the extendable tube 64 when the ride vehicle 16 is lowered and / or maintaining the ride vehicle 16 in the lowered position.

[0035] When the motor 24 is stopped and / or used to raise the ride vehicle 16, the fluid forces generated by the extendable tube 64 may cause the extendable tube 64, depicted in FIG. 2, to contract. When the fluid forces are released and the extendable tube 64 contracts, the extendable tube 64 may exert a force on the second rigid arm 34 to pull the second rigid arm 34 back towards the fixed anchor 68 of the transport platform 13. The extendable tube 64 may thus reduce the amount of work required by the motor 24 by assisting in the lifting of the ride vehicle 16 towards the transport platform 13. The features of the heave system 14, including the winch assembly 19, the strong arm assembly 28, the motor 24 and the compensation assembly 62, discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, may facilitate the controlled raising and lowering of the ride vehicle 16 relative to the transport platform 13. The features of the compensation assembly 62 are described in more detail below.

[0036] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a portion of a ride system 12 having the overhung vehicle assembly 10 of Figure 1, with a ride vehicle (not shown in the illustrated embodiment) of the overhung vehicle assembly 10 extending away from the transportation platform 13 of the overhung vehicle assembly 10. While the portion of the ride system 12 shown in Figure 3 does not include a ride vehicle, Figure 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the overhung vehicle assembly 10 of Figure 1 showing a ride vehicle 16 of the overhung vehicle assembly 10 extending away from the transportation platform 13 of the overhung vehicle assembly 10.

[0037] Refer first to FIG. 3, which illustrates detailed aspects of the compensation assembly 62 generally described above with respect to FIG. 2. In the illustrated embodiment, each extensible tube 64 includes a first end 66 that is coupled to a fixed anchor 68 of the transport platform 13. The first end 66 may include a reservoir 80 and a body 82 of the extensible tube 64, although other configurations of the reservoir 80 and body 82 are possible. A plunger 84 of the extensible tube 64 extends into the first end 66 of the extensible tube 64 and may be coupled to a side of the strong arm assembly 28 adjacent the second end 70 of the extensible tube 64 or to an extension 88 of the transport hinge 38. The reservoir 80 and body 82 may form a sealed chamber. 3 in a first circumferential direction 90, the transport hinge 38 may rotate the second rigid arm 34 of the strong arm assembly 28 about the axis of the transport hinge 38 as described above to lower the ride vehicle off the transport platform 13. Additionally, as the transport hinge 38 rotates in the first circumferential direction 90 by the motor 24, FIG. 3, the extension 88 of the transport hinge 38 also rotates to pull on the wires 92 of the pulley systems 86 of each extendable tube 64.

[0038] The pulley system 86 can allow for lateral movement of the plunger 84 to occur with rotational movement of the transportation hinge 38 and / or the second rigid arm 34 of the strong arm assembly 28. For example, the wires 92 of the pulley system 86 can allow for the plunger 84 to move laterally 91 away from (and partially exit) the body 82 of the extendable tube 64 in response to rotational movement of the transportation hinge 38 in a first circumferential direction 90, thereby allowing for the movement of gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, stored in the reservoir 80 of the extendable tube 64 into the body 82 of the extendable tube 64. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plunger 84 being pulled away from (and partially exit) the body 82 of the extendable tube 64 allows for the presence of gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, in both the reservoir 80 and the body 82 of the extendable tube 64. As gaseous fluid moves into the expanded volume (e.g., the body 82 of the extendable tube 64), a fluid pressure or force is generated by the extendable tube 64 (e.g., due to an increased pressure differential as described above). Thus, the motor 24 of Figure 3 can perform the task of forcing the strong arm assembly 28 downward through the fluid force generated by the extendable tube 64. The motor 24 of Figure 3 can also perform the task of holding the strong arm 28 in place in a lowered or extended state against the fluid force generated by the extendable tube 64.

[0039] When the motor 24 of FIG. 3 is stopped or used to rotate the transport hinge 38 in a second circumferential direction 94 opposite the first circumferential direction 90 to lift the ride vehicle 16 (shown in FIG. 4 ) toward the transport platform 13, the fluid forces generated by the extensible tube 64 may assist in the lifting of the ride vehicle 16 (shown in FIG. 4 ) toward the transport platform 13. For example, as the gaseous fluid moves toward the reservoir 80, the fluid forces generated by the extensible tube 64 may again retract the plunger 84 toward the body 82 of the extensible tube 64 (and toward the reservoir 80). As discussed above, the pulley system 86 may enable lateral movement of the plunger 84 into the body 82 of the extensible tube 64 to assist the rotational movement of the transport hinge 38 in the second circumferential direction 94. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the overhang vehicle assembly 10 of FIG. 1 in a fully contracted state in which the overhang vehicle assembly 10 is contracted such that the ride vehicle 16 of the overhang vehicle assembly 10 is adjacent to the transportation platform 13 of the overhang vehicle assembly 10.

[0040] To clarify some of the features located on the transportation platform 13 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-5, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a power assembly 150 of the strong arm assembly 28 and one or more winch assemblies 19 of the overhung vehicle assembly 10 of FIG. 1. The illustrated embodiment employs two winch assemblies 19 on either side of the power assembly 150, e.g., two spools 22 with corresponding cables 20. A shaft 152 (e.g., of the transportation hinge 38) extends between two motors 24 of the power assembly 150, and the two motors 24 are configured to rotate the shaft 152 of the transportation hinge 38 about an axis 154. To enable the rotation discussed above, a gearbox 153 of the two motors 24 may be connected to the shaft 152. A second rigid arm 34, which may include two segments as discussed above, is also coupled to the shaft 152 of the transportation hinge 38. Thus, the two motors 24 and corresponding gearboxes 153 are configured to rotate the shaft 152 of the transport hinge 38 to rotationally drive both the second rigid arm 34 and the spool 22 for raising and / or lowering procedures. However, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the spool 22 may also be driven by a motor separate from the motor corresponding to the second rigid arm 34 of the strong arm assembly 28. Additionally, in embodiments of the present disclosure, each spool 22 may also be driven by a separate motor.

[0041] 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an overhung vehicle assembly 210 of a vehicle system 212 with the ride vehicles 216 of the overhung vehicle assembly 210 extending away from the transport platform 213 of the overhung vehicle assembly 210. The vehicle system 212 also includes a track (not shown), and the overhung vehicle assembly 210 may be positioned below the track when in a stationary or home position. For example, the transport platform 213 of the overhung vehicle assembly 210 includes wheel assemblies 215 that may be coupled to the track.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, a pantograph 228 may extend between the transport platform 213 and the ride vehicle 216. A motion base platform 218 may be coupled between the pantograph 228 and the ride vehicle 216, or the pantograph 228 may be directly coupled to the ride vehicle 216. The motion base platform 218 in the illustrated embodiment may be configured to roll, pitch, or yaw the ride vehicle 216 relative to the pantograph 228 and transport platform 213.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, a winch assembly 219 may be used to lift the ride vehicle 216 relative to the transport platform 213 (e.g., raise and lower the ride vehicle 216). The winch assembly 219 may include, for example, a cable 220 extending between a spool 222 and the ride vehicle 216 (or the motion base platform 218, or the base 229 of the pantograph 228). The ride vehicle 216 may be lifted towards the transport platform 213 by rotating the spool 222 in a first circumferential direction to wind the cable 220 around the spool 222. The spool 222 may also be rotated in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction to unwind the cable 220 from the spool 222, thereby lowering the ride vehicle 216 away from the transport platform 213. During lifting of the ride vehicle 216, a pantograph 228 comprising an articulated mechanical linkage framework may be retracted to permit movement of the ride vehicle 216 towards the transport platform 213. During lowering of the ride vehicle 216, the pantograph 228 may be extended to permit movement of the ride vehicle 216 away from the transport platform 213. The spool 222 of the winch assembly 219 may be driven by a motor 224 and corresponding gearbox 225. While FIG. 7 illustrates the overhung vehicle assembly 210 with the ride vehicle 216 extended away from the transport platform 213, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the overhung vehicle assembly 210 of FIG. 7 with the overhung vehicle assembly 210 retracted such that a ride vehicle (not shown in FIG. 8) of the overhung vehicle assembly 210 is adjacent to the transport platform 213 of the overhung vehicle assembly 210 with the pantograph 228 in a retracted state.

[0044] 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a winch assembly 219 for use with the overhung vehicle assembly 210 of FIG. 7 and configured to raise the ride vehicle 216 of the overhung vehicle assembly 210 of FIG. 7 and generate power as the ride vehicle 216 is lowered. For example, as described above, the winch assembly 219 includes a spool 222, a cable 220 wound around an axis 221 of the spool 222, a gearbox 225, and a motor 224 configured to drive the rotation of the spool 222 via the gearbox 225. The motor 224 and the gearbox 225 can drive the spool 222 to rotate in a first circumferential direction 230 to wind the cable 220 around the spool 222. The spool 222 can also rotate in a second circumferential direction 232 opposite the first circumferential direction 230 to unwind the cable 220 from the spool 222. When winding cable 220 around spool 222 (e.g., to lift ride vehicle 216 shown in FIG. 7), motor 224 may perform work. However, when unwinding cable 220 from spool 222, potential energy generated by the elevated position of ride vehicle 216 shown in FIG. 7 is converted to kinetic energy as ride vehicle 216 shown in FIG. 7 is lowered.

[0045] For example, the motor 224 may function as a generator to regenerate power via kinetic energy generated during the lowering of the ride vehicle 216 shown in Figure 7. The induced current of the motor 224 acting as a generator may be passed through the drive 250 to the bus rail system 252 which is generally used to power the motor 224, so that the bus rail system 252 may store the generated power for future use during future lifting of the ride vehicle 216 shown in Figure 7 or another ride vehicle associated with the system. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the regenerative power features described above in conjunction with the generally rectangular pantograph 228 shown in Figures 7 and 8 may also be employed with the strong arm assembly 28 having the backhoe configuration shown in Figures 1-6.

[0046] Technical advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure include lower manufacturing costs (e.g., through fewer parts, less expensive parts, and simpler construction) and lower operating costs (e.g., through utilization of fluid power generated by the power regeneration features of the compensation assembly and / or winch assembly) of the ride system as compared to conventional embodiments. Additionally, technical advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure include improved guest experience for guests located within the ride vehicle due to improved motion control of the ride vehicle (e.g., enhanced motion and improved motion stability).

[0047] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art and it is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0048] The technology presented and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that positively improve the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Moreover, if any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). On the other hand, for any claim containing an element designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 10 Overhung Vehicle Assembly 12 Vehicle System 13. Transport Platform 14 Heave System 15 Wheel Assembly 16 Vehicles 18 Motion Base Platform 19 Winch Assembly 20 Cable 22 Spool 24 Motor 25 Gearbox 26 Folding pole 28 Strong Arm Assembly 30 First rigid arm 32 proximal end of first rigid arm 34 Second Rigid Arm 35 First passive hinge 36 Proximal end of second rigid arm 38 Transport hinge 40 Distal end of first rigid arm 42 Distal end of second rigid arm 44 Second Passive Hinge 46 Variable Angle 48 Stabilizing Boom

Claims

1. 1. A vehicle system comprising: Orbit and an overhung vehicle assembly; the overhung vehicle assembly comprising: a transportation platform coupled to the orbit; A vehicle; a heave system extending between the transport platform and the ride vehicle and configured to lift the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform; the heave system includes an extensible tube defining a variable volume configured to store a gaseous fluid, the extensible tube configured to extend in response to the heave system lowering the ride vehicle off the transport platform such that the gaseous fluid within the variable volume of the extensible tube enables a fluid force to urge the extensible tube toward a contracted configuration to assist the heave system in lifting the ride vehicle toward the transport platform. A vehicle system characterized by:

2. The extensible tube comprises: a reservoir configured to store the gaseous fluid; a body fluidly coupled to the reservoir and configured to receive the gaseous fluid from the reservoir when the extensible tube is extended in response to the ride vehicle being lowered off the transportation platform; 10. The vehicle system of claim 1, comprising:

3. the extensible tube includes a plunger extending within the body of the extensible tube and configured to move away from and partially exit the body of the extensible tube in response to the ride vehicle being lowered away from the transportation platform.

3. The vehicle system of claim 2.

4. the heave system of the overhung vehicle assembly includes a strong arm assembly extending between the transportation platform and the vehicle; 10. The vehicle system of claim 1.

5. a motor configured to force the strong arm assembly against resistance due to the fluid force provided by the gaseous fluid within the variable volume of the extensible tube.

5. The vehicle system of claim 4.

6. The strong arm assembly includes: a first rigid arm coupled via a first passive hinge to the ride vehicle or to a motion base platform between the strong arm assembly and the ride vehicle; a second rigid arm coupled to the transport platform via a transport hinge and coupled to the first rigid arm via a second passive hinge; wherein the second passive hinge allows an angle formed by the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm to change in response to the ride vehicle lifting up towards the transport platform and the ride vehicle lowering away from the transport platform.

5. The vehicle system of claim 4.

7. rotating the transportation hinge in a first circumferential direction to cause a first rotation of the second rigid arm that lowers the ride vehicle off the transportation platform; rotating the transportation hinge in a second circumferential direction to cause a second rotation of the second rigid arm that lifts the ride vehicle toward the transportation platform.

7. The vehicle system of claim 6, comprising a motor configured to:

8. a motion base platform disposed between the ride vehicle and the heave system, the motion base platform configured to roll, pitch, and / or yaw the ride vehicle relative to the strong arm assembly.

10. The vehicle system of claim 1.

9. The motion base platform includes an Octopod or Stewart platform.

9. The vehicle system of claim 8.

10. The heave system includes a winch assembly, the winch assembly comprising: A spool and Cables and A motor; Including, the cable is coupled to the spool and to the ride vehicle or to a motion base platform between the ride vehicle and the cable, the spool configured to rotate in a first circumferential direction to wrap the cable around the spool to lift the ride vehicle towards the transport platform and to rotate in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction to unwind the cable from the spool to lower the ride vehicle away from the transport platform; the motor is configured to rotationally drive the spool in at least the first circumferential direction; 10. The vehicle system of claim 1.

11. 1. A vehicle system comprising: Orbit and an overhung vehicle assembly; the overhung vehicle assembly comprising: a transportation platform coupled to the orbit; A vehicle; a heave system extending between the transport platform and the ride vehicle and configured to lift the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform; the heave system includes a strong arm assembly having a backhoe configuration including a first rigid arm coupled via a first hinge to the ride vehicle or a motion base platform coupled to the ride vehicle, and a second rigid arm coupled to the first rigid arm via a second hinge and coupled to a transport hinge at the transport platform; A vehicle system characterized by:

12. a motor configured to rotationally drive the transport hinge such that the second rigid arm rotates about a first axis of the transport hinge and the first rigid arm rotates about a second axis of the second hinge.

12. The vehicle system of claim 11.

13. a further motor configured to rotationally drive the transport hinge such that the second rigid arm rotates about the first axis of the transport hinge and the first rigid arm rotates about the second axis of the second hinge, the motor and the further motor being arranged on either side of a shaft of the transport hinge.

13. The vehicle system of claim 12.

14. the second rigid arm includes a first arm segment and a second arm segment disposed on opposite sides of the shaft of the transportation hinge; 14. The vehicle system of claim 13.

15. a stabilizing boom extending from the transport platform to the first rigid arm, the stabilizing boom comprising: in response to the second rigid arm being stationary, preventing rotation of the first rigid arm about an axis of the second hinge; configured to permit rotation of the first rigid arm about the axis of the second hinge in response to rotation of the second rigid arm about a further axis of the transport hinge.

12. The vehicle system of claim 11.

16. the heave system includes a winch assembly having a spool disposed on the transport platform and a cable extending between the spool and the ride vehicle or the motion base platform coupled to the ride vehicle; 12. The vehicle system of claim 11.

17. the heave system includes a motor configured to drive rotation of the transportation hinge of the strong arm assembly and the spool of the winch assembly.

17. The vehicle system of claim 16.

18. 1. A vehicle system comprising: Orbit and an overhung vehicle assembly; the overhung vehicle assembly comprising: a transportation platform coupled to the orbit; A vehicle; a heave system configured to lift the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform; the heave system includes a winch assembly having a spool, a cable coupled to the spool, and a motor, the motor comprising: driving the spool in rotation in a first circumferential direction to lift the ride vehicle via the cable toward the transportation platform and generate potential energy in the ride vehicle; generating electricity via induced current in the motor in response to the spool rotating in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction as the ride vehicle descends away from the transportation platform via the cable and the potential energy of the ride vehicle is converted to kinetic energy. the induced current is directed to a drive associated with the motor and to a bus rail system connected to the drive. A vehicle system characterized by:

19. a motion base platform coupled to the ride vehicle and configured to roll, pitch, and / or yaw the ride vehicle relative to the heave system; a pantograph coupled to the transportation platform and the motion base platform; the pantograph includes an articulated mechanical linkage framework configured to retract as the ride vehicle lifts up towards the transport platform and to extend as the ride vehicle lowers away from the transport platform.

20. The vehicle system of claim 18.

20. 1. A vehicle system comprising: Orbit and an overhung vehicle assembly; the overhung vehicle assembly comprising: a transportation platform coupled to the orbit; A vehicle; a heave system configured to lift the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform; the heave system includes a winch assembly having a spool, a cable coupled to the spool, and a motor, the motor comprising: driving the spool in rotation in a first circumferential direction to lift the ride vehicle via the cable toward the transportation platform and generate potential energy in the ride vehicle; generating electricity in response to the spool rotating in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction as the ride vehicle descends away from the transportation platform via the cable and the potential energy of the ride vehicle is converted into kinetic energy. The overhung vehicle assembly is configured as follows: a motion base platform coupled to the ride vehicle and configured to roll, pitch, and / or yaw the ride vehicle relative to the heave system; a pantograph coupled to the transportation platform and the motion base platform; the pantograph includes an articulated mechanical linkage framework configured to retract as the ride vehicle lifts up towards the transportation platform and extend as the ride vehicle lowers away from the transportation platform. A vehicle system characterized by:

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