Propulsion for amusement park rides

Abstract

Aspects of this disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for implementing amusement park vehicle systems. The vehicle system may have one or more vehicles for carrying passengers. Each vehicle may be propelled via a propulsion assembly driven by a fluid flow. In some embodiments, the propulsion assembly may provide one or more adjustable surfaces extending into a fluid flow within a trough.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Utility Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 113,945, filed on February 24, 2023, entitled "PROPULSION FOR AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE", the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein for all applicable purposes.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to amusement park rides, and more specifically to fluid propulsion techniques for amusement park rides.

Background Art

[0003] An amusement park can provide various types of rides that can carry one or more passengers and move them along a predetermined track, path, or waterway. A typical ride can be guided and propelled by an assembly beneath the ride that is attached to equipment (e.g., wheels, chains, tracks, etc.) that moves beneath the ride. However, this equipment can be dangerous or a pinch point for the passengers of the ride, especially when boarding or alighting from the ride. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure relate to fluid propulsion techniques that can eliminate or reduce many of the risks associated with the propulsion of amusement park rides.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] To provide a basic understanding of these embodiments, an overview of one or more embodiments of the Disclosure is provided below. This overview is not intended to be a comprehensive overview of all conceivable features of the Disclosure, nor to identify any important or essential elements of all embodiments of the Disclosure, nor to precisely describe the scope of any part or all embodiments of the Disclosure. The sole purpose of this overview is to provide a simplified representation of some concepts of one or more embodiments of the Disclosure as a prelude to the more detailed explanations provided later.

[0005] Aspects of this disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for implementing amusement park ride systems. The ride system may have one or more vehicles (e.g., a water ride) that carry passengers. Each vehicle may be propelled and moved via a propulsion assembly located beneath the vehicle and propelled by a fluid flow. In some embodiments, the propulsion assembly may provide one or more adjustable surfaces extending into a fluid flow within a trough.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle system. The vehicle system includes a trough having a first fluid inside. The vehicle system further includes a vehicle including a propulsion assembly, the propulsion assembly including a controllable surface that contacts (engages) the first fluid. The controllable surface is tuned to control the force applied to the controllable surface by the first fluid. In one aspect, the propulsion assembly may extend downward below the vehicle.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle for an amusement park ride. The vehicle includes a hull that carries passengers in a first fluid body. The vehicle further includes a propulsion assembly, which includes a controllable surface that contacts a flow of a second fluid flowing within a trough. In one aspect, the second fluid can flow within a trough below the first fluid body. The propulsion assembly is configured to adjust the controllable surface from a first configuration to a second configuration in order to change at least one of the speed or direction of the vehicle in the first fluid body. In one aspect, the propulsion assembly can extend downward below the hull.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for operating an amusement park ride. The method includes a process of generating a first fluid flow in a trough extending above the floor. The method further includes a process of using the first fluid flow to propel a vehicle, including a propulsion assembly, above the floor. The method further includes a process of adjusting a controllable surface of the propulsion assembly to contact the first fluid flow in order to control the force applied to the controllable surface by the first fluid flow. In one aspect, the propulsion assembly may extend downward below the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary vehicle system according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram showing a cross-section of an exemplary fluid body having a trough, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 3] This is a conceptual diagram showing a perspective view of a portion of the fluid body in Figure 2, in which a fluid flow is observed within a trough, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 4] This is a conceptual diagram showing a front view of an exemplary vehicle including a propulsion assembly, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 5] A conceptual diagram showing a front view of an exemplary vehicle including a propulsion assembly within a fluid body, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 6] A conceptual diagram showing a bottom view of an exemplary vehicle with a propulsion element, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 7] A conceptual diagram showing the respective effective surface areas of exemplary propulsion elements, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 8] A conceptual diagram showing a front view of an exemplary vehicle including a propulsion assembly, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 9] A conceptual diagram showing a front view of another exemplary vehicle including a propulsion assembly, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 10] A diagram showing a side view of a part of a vehicle within a fluid body, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 11] A conceptual diagram showing a front view of another exemplary vehicle including a propulsion assembly, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Figure 12] A block diagram of a vehicle system according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 13] A block diagram showing an exemplary gate system according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating various exemplary trough designs according to several aspects of this disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating two exemplary seal designs according to several aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 16] This figure shows a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for operating a vehicle according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 17] This figure shows a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for operating a vehicle according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The detailed descriptions provided below in relation to the attached drawings are intended to describe various configurations and are not intended to represent only the configurations in which the concepts described herein can be implemented. The detailed descriptions include specific details to ensure a full understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be implemented without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid ambiguity of such concepts. While this application describes aspects and embodiments by illustrating several examples, those skilled in the art will understand that further implementations and uses can be realized in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and / or packaging configurations.

[0027] This disclosure provides apparatus, devices, and technologies for implementing amusement park rides. The ride may have one or more vehicles (e.g., boats, rides) that carry passengers. Each vehicle utilizes a propulsion assembly located beneath the vehicle to provide one or more adjustable surfaces that are pushed by a fluid flow to propel the vehicle in a desired direction. In some embodiments, the vehicle may float on a body of fluid (e.g., liquid (e.g., pools, waterways, canals, waterways, etc.), gas, etc.). In some embodiments, the vehicle (e.g., automobiles, buses) may ride on wheels. In some embodiments, the propulsion assembly may provide one or more adjustable surfaces extending beneath the vehicle into a fluid flow within a trough or channel. The adjustable surfaces are pushed by the fluid flow to propel the vehicle forward.

[0028] In some embodiments, one or more troughs (e.g., channels, pipes) are provided below the vehicle along the path the vehicle travels. In some embodiments, the vehicle moves within a fluid body above the trough when pushed by the fluid flow within the trough. In some embodiments, the vehicle (e.g., a wheeled vehicle on a surface that does not float in the fluid body) moves on a surface above the trough. In some embodiments, the fluid flow can flow at a substantially constant speed. The vehicle can change speed and / or direction by controlling a surface that can be adjusted to capture more or less fluid flow. In some embodiments, the fluid flow velocity can differ in different troughs or different sections of a trough.

[0029] In some embodiments, the velocity of the fluid in the trough may be the same as or different from the velocity of the fluid body through which the vehicle is moving. In one example, the velocity of the fluid in the trough is higher than the velocity of the fluid body. In another example, the velocity of the fluid in the trough is lower than the velocity of the fluid body. In yet another example, the velocity of the fluid in the trough is the same as the velocity of the fluid body. In one example, the fluid in the trough is not flowing or is substantially stationary, and the fluid body has a non-zero velocity. In some embodiments, the direction of flow of the fluid in the trough may be the same as or different from the direction of flow of the fluid body (e.g., opposite, at a different angle). In some embodiments, the fluid body may not be a flowing fluid body (e.g., stationary water or air).

[0030] In some embodiments, one or more gates can be provided within a fluid or trough to form a block zone for stopping or braking a vehicle. For example, the gates can reverse the flow of fluid in the trough to stop or slow down the fluid flow. The vehicle's propulsion assembly (e.g., one or more adjustable surfaces) can push the gates to stop or slow down the vehicle. In some embodiments, the adjustable surfaces can be controlled remotely (e.g., by a vehicle control system) and / or locally on the vehicle (e.g., by a passenger).

[0031] Figure 1 is a top view of a vehicle system 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle system 100 may include a fluid body 102 and one or more vehicles 104 (e.g., boats, water rides) configured to float and move on the fluid body 102. The vehicles 104 can float freely in the fluid without being mechanically coupled to the boundaries of the fluid body (e.g., the sides of the fluid body, the floor of the fluid body). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a trough 103 (e.g., a channel or canal) may extend along the floor or underside of the fluid body 102 to guide and / or move the vehicles 104 in the fluid body 102. The fluid body 102 may also have other sizes and shapes (e.g., pools, canals, pathways, channels) capable of holding a fluid body (e.g., water), with the trough 103 located below it.

[0032] In some embodiments, the fluid body 102 may include multiple sections (for example, a first section 102a and a second section 102b). If the fluid body 102 branches into two sections 102a and 102b, the trough 103 may also branch into two troughs 103a and 103b, corresponding to the first section 102a and the second section 102b, respectively. In some embodiments, the fluid flow may have different velocities in different sections. In one example, the second section 102b may have a higher fluid velocity than the first section 102a.

[0033] This disclosure is not limited to two sections. In other implementations, the vehicle system 100 may have more or fewer sections, and different sections may have the same and / or different fluid flow velocities within the corresponding troughs. Thus, the vehicle 104 can be controlled to move at the same or different velocities within the (single or multiple) sections.

[0034] In some embodiments, the vehicle system 100 may have other configurations. In some embodiments, the vehicle 104 can be made to float without using a fluid body in the vehicle system 100. In this example, the vehicle 104 can ride on wheels (or the like) on a surface. In this example, a trough 103 can be provided below the surface on which the vehicle is moving. In some embodiments, the fluid body 102 can be free air. In this example, the vehicle (e.g., an airship) can float in the free atmosphere, and no physical container or waterway is required to define the fluid body 102.

[0035] As described in detail herein, the vehicle system 100 may be provided with a plurality of location indicator devices configured to provide location information to the vehicle 104 as it moves along the fluid body 102 (e.g., sections 102a and 102b) or the trough 103. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the vehicle system 100 may include a first location indicator device 110, a second location indicator device 112, a third location indicator device 114, a fourth location indicator device 116, a fifth location indicator device 118, and a sixth location indicator device 120. The location indicator devices 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, and 120 may be located on or near the fluid body 102 or the trough 103. The number of location indicator devices included in Figure 1 represents one exemplary implementation, and it should be understood that other implementations may use fewer or more location indicator devices than the number of devices shown in Figure 1.

[0036] In some aspects of this disclosure, each location indicator device may correspond to a different portion (also called a different zone) of the fluid body 102. For example, a first location indicator device 110 may correspond to a first portion 130 (also called, for example, zone 1) of the fluid body 102, which begins at the first location indicator device 110 and ends at a second location indicator device 112. As another example, a second location indicator device 112 may correspond to a second portion 132 (also called, for example, zone 2) of the fluid body 102, which begins at the second location indicator device 112 and ends at a third location indicator device 114. Thus, location indicator devices 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, and 120 may correspond to portions 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 of the fluid body 102, respectively.

[0037] In some aspects of this disclosure, each vehicle 104 may include one or more sensors configured to receive location information from a location indicator device of the vehicle system 100. For example, as shown in Figure 1, vehicle 104 may include a location sensor 106 configured to receive location information from location indicator devices 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, and 120. In some aspects, communication of location information from the location indicator device to the location sensor 106 may be via a wired or wireless link (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.).

[0038] In some embodiments, the vehicle system 100 may include one or more controllable gates 142 within the fluid body 102 or trough 103. The gates 142 can form a braking zone or stopping zone within the fluid body 102 (or along the trough 103) to brake and / or stop the vehicle 104. For example, the gates 142 can be positioned at a specific location within the trough 103 to reverse the fluid flow at a specific location along the trough and / or the gates can be positioned above the trough (within the fluid body 102). As the vehicle 104 approaches the gates 142, the propulsion elements of the vehicle 104 (if activated) push against the gates 142, thus braking or stopping the vehicle. In some examples, the gates 142 can be positioned in front of or near a passenger boarding / alighting station 144.

[0039] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a cross-section of a fluid body 102 including a trough 103 at the bottom or lower part of the fluid body 102, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The fluid body 102 may be a first fluid 152 (e.g., a liquid (e.g., water, aqueous solution, mixture containing water)), and the trough 103 may be filled with a second fluid 154 (e.g., a liquid (e.g., water, aqueous solution, mixture containing water), a gas (e.g., air, a gas lighter than air gas, a gas heavier than air gas)). The first fluid 152 has a density that allows a vehicle 104 to easily float on the fluid body. In some embodiments, the first fluid 152 may have the same or different density (e.g., higher or lower density) as the second fluid 154. In some embodiments, it is assumed that the trough 103 may be located to the side or above the fluid body 102.

[0040] In some embodiments, a (optional) seal 156 can be used to separate the fluid body 102 (e.g., the first fluid 152) from the trough 103 or the second fluid 154. For example, the seal 156 may extend along the trough 103. The seal 156 may be configured to allow access to the second fluid 154 in the trough 103 by passing through the propulsion elements below the vehicle 104 and / or the connection between the propulsion elements and the vehicle 104. The propulsion elements (e.g., movable propulsion elements 204 and 206) will be described in detail below with reference to other figures. In one example, the seal 156 may include one or more brushes. In another example, the seal 156 may include one or more flaps formed of metal, rubber, or any other preferred material. The seal 156 will be described in further detail below with reference to Figure 15.

[0041] Figure 3 is a conceptual perspective view of a cross-section of a fluid body 102 through which a fluid flow 105 flows within a trough 103. In some embodiments, the fluid flow 105 can flow within the trough 103 at a predetermined velocity (e.g., constant or non-zero velocity) or a velocity relative to the fluid body 102 (e.g., fast or slow). In some embodiments, the fluid flow 105 can have different velocities in different sections of the fluid body 102. In one example, the fluid velocity in section 140 (zone 6) can be faster than in the other sections 130, 132, 134, 136, and 138 of the fluid body 102. In one example, the fluid velocity can be less than or equal to 3 meters per second (3 m / s). In one example, the fluid can be air or water. In some embodiments, the vehicle system 100 can generate a desired velocity or pressure of the fluid flowing through the trough 103 using one or more fluid pumps or fluid compressors (e.g., the exemplary fluid pump 150 shown in Figures 1 and 3). In some embodiments, one or more fluid pumps or fluid compressors can generate a velocity 131 or 133 in the fluid body 102 relative to the fluid flow 105 in the trough 103. In some examples, the velocity of the fluid in the trough can be substantially zero (e.g., zero velocity or non-moving). In some examples, the fluid body 102 can have a non-zero velocity.

[0042] The dimensions and shapes of the fluid body 102, trough 103, vehicle 104, pump 150, and other features in Figures 2 and 3 are illustrative only, and other implementations may have different designs and dimensions. In some examples, the fluid body 102 and / or trough 103 may have flat sides (e.g., rectangular shape) instead of the rounded shape shown in Figures 2 and 3. In one example, the fluid body 102 may be air and have no defined boundary.

[0043] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a front view of an exemplary vehicle 104 including a propulsion assembly according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle 104 may have a floating hull 108 capable of carrying one or more passengers 200 of an amusement ride in a fluid body 102 (e.g., a first fluid 152). In some embodiments, a propulsion assembly 202 located below the vehicle 104 may be used to propel the vehicle 104 forward by a flow of a second fluid 154 in a trough 103 (e.g., fluid flow 105 in Figure 3). In some embodiments, the propulsion assembly 202 provides one or more adjustable or movable propulsion elements (e.g., a first propulsion element 204 and a second propulsion element 206) that can extend into the trough 103. In some embodiments, each movable propulsion element is at least rotationally or translationally adjustable (e.g., can move vertically up and down). When a propulsion element captures a fluid flow within the trough 103, the fluid flow 105 can exert a force (e.g., a pushing force) on the propulsion element, propelling the vehicle 104 along the fluid body 102. Each propulsion element can provide a controllable surface (e.g., surface 208) for adjusting the force acting on the propulsion element by the fluid flow. In some embodiments, each propulsion element can be adjusted to change the angle of the controllable surface with respect to the direction of the fluid flow (e.g., rotate, pivot, and / or move up and down). For example, a propulsion element can rotate around a vertical axis 210. In some embodiments, a propulsion element can be implemented as a shutter with an adjustable (e.g., increase or decrease) area of ​​the controllable surface.

[0044] In some embodiments, the vehicle 104 may be equipped with a control unit 220 coupled to the propulsion assembly 202 to control the position and movement of the propulsion elements 204, 206. In some embodiments, the control unit 220 may provide steering controls 222 directly or indirectly coupled to the propulsion elements. The steering controls 222 may allow passengers 200 to control the propulsion elements. In one embodiment, the control unit 220 may receive control information remotely (e.g., using wired or wireless communication) from an off-board ride system 224 (see Figure 1) capable of controlling one or more vehicles 104 operating within the fluid body 102.

[0045] In some embodiments, it is assumed that troughs with fluid (e.g., liquids (e.g., water, aqueous solutions, mixtures containing water), gases (e.g., air, gases heavier than air, gases lighter than air)) can be implemented in locations other than below the vehicle 104. In one example, the trough can be located on the left or right side of the vehicle 104. In another example, the trough can be located above the vehicle 104. The (single or multiple) propulsion elements of the vehicle 104 can be adapted to other positions depending on the location of the trough.

[0046] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a front view of an exemplary vehicle 104 including a propulsion assembly within a fluid body 102 having a free form. In this example, the fluid body 102 does not have a shape (such as a canal, path, or channel) that can restrict or guide the forward movement of the vehicle 104 during operation. For example, the fluid body 102 could be a pool of fluid (e.g., water) containing an area in which the entire trough 103 is formed. For the sake of brevity, other embodiments of Figure 5 similar to those in Figure 4 will not be repeated herein.

[0047] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a bottom view of a vehicle 104 with two propulsion elements 204 and 206 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, at least the position or orientation of the propulsion elements 204 and 206 can be adjusted independently. For example, a propulsion element can receive the maximum force from the fluid flow when it is set to a first position such that its surface (e.g., surface 300) is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow 105. A propulsion element can receive the minimum force from the fluid flow 105 when it is set to a second position such that its surface (e.g., surface 300) is substantially parallel to the direction of the fluid flow 105. Thus, by controlling at least the position or orientation of the propulsion element, the amount of force that the propulsion element receives from the fluid flow can be controlled. In general, the larger the effective surface area of ​​the propulsion element facing the fluid flow, the greater the force that the propulsion element can receive from the fluid flow.

[0048] In some embodiments, the propulsion elements 204 and 206 can provide steering control for the vehicle 104. When the propulsion elements 204 and 206 are set at different angles / positions with respect to the direction of the fluid flow, the fluid flow exerts different amounts of force on the propulsion elements 204 / 206. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the first propulsion element 204 can be set at the first position 302 and the second propulsion element 206 can be set at the second position 304. In this case, since the first propulsion element 204 is positioned almost parallel to the fluid flow, the second propulsion element 206 can capture more of the fluid flow than the first propulsion element 204. Therefore, the fluid flow pushes the second propulsion element 206 with greater force, causing the vehicle 104 to steer toward the side of the first propulsion element 204. Figure 7 conceptually shows the effective surface areas 205 and 207 of the first and second propulsion elements 204 and 206, respectively, facing the fluid flow. In this example, the effective surface area 207 of the second propulsion element 206 is larger than the effective surface area 205 of the first propulsion element 204. A larger effective surface allows the propulsion element to receive a greater force from the fluid flow, and vice versa.

[0049] Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing another front view of a vehicle 104 floating in a fluid body 102 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, propulsion elements 204 and 206 can move up and down independently. When the first propulsion element 204 moves upward (e.g., rises from the trough 103), the amount of fluid flow in the trough 103 captured by the first propulsion element 204 decreases. When the second propulsion element 206 moves downward (e.g., descends into the trough 103), the amount of fluid flow in the trough 103 captured by the second propulsion element 206 increases. Consequently, the fluid flow exerts a greater force on the descending second propulsion element 206 than on the ascending first propulsion element 204. This imbalance in forces on the propulsion elements can cause the vehicle 104 to turn or steer towards the first propulsion element 204. By reversing the relative positions of propulsion elements 204 and 206, the steering direction can also be reversed.

[0050] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram showing another implementation of a vehicle 104 floating on a fluid body 102 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, the vehicle has a single propulsion element 204 that provides a single surface 205 that is pushed by a fluid flow in a trough 103 (e.g., a flow of a second fluid 154). In some embodiments, the propulsion element 204 can at least rotate or move up and down to control the position of the surface 205 relative to the fluid flow in the trough 103. Thus, by controlling at least the position or orientation of the propulsion element 204, the amount of force that the propulsion element receives from the fluid flow in the trough 103 can be controlled. By controlling the force that the propulsion element receives (e.g., direction and / or strength), the speed and / or direction of the vehicle can be changed.

[0051] Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a side view of part of the fluid body 102 in several embodiments. As described above in relation to Figure 1, the fluid body 102 may have one or more gates (e.g., one gate 142 inside the trough 130 and one gate 143 outside the trough, as shown in Figure 10) positioned at various locations in the fluid body 102 and / or trough 103 to implement a braking system for the vehicle 104. The positions of the one or more gates 142 / 143 can vary (e.g., set in an upright position or a lowered position). As the vehicle 104 is propelled by the fluid flow 105 and moves towards a gate 142 or 143 set in a braking position (i.e., an upright position), the gate in the braking position reverses the flow of fluid in the trough 103 or the fluid body near the gates 142 / 143 (i.e., slows down the flow velocity), so the vehicle 104 can decelerate as it approaches the gates 142 / 143. When the propulsion elements 204 / 206 finally make contact with the gates 142 / 143, the vehicle 104 is stopped by the gates. In one example, when the position of gate 142 changes to the lower position 142_1, the fluid flow 105 in the trough 103 flows faster again, and the vehicle 104 can move forward by the fluid flow in the trough 103 or the fluid body 102. In other examples, the gates 142 / 143 can be set to various positions to change at least the velocity, volumetric flow rate, or pressure of the fluid flow. In other implementations, the gates 142 / 143 can change at least the velocity, volumetric flow rate, or pressure of the fluid flow using any mechanism that switches between different positions.

[0052] Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a front view of another exemplary vehicle 104 including a propulsion assembly according to some aspects of the present disclosure. The vehicle 104 may have a hull 108 capable of carrying one or more passengers 200 of an amusement ride. The vehicle 104 moves on a surface 320 (e.g., a floor) and may have one or more wheels 322. In some aspects, a propulsion assembly 202 located below the vehicle 104 may be used to propel the vehicle 104 forward by a fluid flow 154 (e.g., water, air) in a trough 103. In some aspects, the propulsion assembly 202 provides one or more movable propulsion elements (e.g., a first propulsion element 204 and a second propulsion element 206) that can extend into the trough 103. In some aspects, each movable propulsion element is at least rotationally or translationally adjustable (e.g., can move vertically up and down). When the propulsion element captures a flow of fluid (e.g., liquid (e.g., water, aqueous solution, mixture containing water), gas (e.g., air, gas heavier than air, gas lighter than air)) within the trough 103, the fluid flow 105 can apply force (e.g., a pushing force) to the propulsion element, causing the vehicle 104 to propel itself and move across the surface 320. It is assumed that the trough 103 may have other configurations and designs. In some embodiments, the trough 103 may have a wider width (e.g., trough 103_1) that allows for steering of the vehicle 104 and lateral movement (e.g., left and right) of the propulsion element within the trough. The configuration of the propulsion element is the same as in the embodiments described above.

[0053] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing a vehicle 400, a tracking system 402, and an external vehicle system 404 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 12, the vehicle 400 may include a controller 412, a propulsion assembly 414, and an (optional) user interface 416. In some embodiments, the vehicle 400 can be used to implement the vehicle 104 described above in relation to Figures 1 to 11. In some embodiments, the propulsion assembly 414 can be used to implement the propulsion assembly 202 described above. The vehicle 400 may further include a communication circuit 418 (e.g., a wireless transceiver, a wireless receiver, a wired connection) configured to exchange vehicle control information 500 with the external vehicle system 404. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the external vehicle system 404 may include a processing circuit 422, a memory device 424, and a communication circuit 426 (e.g., a wireless transceiver, a wireless receiver, a wired connection). The external vehicle system 404 can be used to implement the external vehicle system 224 described above.

[0054] In some embodiments, the tracking system 402 may include one or more location indicator devices 430. For example, a location indicator device 430 can be used to implement the location indicator devices 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, and 120 described above. Each location indicator device can transmit location information 502 to the vehicle 400 (e.g., wirelessly or via wired means). In some embodiments, each location indicator device may transmit a unique code (e.g., a binary code) that can represent a location corresponding to the location indicator device (e.g., zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in Figure 1). Thus, the vehicle 400 can determine its position along the fluid body or trough based on the location information received from the location indicator devices.

[0055] In some embodiments, the location indicator devices can transmit location information using near-field communication (NFC) and Bluetooth, for example. The location indicator devices can be distributed at various locations above or within the fluid body 102 so that at some point the vehicle 400 is within communication range of at least one location indicator device. In some examples, the vehicle 400 can be made to specifically identify location indicator devices at various locations (e.g., zones) by assigning a unique location code to each location indicator device. The controller 412 of the vehicle 400 can be configured to receive location information 502 using a communication circuit 418. The controller 412 can use the received location code to determine the location of the vehicle 400 based on information stored in a memory device 427. For example, the memory device 427 can store various information (e.g., location codes) for the control and operation of the vehicle.

[0056] In some embodiments, the external vehicle system 404 (e.g., processing circuit 422) can be configured to control multiple vehicles (e.g., vehicle 104 in Figure 1). The external vehicle system 404 can receive position information 500 from all vehicles in the fluid body 102 and control the speed and / or direction of each vehicle along the fluid body 102 based on the position information. For example, the external vehicle system 404 can control the vehicles to maintain a constant distance between them. In some embodiments, the external vehicle system 404 can transmit control information 500 to the vehicles to control the direction and speed of any particular vehicle. In one example, the external vehicle system 404 can control a vehicle to decelerate as it approaches a predetermined position (e.g., station 144 in Figure 1). In another example, the external vehicle system 404 can control a vehicle to move in a particular direction (e.g., to select different sections 102a or 102b). The processing circuit 422 can execute a predetermined program stored in the memory device 424 to provide the control functions described above.

[0057] Vehicle 400 can change its speed and / or direction (e.g., steering) by operating a propulsion assembly 414 in response to control information 500 received from an external vehicle system 404 (e.g., in response to a command from a controller 412). For example, the propulsion assembly 414 may include motors and / or actuators that can control propulsion elements (e.g., rotation and / or translation of propulsion elements 204 and 206) to change the speed and / or direction of vehicle 400 according to the received control information. In some embodiments, vehicle 400 may optionally provide a user interface 416 (e.g., a wheel, dial, switch, button, or handle) that allows passengers of the vehicle to have a certain control over the vehicle's speed and / or direction. In some embodiments, the external vehicle system 404 may restrict or disable passenger control of vehicle 400. For example, the external vehicle system 404 may disable user input to avoid the possibility of collisions between vehicles.

[0058] In some embodiments, the external vehicle system 404 can control multiple gates 600. In some examples, multiple gates 600 can be used to implement gate 142 as described above in relation to Figures 1 to 11. In some embodiments, the external vehicle system 404 can communicate with multiple gates 600 using a wired or wireless link 602, using a communication circuit 426.

[0059] Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary gate control systems according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the gate control system includes a gate controller 700 capable of controlling one or more gates 710. The gates 710 can be used to implement the gates 142, 143, and 600 described above. The gate controller 700 includes a processing circuit 702, a communication circuit 704, a memory device 706, and a gate control interface 708. In some embodiments, the gate control interface 708 can physically operate (e.g., open and close) the gates 710 to adjust their position within the trough 103 as described above. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 702 can execute code or instructions stored in the memory device 706 to instruct the execution of various functions and procedures used to control the gates 710 using the gate control interface 708. In some examples, the gate control interface 708 may include one or more motors and / or actuators for moving the gates 710. The processing circuit 702 can receive control information from the external vehicle system 404 using the communication circuit 704. In some embodiments, the gate 710 and the gate controller 700 can be included in the same unit. In some embodiments, the gate 710 and the gate controller 700 can be separate units that are operably coupled. In some embodiments, the gate 710 may include a motor and / or actuator controlled by the gate control interface to adjust the position of the gate 710.

[0060] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating exemplary trough designs that can be used to implement the troughs described above. In the first example, trough 800 may have flat left and right sides and a rounded bottom. In the second example, trough 802 may have a square shape with flat left and right sides and a bottom. In the third example, trough 804 may have a trapezoidal shape with flat left and right sides and a bottom. In the fourth example, trough 806 may have rounded left and right sides and a flat bottom.

[0061] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating two exemplary seal designs according to several aspects of the present disclosure. These seal designs can be used to implement the seal 156 that covers the trough 103 described above in relation to Figures 4, 5, 8, 9, and 11. The first seal design 900 and the second seal design 902 are shown in a front view similar to the seal 156 shown in the drawings. The first seal design 900 forms a seal using bristles (e.g., bristles 904 and 906) protruding from both sides. The bristles 904 and 906 can partially overlap each other to cover the trough 103. The bristles can be formed from a flexible elastic material. The second seal design 902 forms a seal using a plurality of flaps (e.g., flaps 908 and 910) protruding from both sides. The flaps 908 and 910 can partially overlap each other to cover the trough 103. In some examples, the flaps can be formed from a flexible elastic material. In some examples, the flaps can be designed to pivot up and down so that the propulsion elements of the vehicle 104 (e.g., propulsion elements 204 and 206) can move through the trough.

[0062] Figures 16 and 17 show flowcharts of exemplary processes 1600 for operating a vehicle system according to several aspects of the present disclosure. As will be discussed later, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in certain implementations within the scope of the present disclosure, and some of the illustrated features may not be necessary for implementation of all embodiments. In some examples, process 1600 can be performed using the vehicle system 100 shown in Figures 1 to 15. In some examples, process 1600 can be performed by any preferred apparatus or means that performs a function or algorithm described later.

[0063] In 1602, a flow of a first fluid (e.g., water) is generated in a trough extending on or along the floor. In some embodiments, a first flow of the first fluid can be generated in a first section of the trough, and a second flow of the first fluid can be generated in a second section of the trough separated from the first section. The first and second flows of the first fluid may have at least different volumetric flow rates, flow directions, pressures, or velocities. In some embodiments, the trough may be the trough 103 described above in relation to Figures 1 to 15. In one example, a fluid pump 150 or a fluid compressor may be the means for generating the fluid flow in the trough.

[0064] In 1604, a first fluid flow propels a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 104) above the floor. The vehicle may include a propulsion assembly extending downward below the vehicle. In some examples, the fluid flow may be a fluid flow 105 propelling vehicle 104 together with the propulsion assembly 202 described above in relation to Figures 1 to 15. In some embodiments, the vehicle system may determine the vehicle's position using, for example, a plurality of location indicator devices near the trough (e.g., location indicator devices 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, and 120).

[0065] In 1606, a vehicle can float on a second fluid body (e.g., water, air) with a trough extending downwards. The first and second fluids may have different densities. The first fluid may have a first velocity, and the second fluid may have a second velocity that is the same as or different from the first velocity. The first fluid may flow in a first direction, and the second fluid may flow in a second direction that is the same as or different from the first direction.

[0066] In 1608, a controllable surface of a propulsion assembly can be adjusted to contact a first fluid flow and control the force that the first fluid flow exerts on the controllable surface. In one embodiment, the controllable surface is adjusted from a first configuration to a second configuration to change at least one of the vehicle's speed or direction. In one embodiment, the controllable surface can be adjusted based on a control input for adjusting the controllable surface received from a passenger in the vehicle. In one embodiment, the controllable surface includes at least one movable propulsion element configured to be adjusted to a plurality of configurations. Thus, by changing the position of at least one movable propulsion element, the effective surface area of ​​at least one movable propulsion element facing the first fluid flow can be adjusted. In one embodiment, the at least one movable propulsion element includes a first propulsion element and a second propulsion element configured to move independently of each other to control the respective forces received from the first fluid flow. In one example, at least one movable propulsion element provides a single controllable surface (e.g., surface area 205 in Figure 8) for receiving the force applied by the first fluid flow. In some examples, the controller 412 and / or propulsion assembly 414 may provide means for adjusting the controllable surface of the propulsion assembly as described above in relation to Figures 1 to 15.

[0067] Figure 17 shows further processes that can be performed in process 1600 as described above in relation to Figure 16. In some embodiments, one or more gates (e.g., controllable gate 142) can be provided in, above, or near the trough. In 1610, at least one gate in the trough can be controlled to adjust the flow velocity of the first fluid to brake the vehicle. In some embodiments, at least one gate can be controlled to vary between a first position that provides a first flow velocity of the first fluid and a second position that provides a second flow velocity of the first fluid. In one example, a gate controller 700 can provide means for controlling at least one gate. The gate controller 70 can control at least one gate based on the position of the vehicle. In 1612, a plurality of location indicator devices can transmit their respective position information. The vehicle can receive their respective position information and determine its position based on the received position information. The vehicle can communicate its position to a vehicle system (e.g., an external vehicle system 404).

[0068] The term “exemplary” in this disclosure is used to mean “serving as an example, case, or explanatory example.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” should not necessarily be construed as being preferable or advantageous to other aspects of this disclosure. Similarly, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation described herein. The term “coupled” as used herein means a direct or indirect connection between two objects. For example, if object A is in physical contact with object B, and object B is in contact with object C, objects A and C can be considered coupled to each other, even if they are not in direct physical contact with each other. For example, even if the first object is never in direct physical contact with the second object, the first object can be considered coupled to the second object.

[0069] One or more of the components, steps, features, and / or functions shown in Figures 1 to 17 can be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature, or function, or embodied in multiple components, steps, or functions. Further elements, components, steps, and / or functions can be added without departing from the novel features disclosed herein. The apparatus, devices, and / or components shown in Figures 1 to 17 can be configured to perform the methods, features, and / or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein can be efficiently implemented in software and / or embedded in hardware.

[0070] The specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed method should be understood as illustrative of an exemplary process. The specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method should be understood as being rearrangeable based on design choices. The attached claims of the method present elements of various steps in a sample order and are not intended to be limited to any specific order or hierarchy presented unless specifically stated in the claims.

[0071] The above description is provided so that any person skilled in the art can implement the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications of these embodiments will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art, and the general principles set forth herein may also be applicable to other embodiments. Accordingly, the claims are not limited to the embodiments described herein, but the full scope consistent with the language of the claims is recognized, and references to singular elements are intended to mean "one or more" rather than "only" unless specifically stated so. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the term "some" means one or more. Expressions relating to "at least one of" in a list of items mean any combination of those items (containing one element). For example, "at least one of a, b or c" is intended to include a, b, c, a and b, b and c, and a, b and c. All structural and functional equivalents of elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are well known to a person skilled in the art, or will become known later, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be included in the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made publicly available, whether or not it is expressly stated in the claims. No element of a claim should be interpreted under Section 112(f) of the U.S. Patent Act unless it is explicitly indicated using the phrase “means for…” or, in the case of a method claim, described using the phrase “steps to…”. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 102 Fluid body 103 Trough 104 vehicles 108 hull 152 The first fluid 154 The second fluid 156 Seals 200 passengers 202 Propulsion Assembly 204 First propulsion element 206 Second propulsion element 208 Surface 210 vertical axis 220 Control Unit 222 Steering Control

Claims

1. It is a vehicle system, A trough having a first fluid inside, A vehicle comprising a propulsion assembly having a controllable surface in contact with the first fluid, wherein the controllable surface is adjustable to control the force applied to the controllable surface by the first fluid, Equipped with, Vehicle systems.

2. The vehicle further comprises a second fluid body and is configured to float on the second fluid. The vehicle system according to claim 1.

3. The propulsion assembly is configured to adjust the controllable surface from a first configuration to a second configuration in order to change at least one of the speed or direction of the vehicle. The vehicle system according to claim 1.

4. The propulsion assembly is configured to provide the passengers of the vehicle with control over the controllable surface. The vehicle system according to claim 1.

5. The trough further comprises at least one gate for controlling the flow velocity of the first fluid, The vehicle system according to claim 1.

6. The at least one gate is configured to move between a first position that gives rise to a first flow velocity of the first fluid and a second position that gives rise to a second flow velocity of the first fluid. The vehicle system according to claim 5.

7. Multiple location indicator devices distributed along the aforementioned trough, A sensor mounted on the vehicle and configured to receive location information from the plurality of location indicator devices, The vehicle system according to claim 1, further comprising:

8. A vehicle for amusement park rides, The first fluid body includes a hull that carries passengers, A propulsion assembly including a controllable surface that comes into contact with a second fluid flow, A propulsion assembly configured to adjust the controllable surface from a first configuration to a second configuration in order to change at least one of the speed or direction of the vehicle in the fluid body, A vehicle equipped with the following features.

9. The propulsion assembly is configured to give the passenger control over the controllable surface, The vehicle according to claim 8.

10. The controllable surface includes at least one movable propulsion element. The vehicle according to claim 8.

11. The at least one movable propulsion element is configured to rotate or translate at least one of the following to control at least the speed or direction of the vehicle. The vehicle according to claim 10.

12. The at least one movable propulsion element includes a first propulsion element and a second propulsion element configured to move independently of each other to control the respective forces received from the second fluid flow. The vehicle according to claim 10.

13. A method for operating amusement park rides, To generate a first fluid flow within a trough extending above the floor, Using the first fluid flow, the vehicle including the propulsion assembly is propelled above the floor, To control the force applied to the controllable surface by the first fluid flow, the controllable surface of the propulsion assembly is adjusted to come into contact with the first fluid flow, A method that includes this.

14. Adjusting the controllable surface includes adjusting the controllable surface from a first configuration to a second configuration in order to change at least one of the speed or direction of the vehicle. The method according to claim 13.

15. Adjusting the controllable surface includes receiving control inputs from the passengers of the vehicle to adjust the controllable surface. The method according to claim 14.

16. The controllable surface includes at least one movable propulsion element configured to be adjustable to a plurality of configurations. The method according to claim 13.

17. Adjusting the controllable surface includes adjusting the effective surface area of ​​the at least one movable propulsion element facing the first fluid flow by changing the position of the at least one movable propulsion element. The method according to claim 16.

18. The at least one movable propulsion element includes a first propulsion element and a second propulsion element configured to move independently of each other to control the respective forces received from the first fluid flow. The method according to claim 16.

19. The method further includes controlling at least one gate in the trough to adjust the flow velocity of the first fluid, The method according to claim 13.

20. Transmitting location information from multiple location indicator devices distributed along the aforementioned trough, The vehicle receives the respective location information, The position of the vehicle is determined based on the location information received, The method according to claim 14, further comprising:

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