Air Spring Ride Control for Stroke-Limited Game Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ride-type body experience amusement game equipment experiences shortened air spring lifespan due to frequent and severe alternation between maximum and minimum strokes, and lacks delicate control of air supply and discharge based on game progress.
Innovation Solution
Implement a control system that sets ascent and descent limits for the air spring, controls air supply and discharge to maintain the ride section within these limits, and adjusts the air supply/discharge amount gradually to match game events, using multiple air springs with individual control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If air is supplied and discharged by fully opening the valves to quickly repeat maximum and minimum strokes according to game progress, then the game response speed is improved, but the air spring service life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by controlling the solenoid valves to open only to the extent necessary for game progress requirements, rather than fully opening them. The control section adjusts valve opening degrees based on the difference between current and target strokes, enabling delicate control that extends air spring life while maintaining adequate game response speed.
2Ease of operation
If full valve opening is used for air supply and discharge, then the control simplicity is improved, but the air spring durability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from static full-opening valve control to dynamic proportional control. The control section continuously adjusts valve opening degrees based on real-time feedback from the stroke sensor and the required stroke difference, enabling adaptable control that protects air spring durability while maintaining operational effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent maximum and minimum stroke control is performed, then the game engagement is improved, but the air spring wear is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the control parameters from binary (fully open/closed) to continuous (proportional opening degrees). The control section calculates appropriate opening degrees based on the difference between current and target strokes, enabling delicate control that maintains game engagement while significantly reducing air spring wear through optimized parameter management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Extends the service life of the air springs and enhances the ride experience by providing flexible and realistic movements that match game events, improving user engagement and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
an air spring section configured to support the ride section
Implementation Method 2
an air supply/discharge adjustment section configured to perform air supply and discharge into/from the air spring section according to a given control signal
Data Source
AI summary
Amusement game equipment supports a ride section on which a user rides by an air spring section, measures a height of a reference plane of the ride section with a sensor, and controls air supply and discharge into/from the air spring section according to game progress by a control section. The control section performs a calibration process for determining an ascent limit of the ride section based on a measured value by the sensor so as to set an ascent and descent control range excluding a predetermined margin from the ascent limit, and a target height setting process for setting a target height of the ride section within the ascent and descent control range according to the game progress, and controls the air supply and discharge into/from the air spring section to achieve the target height.