Articulating Ride Arm for Independent Vehicle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ride systems fail to accurately simulate real-world vehicle dynamics and do not provide guest control, limiting the immersive experience.
Innovation Solution
A ride system with an articulating arm that adjusts the position of a ride vehicle relative to a track, allowing for independent movement and guest control through features like telescoping and rotational actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ride vehicle is coupled to the arm, then the position of the ride vehicle can be adjusted relative to the ride path, but the ride vehicle cannot move independently from the arm
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the ride vehicle to move independently in certain directions while remaining coupled to the arm for positional adjustment. The coupling includes a first degree of freedom for movement relative to the arm and a second degree of freedom for movement relative to the ride path, enabling segmented independent motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the ride vehicle to transition between being constrained to the arm's movement and being able to move independently. The coupling mechanism enables the ride vehicle to adapt its movement based on operational requirements, switching between coupled and independent motion modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the arm is made extendable and pivotable, then the ride vehicle can be positioned at multiple locations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arm mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated structure. The same arm that provides positional adjustment also serves as the coupling mechanism for the ride vehicle. The actuator serves both to adjust the arm's position and to control the ride vehicle's movement, reducing the need for separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm mechanism is nested within the existing ride system structure, with the actuator integrated into the coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism itself is nested within the arm structure, allowing multiple levels of movement to be contained within a compact arrangement that minimizes overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling allows multiple degrees of freedom, then the ride vehicle can move independently, but the control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the ride vehicle's position and orientation. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the coupling mechanism to maintain precise control while allowing independent movement. The feedback loop enables the system to compensate for the additional degrees of freedom and maintain accurate positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A ride system may include a ride vehicle configured to move along a ride path adjacent a track, and an arm coupled to the ride vehicle. The ride vehicle may be movable separately from the arm. The ride vehicle may include features to support the ride vehicle on a ride surface of the ride path, such that the ride vehicle may follow the ride's terrain. The arm may articulate (e.g., move between positions) to adjust a position of the ride vehicle relative to the ride path. The arm may adjust the lateral and/or vertical position of the ride vehicle along the ride. The ride system may include a chassis coupled to the track, and the arm may be coupled to the chassis. The arm may be extendable and pivotable relative to the chassis, such as to adjust the position of the ride vehicle as the chassis rides along the track.