Boat Capture Assembly for Amusement Park Water Rides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat rides in amusement parks face challenges in controlling speed, position, and orientation of boats, leading to unpredictable movements and difficulties in integrating complex show elements, due to limitations in propulsion methods and mechanical sorting systems that disrupt the 'free floating' experience.
Innovation Solution
A boat capture assembly that includes a floating structure with receiver cavities and a guide element with pivot arms, allowing for controlled movement along a track while maintaining heave, roll, and pitch motions, using a bogie on a submerged track to propel the boat and constrain fore/aft and left/right movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flowing water propulsion is used to move boats, then the ride is simple and provides a free floating feel, but boat speed varies unpredictably making controlled movement and synchronized show elements difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A capture assembly with a pivot arm and receiver cavity acts as an intermediary between the free-floating boat and the controlled track system. The pivot arm receives the boat in its cavity, allowing the boat to maintain its natural floating motion while being guided along a predetermined path, thus reconciling the free floating feel with controlled movement
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion system is segmented into multiple independent pusher mechanisms positioned at different locations along the water channel. Each pusher can independently propel boats, allowing for individual speed control of each boat to maintain consistent spacing and enable synchronized show elements
2Speed
If mechanical sorting systems are used to control boat positions, then boat speed and position can be controlled, but the free floating experience is disrupted and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capture assembly serves as a minimal intermediary that only constrains lateral movement while allowing longitudinal freedom. The pivot arm within the receiver cavity provides just enough guidance to control boat position without imposing complex mechanical sorting systems, maintaining simplicity while achieving speed control
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical sorting systems are replaced with a simpler water flow control mechanism. Pumps and flow regulators substitute for mechanical sorters, controlling boat speeds through fluid dynamics rather than mechanical intervention, thereby reducing system complexity
3Speed
If boats are tethered to a moving cable or track-based vehicle, then controlled movement is achieved, but the mechanical linkage is complex, expensive, and requires extensive maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
Complex mechanical linkages such as cables, chains, and rigid connectors are replaced with a hydrodynamic pusher system. The pusher mechanisms use water flow to propel boats, eliminating the need for extensive mechanical linkages and reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining speed control
4Device complexity
If boats are allowed to move freely in flowing water, then the ride is simple, but boat positions are unpredictable making show element synchronization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The capture assembly acts as a mediator that provides predictable positioning without complex systems. The pivot arm guided by the receiver cavity ensures boats follow a predetermined path with known positions, enabling show element synchronization while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where boat positions are monitored and water flow rates are adjusted accordingly. This feedback loop ensures predictable boat positioning for show synchronization while maintaining the simplicity of the overall ride system
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
This solution provides precise control over boat movements, enabling synchronized show elements and maintaining a conventional boat-like experience, with fewer and simpler components, reduced maintenance needs, and adaptability to varying water depths.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot structure, defining a pivot surface, rigidly attached to a second end of the rigid extension arm
Implementation Method 2
a floating structure such as a passenger boat that may float above a track structure or assembly within a body of water
Data Source
AI summary
A boat capture assembly that enhances control over boats moved by a track assembly through a body of water. The capture assembly includes a mounting plate attached to a positionable portion of the track assembly (such as to a bogie). The capture assembly includes a rigid extension arm with a first end attached to the mounting plate and a pivot structure, defining a pivot surface, rigidly attached to a second end of the rigid extension arm. The capture assembly includes a receiver cavity provided in a bottom surface of a hull of a boat. The receiver cavity includes a sidewall or body with an opening receiving the pivot structure, with the sidewall defining a well or recessed surface with a cross sectional shape and size to receive and allow vertical movement of the pivot structure but to restrain fore and aft movement of the hull relative to the pivot structure.