Ferris Wheel Cabin Stabilization with Gravity Return Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ferris wheel cabin stabilization systems fail to maintain a horizontal floor position in case of malfunctioning stabilization motors or power supply issues, causing passenger discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A cabin stabilization system featuring a reversible permanent magnet synchronous machine with a switching circuit that can switch to a dissipative mode, combined with a friction brake, allowing the cabin to return to a stable position using gravity after a motor failure, and including a redundant mechanism for enhanced reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motorized stabilization system is used to maintain horizontal cabin floor, then passenger comfort is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to potential motor or power supply failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a friction brake that is pre-positioned to engage with the gear ring, ready to immediately stop cabin rotation in case of motor or power supply failure. This passive safety mechanism is always in place, providing automatic protection without requiring active control during emergency conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a friction brake as an intermediary element between the motorized stabilization system and the cabin rotation. The brake acts as a mediator that can independently intervene to stop rotation when the motor system fails, providing a layered safety approach that combines active motor control with passive mechanical braking.
2Reliability
If a friction brake is added to stop cabin rotation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the friction brake system with the existing gear ring that is already part of the motorized stabilization system. The brake integrates directly with the gear ring structure, eliminating the need for separate braking components and reducing overall system complexity despite adding safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction brake is designed to be self-actuating through a spring mechanism that automatically engages with the gear ring when rotation stops or reverses. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex control systems to operate the brake, reducing device complexity while maintaining safety.
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
Ensures the cabin floor remains stable and horizontal even during motor or power supply failures, providing a comfortable passenger experience and maintaining operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
a reversible permanent magnet synchronous machine and a switching circuit which is able, in a first switching state, to link the windings of the synchronous machine to an electricity power supply for motor use of the synchronous machine and, in a second switching state, to link the windings of the synchronous machine to a dissipative ohmic circuit for dissipative use of the synchronous machine
Implementation Method 2
a friction brake to stop the cabin rotating around the reference axis in relation to the support
Implementation Method 3
the friction brake may be released at least partially and preferably fully and the electromagnetic brake constituted by the synchronous machine to be used for gradual braking while the mobile subassembly returns to its stable position through gravity
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile subassembly (30) to receive and convey at least one passenger, comprising a support (20), a cabin (22) and a cabin (22) guide (32) in relation to the support (20) in rotation around a horizontal reference axis (200). The mobile subassembly (30) is equipped with a stabilization system (36) comprising at least one gear ring (38) attached to the support (20), at least one sprocket (40), a motor (66) comprising a motor shaft which turns around an axis which is fixed in relation to the cabin (22) a kinematic transmission chain between the motor shaft and the sprocket (40), and a coupling mechanism to guide the sprocket between an engagement position with the gear ring, in which the first sprocket is able to mesh with the first gear ring (38), and an uncoupled position in which the first sprocket (40) is a distance away and disengaged from the first gear ring (38).