Suspended Cable Ride Turning Beam Drive Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable-supported amusement rides are not suitable for thrill rides due to difficulties in achieving the necessary speeds while making sharp turns, which are desirable for thrill experiences, while also ensuring rider safety and managing costs, space, and rider capacity.
Innovation Solution
A suspended cable loop system with a means to convey riders in a prone position, using turning beam drive assemblies and suspension towers to dampen sway and twisting, allowing for high-speed turns and efficient cable management, and incorporating multiple sheave wheels with motors for smooth operation and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If cable-supported rides are designed for high-speed operation, then thrill ride capability is improved, but rider safety and stability deteriorate due to increased sway and twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The ride system is segmented into multiple independent components: the cable loop is divided into multiple cable sections, riders are separated into individual carriages with independent suspension systems, and the support structure is divided into multiple towers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for both speed and safety, reducing the propagation of sway and twisting through the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elements including flexible cable sections that can adapt to speed changes, adjustable suspension systems that respond to ride conditions, and controllable braking mechanisms. These dynamic components allow the system to maintain stability across varying speeds, enabling high-speed operation while preserving rider safety through real-time adaptation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable-supported rides make sharp turns, then thrill ride experience is improved, but the ability to maintain high speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes curved and banked turn designs that allow the cable loop to navigate sharp turns while maintaining centrifugal force balance. The curved geometry of the turn sections, combined with banked rider carriages, enables high-speed turning by distributing lateral forces along the curved path rather than requiring abrupt directional changes that would limit speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The ride system incorporates three-dimensional turn configurations where the cable loop transitions between vertical and horizontal planes. By adding the vertical dimension to turn design, the system can execute sharp turns without compromising horizontal speed, as the turn is achieved through spatial transition rather than simple lateral redirection.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional cable ride designs are used, then installation cost is reduced, but suitability for thrill rides deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal cable loop system that can function as both a traditional transport ride and a thrill ride depending on configuration. The same basic cable support infrastructure can accommodate different carriage types, speed settings, and route configurations, allowing a single installation to serve multiple functions and reducing the need for specialized high-cost thrill ride infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in speed, turn radius, and carriage configuration without requiring fundamental redesign of the cable support structure. By adjusting operational parameters rather than structural parameters, the system can transform from a standard cable ride to a thrill ride experience at minimal additional cost.
4Ease of operation
If rider sway and twisting are not controlled, then ride comfort is improved, but rider safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary damping elements between the rider carriage and the cable loop, including shock absorbers, dampers, and flexible connection components. These intermediaries absorb and dissipate sway and twisting forces, protecting riders from excessive motion while maintaining the fundamental ride experience. The intermediaries act as a buffer that decouples the rider from harmful cable movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system and damping mechanisms are pre-configured to anticipate and cushion against potential sway and twisting forces before they reach harmful levels. The rigid-but-flexible connection between carriage and cable includes built-in compliance elements that provide immediate resistance to unwanted motion, cushioning riders against sudden movements while allowing normal ride dynamics.
Data Source
AI summary
An suspended cable amusement ride is disclosed. The cable is supported by turning beam assemblies and moved by turning beam drive assemblies. The turning beam assemblies and turning beam drive assemblies each have multiple sheave wheels supported in brackets along a turning beam. In the turning beam drive assembly the sheave wheels are driven by motors operably attached to the sheave wheels.