Cable-Suspended People Pod for Trackless 3D Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rollercoasters and other amusement rides require extensive real estate for their track systems, making it difficult to implement new, larger designs in existing parks and often necessitating the removal of older coasters or acquisition of additional land.
Innovation Solution
A people moving system that eliminates the need for a track by using a cable support system to suspend a pod in three dimensions, allowing for programmable movement that can replicate various experiences, including roller coaster rides, without the requirement of a physical track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a track system is used for roller coasters and people movers, then the structure provides stable support and guided movement, but it requires extensive real estate and limits design flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional track-based movement to three-dimensional cable-suspended movement. The people pod is suspended by multiple cables from a overhead support structure, enabling movement in vertical and lateral dimensions that are not possible with traditional ground-based tracks. This dimensional change eliminates the need for extensive ground real estate while providing enhanced design flexibility and immersive experiences.
2Extent of automation
If traditional cable support systems are used, then the people pod can be suspended and moved, but the system lacks programmability and cannot replicate specific experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The cable support system incorporates dynamic control capabilities with multiple independently controllable cables. The system can adjust cable tensions and lengths in real-time to program specific movement patterns, speeds, and trajectories. This dynamic control enables the replication of various experiences including roller coaster rides, while the modular cable architecture manages system complexity through distributed control.
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
Enables the creation of immersive and interactive experiences in three dimensions, such as sightseeing or amusement park rides, without the need for extensive real estate, allowing for the recreation of any roller coaster experience and providing a more exciting experience for patrons.
Implementation Method 1
These people movers includes very high tensile strength cables that are strung between rolling tracks (or supports)
Data Source
AI summary
A people moving system having a people pod and a cable support system attached to the people pod. The cable support system supports the people pod in the air and includes cables that are each connected at one end to the people pod and each connected to their own respective motor/winch system at the other ends. A computer control system is in signal communication with the motor/winch systems and allows the same to move the people pod in three (3) dimensions.