Cable Tow Whip Ride Inside Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional whip rides are predictable and repetitive, offering only outside turns and limited variation, leading to boredom and reduced enjoyment for passengers due to their fixed oval track design and one-sided attachment system.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a ride system that allows vehicles to experience both inside and outside turns by using a drive system positioned beneath the platform, with a pivotable connection shaft extending through a groove in the platform, enabling variable offset distances and crossover capabilities to create more dynamic and unpredictable whip effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional cable drive system with fixed oval track is used, then the ride structure is simple and easy to operate, but the ride becomes predictable and repetitive, reducing passenger enjoyment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the drive system movable and adjustable. The cable drive system can dynamically change the ride path from a fixed oval to include inside curves and outside curves. The drive trucks are movable along the cable, allowing the system to adapt its configuration during operation. This dynamic capability enables the ride to provide varied paths (inside and outside turns) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, thus resolving the contradiction between ride path variation and system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the attachment arm remains on one side of the moving drive cable, then the device structure is simplified, but all turns become outside turns only, limiting ride variety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the attachment system to perform multiple functions. The movable drive trucks can attach to the cable from either side (inside or outside), allowing the same basic attachment mechanism to create both inside turns and outside turns. This multi-functional capability enables the ride to provide turn direction variety without requiring completely separate attachment systems for each turn type, thus resolving the contradiction between turn variety and system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ride track is kept relatively short with basic oval shape, then the ride structure is simpler and easier to operate, but the numerous laps create a predictable ride experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the periodic action principle by introducing periodic variations in the ride path. Instead of a单调重复的oval track, the system periodically switches between inside curves and outside curves, creating a rhythm of varied motion. This periodic change in path configuration maintains operational simplicity while breaking the predictability of repeated oval laps, thus resolving the contradiction between ride variety and ease of operation.
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 design enhances the thrill and enjoyment of the ride by providing acceleration and speed changes at various locations along the track, allowing for inside and outside curves in both directions, thereby increasing passenger engagement and attraction.
Implementation Method 1
the towed vehicle, which is traveling on casters (or pivotable wheels) to accelerate and travel faster than the chain as it has to travel further. As a result, the vehicle and its passengers are whipped at each end of the oval with the back end of the vehicle being spun or rotated outward
Data Source
AI summary
A whip ride is provided for amusement parks. A platform is provided with a guide slot extending through the platform. A drive assembly is positioned beneath the platform and includes a drive member (e.g., drive cable) moving on a constrained path. A track follows a path horizontally offset from the drive path. The drive assembly includes a bogie or drive truck mounted on the track and pivotably linked to the drive member to be driven by the drive member. A passenger whip vehicle is provided on the platform upper surface and pivotably attached via a connector extending through the guide slot to the bogie. The bogie path includes inside and outside curves, and the bogie track is vertically offset from the drive member such that its path may crossover the drive member to vary the horizontal offset and to locate the bogie track on either side of the drive member.