Cam-Based 360-Degree Rotation for Amusement Park Ride Payloads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current amusement park ride systems face limitations in providing full-range angular variation of payload orientation, with mechanical cam systems offering limited rotation and motor-driven systems requiring electrical power and complex control mechanisms, leading to increased space requirements and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A 360-degree cam-based positioning assembly using cam followers and rails, allowing continuous and selective rotation of payloads in either direction, with a gear train assembly to control the cam shaft, enabling full angular positioning without the need for electrical power and reducing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical cam system is used to control payload orientation, then the system is simple and reliable, but the angular variation is limited to approximately 45 degrees left or right of the guide track
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cam system capable of continuous rotation in either direction without fixed cardinal orientation limits. The cam follower mechanism is designed to allow the payload platform to rotate dynamically through any angle, converting the static limited-range cam system into a dynamic unlimited-range orientation system that can adapt to any angular position along the guide track
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the orientation control from two-dimensional cardinal directions (forward, backward, left, right) to three-dimensional continuous angular variation. By allowing rotation about the vertical axis in any direction rather than being constrained to predefined angular positions, the system adds a dimensional aspect to the orientation control, enabling unlimited angular variation
2Adaptability or versatility
If a motor-driven system is used to provide unlimited range of motion, then the payload can be rotated to any coordinate in a 360-degree range, but the system requires electrical power and complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical system with a pure mechanical cam-based system. Instead of using electric motors, controllers, and power systems to achieve unlimited rotation, the invention uses a mechanically-driven cam follower mechanism that converts the motion along the guide track into continuous rotational movement of the payload platform through purely mechanical means
Solution Approach 2:
The cam-based system is self-regulating and automatically provides the correct orientation through the geometric profile of the cam. The system uses the motion of the payload along the guide track itself to drive the rotation, eliminating the need for external power sources, controllers, or complex control mechanisms that would be required in a motor-driven system
3Adaptability or versatility
If a motor-driven system is used, then continuous measurement of vehicle track position and orientation is required, but this increases the workspace envelope and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cam-based positioning system is self-regulating through its mechanical design. The cam profile inherently provides the correct orientation at each position along the guide track without requiring external sensors or measurement systems. The mechanical geometry itself performs the positioning function, eliminating the need for continuous measurement and control systems that would expand the workspace envelope
4Adaptability or versatility
If a motor-driven system is used, then provisions must be made for power or motor system failure, but this increases the ride envelope and requires secondary safety devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor-driven system with a mechanically-driven cam system that uses the motion of the payload itself to provide positioning. This eliminates power system failure modes entirely, as there are no motors or electrical components that can fail. The mechanical cam system passively provides continuous positioning control through its geometric profile
Solution Approach 2:
The cam-based system is inherently safe because it uses the payload's own motion to drive the positioning mechanism. There are no active control systems that can fail or behave unpredictably. The mechanical geometry of the cam ensures that the payload is always oriented correctly, eliminating the need for secondary safety devices or enlarged ride envelopes to accommodate potential failures
Data Source
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AI summary
An amusement park ride adapted for fully rotating a passenger compartment in response to vehicle motion along a guide track. The ride includes a vehicle chassis (140) that engages the guide track (110) and travels along the ride path during operation of the ride. The ride further includes a cam-based positioning assembly (130) that is supported by the vehicle chassis (140) to move with it along the guide track (110). The positioning assembly operates in response to being moved along the guide track to rotate the passenger compartment (120). The positioning assembly rotates the passenger compartment in counterclockwise and clockwise directions to provide 360-degree rotation. The positioning assembly includes a cam shaft with three cam follower pairs offset along the shaft and extending outward from the shaft at angular offsets, and three cam rails are used to selectively position the followers to rotate the cam shaft and set the position of the passenger compartment.