Capacitance Sensor Target Assembly for Amusement Parks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional amusement park attractions with target assemblies suffer from imprecise detection systems and limited immersion, affecting guest experience due to visible sensors and mechanical components that are negatively impacted by movement.
Innovation Solution
A target assembly system incorporating capacitance sensors embedded within a wall or on a hidden surface, capable of detecting liquid through the wall's thickness without direct contact, integrated with a control system to enhance accuracy and immersion by triggering various effects based on successful hits, and allowing team-oriented gameplay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional detection features are used in target assemblies, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the detection precision is poor and the system is susceptible to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical detection features with optical sensors (cameras, LIDAR) and capacitive sensors that can detect liquid presence through non-contact means. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and failure points while significantly improving detection precision, allowing the system to accurately identify when a target is hit by ejected liquid without physical contact between sensing components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (liquid such as water) that serves as both the projectile medium and the detection target. The liquid itself becomes the carrier of information, allowing sensors to detect hits by measuring changes in liquid presence, electrical conductivity, or optical properties rather than requiring direct mechanical contact between moving parts
2Adaptability or versatility
If visible sensors and mechanical components are used in the target assembly, then the device complexity is low, but the immersion and authenticity of the experience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts visible mechanical components and sensors from the front-facing surfaces of targets, relocating them to hidden positions or replacing them with concealed sensing technologies. Capacitive sensors can be embedded within target surfaces, while optical sensors can be positioned in locations not visible to guests, removing the visual clutter that breaks immersion while maintaining full detection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual effects and projections to create virtual representations of target states that can be seen by guests without requiring physical visible sensors. Digital overlays, LED indicators embedded in target surfaces, and projected graphics provide visual feedback to guests about hit detection, maintaining aesthetic authenticity while enabling sophisticated sensing capabilities
3Reliability
If traditional detection systems are used, then the system is simpler to operate, but the reliability and accuracy of hit detection are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback systems where sensors continuously monitor target states and provide real-time data to control systems. Multiple sensor types (optical, capacitive, acoustic) provide redundant detection channels that cross-validate each other, ensuring reliable hit detection even if one sensor type fails or provides false readings. This feedback loop enables automatic score calculation and immediate visual/audio feedback to guests
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multi-functional sensor systems that can perform multiple detection tasks simultaneously. For example, capacitive sensors can detect both the presence of liquid and the electrical conductivity characteristics that identify different liquid types. Optical systems can simultaneously track projectile motion, detect target hits, and provide visual feedback to guests, reducing the need for separate specialized components while improving reliability
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
The system provides accurate and reliable detection of liquid hits, enhancing the immersive experience by initiating visual, audio, and environmental effects, while maintaining authenticity and precision even with moving components, and supports team-oriented gameplay by calculating scores based on hit accuracy and order.
Implementation Method 1
one or more target sensors (e.g., capacitance sensors) configured to detect, through the thickness of the wall, a presence of the liquid at or adjacent to the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a nozzle configured to eject a liquid. The system also includes a wall having a surface facing the nozzle, and a thickness extending from the surface. The system also includes one or more capacitance sensors configured to detect, through the thickness of the wall, a presence of the liquid at or adjacent to the surface.