Carousel Spherical Casing Multi-Axis Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carousel systems for amusement parks with spherical casings lack precise control over the trajectory, leading to inefficiencies and slow repositioning, particularly when returning to a starting position, due to mechanical limitations and mutual rubbing issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic control unit that manages motorized rotating bodies around multiple axes, allowing for precise control of the spherical casing's movements through established operating configurations and time applications, with optional additional motors for enhanced control and stability, and an inertial platform for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single motor actuates one rotating body to impart rotations to the spherical casing, then the carousel can generate centrifugal forces and accelerations, but the trajectory control precision deteriorates and mutual rubbing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the rotation actuation into multiple independent segments by providing motor means for each rotating body. Each rotating body can be independently controlled, allowing precise trajectory management while maintaining the ability to generate necessary centrifugal forces and accelerations through coordinated rotation.
2Measurement precision
If elaborate control systems are employed to reposition the spherical casing to a predetermined starting position, then trajectory control precision improves, but the device complexity increases and the repositioning speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the inertial platform to detect the actual position of the spherical casing and automatically calculates the required rotation angles for each rotating body to return to the starting position. This self-service approach eliminates the need for elaborate external control systems while maintaining high repositioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The inertial platform provides continuous feedback on the spherical casing's position, allowing the control system to adjust the rotation of each rotating body in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables precise repositioning without requiring overly complex control algorithms or multiple sensors.
3Measurement precision
If multiple rotating bodies are actuated by motor means, then trajectory control precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each rotating body is equipped with motor means that can perform multiple functions: generating centrifugal forces, controlling trajectory, and enabling precise repositioning. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high trajectory control precision without adding separate specialized components for each function.
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 solution enables precise and efficient control of the spherical casing's rotations, improving the uniformity and continuity of movements, allowing for faster and more accurate repositioning, such as returning to a starting position, while maintaining passenger safety and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an inertial platform mounted aboard the spherical casing. Thanks to this solution, before determining the trajectory to set to reach the final position, for example to carry out a return run, the electronic control unit is able to know with precision the initial position of the spherical casing.
Implementation Method 2
This actuating mode is certainly effective to subject the passengers to centrifugal forces and to accelerations that can continuously vary in direction and magnitude
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is a carousel (100) for amusement parks comprising: a spherical casing (105) able to contain at least one passenger; a plurality of rotating bodies (115A-115F) able to stay in contact and to receive in support said spherical casing (105), each of said rotating bodies (115A-115F) being able to rotate on itself around at least two respective axes of rotation, of which one steering axis (XA-XF) passing through the centre (C) of the spherical casing (105) and a rolling axis (YA-YF) orthogonal to said steering axis (XA-XF); first motor means (130) able to actuate a first (115A) of said rotating bodies in rotation around the respective steering axis (XA); second motor means (135) able to actuate said first rotating body (115A) in rotation around the respective rolling axis (YA); and third motor means (160) able to actuate a second (115C) of said rotating bodies in rotation around the respective steering axis (XC).