Concentric Ring Carousel With Independent Drive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional carousel rides lack interactivity and variability, leading to a predictable experience that discourages repeat visits, and pose challenges in loading and unloading due to fixed vehicle positions.
Innovation Solution
A carousel ride system featuring independently driven, concentric rings that rotate at different speeds and directions, with each vehicle positionable to create unique motion profiles and facilitate easier loading and unloading by returning to a consistent height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional carousel rides operate at a single rotation speed with fixed vehicle positions, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the ride experience becomes predictable and lacks interactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel is divided into multiple independently controllable concentric rings, each capable of rotating at different speeds and directions. This segmentation allows each ring to provide varied ride experiences while maintaining overall system manageability through modular control.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system is made dynamic by allowing each concentric ring to operate at independently variable rotation speeds and directions. This enables the ride to transition between different operational modes (e.g., all rings rotating together, opposite directions, varying speeds) to create unpredictable and exciting ride profiles.
2Ease of operation
If vehicles are moved up and down in a fixed mechanical pattern, then the mechanical control is simple, but loading and unloading becomes difficult when vehicles are at high positions
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle positioning system automatically returns all vehicles to the optimal load/unload position at the end of each ride cycle, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system monitors vehicle positions and actuates positioning mechanisms to ensure safe loading conditions before each ride begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle positioning system dynamically adjusts vehicle height positions during operation, moving vehicles from fixed mechanical positions to optimized load/unload positions. This parameter change in vertical position ensures safety and ease of operation while maintaining mechanical feasibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple concentric rings rotate at different speeds and directions, then rider interactivity and thrill levels are enhanced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows operators to activate only the necessary number of rings at any given time, or to operate rings at reduced speeds when full performance is not required. This partial action approach maintains ride variety and excitement while reducing energy consumption during lower-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel employs periodic variation in ring rotation patterns, alternating between high-energy thrilling sequences and lower-energy transitional phases. This periodic action creates exciting ride profiles while allowing energy consumption to be managed through strategic use of power-intensive operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A carousel ride in which vehicles may move at differing speeds, in differing directions, and each be independently positioned relative to a load/unload platform. In one embodiment, a carousel ride is provided that includes: (1) an inner ring assembly including a first ring supporting vehicles and a drive system operable to rotate the first ring about a center axis of the carousel ride; and (2) an outer ring assembly including a second ring, concentric to the first ring, supporting vehicles and a drive system operable to rotate the second ring about a center axis of the carousel ride. During a portion of a ride, the drive system of the inner ring assembly operates to rotate the first ring at a first rotation rate, and the drive system of the outer ring assembly operates to rotate the second ring at a second rotation rate differing from the first rotation rate.