Concentric Wedge Rings for Compact Motion Base
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion bases in ride attractions and cinematic theaters are complex and bulky, limiting their applicability in certain spaces and applications where a more compact and simplified design is required to provide pitch, roll, and yaw movements.
Innovation Solution
A motion base design featuring a series of concentric angled rings supported by slew bearings, with motors and actuators mechanically linked to each ring to enable rotation and movement, allowing for pitch, roll, and yaw movements while maintaining a compact and simplified structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional motion bases with linkages and linear actuators are used, then pitch, roll, and yaw movements can be achieved, but the structure becomes complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The motion base is divided into three separate concentric rings, each responsible for a specific rotational degree of freedom (pitch, roll, yaw). Each ring can be independently controlled by its own motor, allowing complex motion simulation to be achieved through simple, modular components rather than a complex integrated mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using conventional linear actuators and linkages to achieve rotational movements, the patent inverts the approach by using rotational actuators (motors) that directly drive rotational movements of the rings. This eliminates the need for complex linkage mechanisms and linear actuators, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining motion simulation capability
2Length of moving object
If conventional motion bases are used, then motion simulations can be provided, but the overall height and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (conventional motion bases) to a horizontal concentric arrangement. The three rings are positioned concentrically in the horizontal plane rather than stacked vertically, which dramatically reduces the overall height of the motion base while maintaining all three degrees of freedom for motion simulation
Solution Approach 2:
The three rings are arranged in a nested concentric configuration where smaller rings are positioned within the plane of larger rings. This nesting arrangement allows all three rotational axes to be compactly integrated in a small footprint and reduced height, eliminating the need for bulky conventional actuator arrangements
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 provides efficient and space-saving motion simulations with pitch, roll, and yaw movements, suitable for various applications, including theaters and ride attractions, by simplifying the structure and reducing the overall height requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The motion base has a first angled ring supported on or attached to a first slew bearing. A second angled ring on top of and concentric with a first angled ring, is attached to or supported on the first angled ring by a second slew bearing.
Data Source
AI summary
In a theater or ride attraction, a motion base articulates a load-bearing seating platform by independently revolving two intermediate wedge-like rings to provide pitch, roll and yaw movements. Unlike flight simulator types of motion bases, these movements do not rely on substantially horizontally pivoting axes, and the resultant loads imparted to motive components. Rather the movements are provided by a circumferentially wedging action between the rings. The motion base has high load carrying capacity and reduced space requirements.