Cross-Shaped Ride Support Structure for Road-Legal Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportable amusement rides, such as large Ferris wheels, face limitations due to the need for very long and heavy vehicles that exceed road traffic regulations, necessitating special permits and escorts, making them impractical for standard road use.
Innovation Solution
A cross-shaped support structure design using multiple central support structures, including rear-sloping elements, allows for a stable and large-area spider-like configuration that maintains permissible length and weight limits, enabling transportability without special permits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If very long and heavy vehicles are used to support larger Ferris wheels, then the ride height and structure size can be increased, but the vehicles exceed road traffic regulations requiring special permits and escorts
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple separate vehicles (typically 3-5 center support vehicles) instead of using one extremely long vehicle. Each vehicle carries a portion of the support structure, allowing the total span to exceed 13.6 meters while each individual vehicle remains within legal length limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a linear one-dimensional arrangement to a two-dimensional star-shaped or cross-shaped configuration. Multiple vehicles are arranged radially around a central point, creating a star pattern that provides both span and structural stability without requiring any single vehicle to exceed length regulations.
2Weight of stationary object
If very heavy vehicles are used to support larger Ferris wheels, then the structural strength and span can be increased, but special permits and escorts are required for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The total weight of the support structure is distributed across multiple separate vehicles rather than concentrated in one heavy vehicle. Each center support vehicle carries a manageable portion of the overall weight, keeping individual vehicle weights within standard road transport limits while collectively supporting the large Ferris wheel structure.
3Device complexity
If a single long vehicle is used, then the support structure can be simplified, but the vehicle dimensions exceed legal limits
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the support structure linearly along one dimension, the system uses a radial star-shaped arrangement in two dimensions. Multiple vehicles positioned at angles around a central hub create the necessary span and stability without requiring any single vehicle to be excessively long.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple separate vehicles are combined into a unified star-shaped support system that functions as a single cohesive structure. The vehicles work together through a common central hub and coordinated hydraulic systems to provide stable support for the Ferris wheel, achieving the structural equivalence of a single long vehicle while complying with length regulations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple vehicles are used in a star-shaped arrangement, then rides can be built taller and more stable, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The star-shaped radial arrangement provides inherent structural stability through geometric distribution of loads across multiple vehicles. This two-dimensional configuration naturally resists tipping and provides balanced support, achieving superior stability compared to linear arrangements while the modular design keeps assembly manageable through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The center support vehicles serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, act as mobile platforms for hydraulic erection systems, and function as transport units. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby managing assembly complexity despite the multi-vehicle configuration.
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
Transportable amusement device, in particular a ride such as a Ferris wheel, a carousel, a roller coaster, a swing or a propeller with a support structure (2) resting on several vehicles such as trailers / semi-trailers, in particular center car 3, 4, 4', 4", 4‴, 4ʺʺ, 4‴ʺ, 4‴‴, 4‴ʺʺ, 4‴‴ʺ or on a pallet construction, which enables a particularly stable and large-area support in a spider shape through the cross-shaped arrangement of the support structures, in particular center car.