Crossing Omnimover Ride Paths with Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional omnimover ride systems provide high capacity but offer a predictable and similar experience due to constant speed and limited vehicle movements, lacking the excitement and unpredictability desired in modern amusement park attractions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of two synchronized omnimover ride assemblies with crossing paths, where vehicles from one assembly pass between those of the other, creating near-collision experiences without actual contact, by using separate tracks at different elevations and a synchronization mechanism to ensure vehicles are positioned correctly for close calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional omnimover ride systems use constant speed and single-track design, then high capacity and simple mechanical control are achieved, but ride experience becomes predictable and lacks excitement
Solution Approach 1:
The ride system is divided into multiple independent vehicle chains (first chain and second chain) that operate separately but interact spatially. Each chain can be controlled independently, allowing for varied ride experiences while maintaining overall system capacity. The segmentation of tracks into crossing paths enables unpredictable close calls between chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the ride experience by having vehicle chains cross at different elevations. The first vehicle chain operates at a first elevation while the second vehicle chain operates at a second elevation, creating three-dimensional crossing paths that appear to intersect from above but are separated vertically to prevent actual collisions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles are positioned close together to create near-collision experiences, then excitement and unpredictability increase, but risk of actual collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the collision risk by utilizing vertical separation. Vehicle chains are positioned at different elevations (first elevation and second elevation) so that their paths cross in the horizontal plane but are separated vertically. This creates the visual illusion of near-collisions while maintaining safe physical separation through the vertical dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization mechanism acts as an intermediary that coordinates the movement of independently controlled vehicle chains. It ensures that vehicles from different chains maintain proper spacing and timing at crossing points, preventing collisions while preserving the excitement of close calls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple synchronized vehicle chains with crossing paths are implemented, then unpredictable close calls and enhanced ride experience are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A synchronization mechanism serves as an intermediary system that coordinates multiple independently controlled vehicle chains. This mechanism manages the complexity by providing a centralized control function that ensures proper spacing and timing at crossing points, enabling unpredictable close calls while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization mechanism performs multiple functions: it coordinates vehicle spacing, manages crossing point timing, and ensures safety across all vehicle chains. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems for each chain, managing overall system complexity while achieving the desired ride experience variability.
Data Source
AI summary
A ride system with crossing ride paths. A first assembly is provided that includes a first set of vehicles movable along a first ride path, and the first vehicle set is vertically supported above the track at a first height. A second assembly is provided with a second set of vehicles movable along a second ride path that differs from the first ride path and crosses over the first ride path when viewed in plan view. The second vehicle set is vertically supported below the upper vehicle track at a second height, which may be the same as the first height such that passengers perceive a collision risk at path intersections. The upper track is at a higher elevation than the lower track such that track crossovers occur without interference. A synchronization mechanism synchronizes movement of the upper and lower sets of vehicles to avoid collisions at crossover points.