Cylindrical Roller Coaster with Helical Rider Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional roller coasters provide a static ride experience due to statically coupled riders, resulting in the same sensation every time, lacking the ability for riders to control their position or speed along the central axis.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical roller coaster design with a rotary unit and drive mechanism allows riders to control their position and speed along a helical route, featuring a joystick for lateral movement and speed control, and a friction drive for adjusting velocity, enabling dynamic interaction with virtual reality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional roller coasters use stationary seats that fix rider motion to vehicle direction, then structural simplicity is maintained, but rider experience becomes static and repetitive
Solution Approach 1:
The rider system is segmented into two independent components: the cylindrical vehicle body that travels along the track, and the rotary unit that rotates around the vehicle's central axis. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently - the vehicle provides forward motion while the rotary unit provides lateral position control, thereby increasing rider adaptability without overly complicating the overall vehicle structure
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary seat is replaced with a dynamic rotary unit that can rotate around the central axis of the cylindrical vehicle. This dynamic element allows riders to change their lateral position and orientation during the ride, transforming the static riding experience into a dynamic one where riders can control their position around the vehicle while it travels along the track
2Adaptability or versatility
If riders are statically coupled to the vehicle, then control system simplicity is maintained, but ride experience lacks customization and variety
Solution Approach 1:
The rider is given direct control over their own experience through the control mechanism. The rider can independently adjust their lateral position around the vehicle and control their speed along the central axis using the joystick and friction drive mechanism. This self-service capability allows each rider to customize their ride experience according to their preferences, adding adaptability and variety without requiring complex centralized control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism provides real-time feedback to the rider through the friction drive system that adjusts velocity based on rider input. The joystick controls the rotary unit's position and the friction drive mechanism responds immediately to rider commands, creating a feedback loop that allows continuous adjustment of speed and position, thereby enabling speed control and ride customization
3Adaptability or versatility
If the same ride sensation is provided every time, then operational consistency is maintained, but rider engagement and excitement decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The ride experience is transformed from static to dynamic by allowing riders to control their lateral position around the vehicle and their speed along the central axis. This dynamic control capability ensures that no two rides are exactly the same, as riders can adjust their position and speed preferences, thereby increasing ride experience variety while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive controls
Solution Approach 2:
Each rider serves themselves by controlling their own experience through the joystick and friction drive mechanism. Riders can independently adjust their lateral position and speed according to their desired level of thrill and comfort, ensuring that the ride adapts to individual preferences rather than requiring complex operator intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation while increasing experience variety
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
Enables a dynamic and customizable ride experience, allowing riders to change their position and speed, enhancing thrill and interaction with virtual reality elements, providing a unique experience each time.
Implementation Method 1
a friction drive means mounted on said at least one cylindrical vehicle, said friction drive means generates required power which enables said at least one rider to change a speed of said at least one cylindrical vehicle along said at least one set of running rails during a riding
Data Source
AI summary
An amusement ride enabling at least one rider to change a position of said at least one rider around at least one cylindrical vehicle while said at least one cylindrical vehicle carries said at least one rider along a central axis of said at least one cylindrical vehicle during a riding.