Distributed Motion Base System for Immersive Ride Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement park ride motion bases are large, heavy, and energy inefficient, limiting the complexity and immersion of ride experiences due to weight and power constraints, and often rely on hydraulic actuators that generate fluid waste.
Innovation Solution
A distributed motion base system with smaller, lighter actuatable decks that use counterbalances and electric actuators to support ride vehicles, allowing for independent control of multiple motion bases to create complex motion effects without hydraulic components, enhancing flexibility and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single large motion base is used to move heavy passenger vehicles, then the motion effects can be achieved, but the system becomes large, heavy, and energy inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large motion base into multiple smaller motion bases (e.g., four motion bases arranged in a rectangular pattern). Each motion base supports a portion of the passenger vehicle and can be independently actuated. This segmentation reduces the weight and size of each individual motion base while collectively providing the required motion actuation force through coordinated operation.
2Force
If hydraulic actuators are used to actuate the motion base, then heavy loads can be moved, but fluid waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic actuators with electric actuators (such as linear motors or rotary actuators coupled with lead screws or belt drives) to actuate the motion bases. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid, thereby preventing fluid waste while still providing sufficient actuation force to move the passenger vehicles and simulate motion effects.
3Device complexity
If a single motion base controls the passenger vehicle, then the system is simpler, but the motion patterns are less complex and immersive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements independent control of multiple motion bases through a controller that can dynamically coordinate their actuation. Each motion base can be actuated independently or in coordinated patterns, allowing for complex six-degree-of-freedom motion simulations including roll, pitch, yaw, surge, sway, and heave. This dynamic coordination of multiple simpler units achieves the versatility of a complex single system while maintaining modular simplicity.
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
The system enables more compact, energy-efficient, and flexible motion effects, reducing the need for hydraulic actuators and allowing for more immersive ride experiences by distributing the weight and actuation forces, thereby improving power distribution and enabling more complex motion patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a counterbalance coupled to the deck and configured to change an internal pressure or move when the deck is actuated
Implementation Method 2
an actuator coupled to the deck and configured to cause the deck to be actuated
Data Source
AI summary
A method in accordance with present embodiments includes receiving a signal that a vehicle is positioned on a motion base system; and actuating a plurality of motion bases of the motion base system to actuate independently of one another to cause the vehicle to roll, pitch, or heave. Actuating the plurality of motion bases includes providing a first signal to an electrical actuator associated with a first motion base; actuating a movable deck of the first motion base to move a first distance relative to its housing at a first time point; providing a second signal to an electrical actuator associated with a second motion base; and actuating a movable deck of the second motion base to move a second distance relative to its housing at the first time point.