Double Helix Tower Ride Track with Four-Truss Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement rides with tower tracks do not have equal lengths for the ascent and descent, and the tower obstructs the riders' view, with prior solutions struggling to create a spiral track both up and down without flipping or requiring track changes.
Innovation Solution
A tower ride with a double helix track configuration that spirals both up and down the tower, using a four-truss track system with S-curve sections to maintain stability and allow for longer ride lengths in a small space, enabling separate and equal ride lengths for ascent and descent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the track spirals up the tower in prior art rides, then the ride can ascend the tower, but the ascent and descent lengths are unequal and the tower blocks the riders' view
Solution Approach 1:
The track is configured as a double helix that spirals around the tower in three-dimensional space, allowing the ride to ascend and descend along a helical path that maintains distance from the tower center while providing panoramic views, thus resolving the contradiction between ride length and unobstructed view
2Ease of operation
If the track is brought straight down the side of the tower, then the car can return to ground level, but the car must be flipped or track changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The double helix configuration allows the track to descend smoothly along a helical path in three-dimensional space, enabling continuous track geometry from ascent to descent without requiring flips, switches, or complex track changes at the bottom
Solution Approach 2:
The helical curvature of the track provides smooth transitions throughout the ride cycle, including at the bottom where the track continues its helical descent rather than requiring abrupt directional changes or vehicle orientation changes
3Area of stationary object
If traditional roller coasters are placed in small footprints, then space is efficiently used, but the ride length and experience are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The double helix track utilizes vertical and radial dimensions to create an extended ride path within a compact horizontal footprint, allowing the ride to spiral upward and downward multiple times around the tower, thus achieving long ride length in limited ground space
Solution Approach 2:
The helical track is nested around the tower structure, with the track winding around the central support tower multiple times, effectively using the tower's vertical space to accommodate a long ride path without requiring large horizontal area
Data Source
AI summary
A tower ride is disclosed with suspended cars mounted on rails that that forms track that is a complete double helix path for the car without having to turn the car or switch tracks. The car is suspended from a four truss track, riding on the two bottom rails for stability. Another embodiment is a roller coaster track mounted on a tower.