Eddy Current Braking Arms for Progressive Speed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mechanical braking systems on zip-line and coaster rides lack progressive speed restriction, fail to accommodate riders of varying sizes, and lack control over the trolley's speed and stopping point, posing safety concerns and inefficiencies in throughput.

Innovation Solution

A coaster system with a trolley equipped with pivotable braking arms containing magnets that generate eddy currents when interacting with non-ferrous conductive rails, providing progressive braking and adjustable force, combined with a remote server computer for precise control and collision avoidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional mechanical braking systems are used on trolleys, then braking force can be applied to slow down the trolley, but the system lacks progressive speed restriction and cannot accommodate riders of varying sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of riders of varying sizesVSAvoidprogressive speed restriction control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system changes physical parameters (magnetic field strength, eddy current intensity) based on trolley speed and rider mass. The braking force is not fixed but varies dynamically through parameter adjustment, allowing the same system to accommodate riders of varying sizes while providing progressive speed restriction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical braking systems with an electromagnetic braking system using eddy currents. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical contact and allows for more precise, progressive control of braking force that can adapt to different rider weights and speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If conventional mechanical braking systems are used, then the trolley can be slowed down, but there is no control over the trolley's speed and stopping point

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol over trolley speed and stopping pointVSAvoidbraking control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic braking system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor trolley speed and position, automatically adjusting the braking force applied through eddy currents. This feedback control enables precise management of trolley speed and stopping point without requiring complex mechanical linkages or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Shape

If braking based on grade is used, then the track can be designed with varying elevations, but operators have little control over rider speed once the trolley has left the starting location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack elevation profileVSAvoidspeed control during ride

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces grade-based passive braking with an active electromagnetic braking system using eddy currents. This substitution maintains the beneficial track elevation design while adding the capability for active speed control throughout the ride, as the electromagnetic brakes can be applied at any location and adjusted in intensity based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 safe, controlled, and efficient braking for riders of all sizes, ensuring progressive speed restriction and collision prevention, enhancing safety and scalability for high-adventure attractions.

Implementation Method 1

the movement of each braking arm relative to the rail generates eddy currents that create magnetic fields opposing movement of the trolley along the coaster track

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 2

one or more magnets attached to each of the one or more braking arms... generates eddy currents that create magnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10333378B2Speed restriction system using eddy currents

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 ZIP-FLYER LLC

AI summary

The current subject matter describes a device and system including one or more movable arms containing one or more magnets that are caused to move relative to a non-ferrous material by motion of the device to generate eddy currents that cause a braking of the device. Devices of this disclosure may include one or more trolleys that moving along a coaster track and which contain braking arms having magnets that move due to inertial force and/or can be controlled by a remote server computer based on information obtained from the one or more trolleys as they move along the coaster track.