Elevator Drop Ride Actuator System for High-G Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing amusement ride elevator systems struggle to achieve accelerations greater than gravitational acceleration without increasing complexity and costs, and they cannot efficiently support complex heave motion or high-frequency vibrational modes without reducing the lifespan of elevator drive cables.

Innovation Solution

An open loop elevator cable drive system with a motion simulation system that includes a plurality of actuators with planetary gearboxes and electric servo motors, allowing for additional downward acceleration and complex motion profiles, including heave, roll, pitch, and other axes, while minimizing the impact on cable lifespan and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If closed loop drive systems with large motors are used to achieve acceleration greater than gravitational acceleration, then the desired motion control is achieved, but the system cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccelerationVSAvoiddrive system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the drive functions into two independent parts: an open-loop cable drive system for basic elevator motion and a motion simulation system with multiple actuators for complex motion profiles. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the desired acceleration capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the open-loop cable drive system with a motion simulation system featuring planetary gearboxes and electric servo motors. This merging allows the system to achieve accelerations greater than gravitational acceleration through coordinated operation of both subsystems without requiring an overly complex single-drive solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex heave motion is implemented to achieve weightless effects, then the ride experience is enhanced, but the lifespan of elevator drive cables is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion capabilityVSAvoidcable lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The motion simulation system acts as an intermediary between the simple open-loop cable drive and the desired complex heave motion. The actuators with planetary gearboxes generate the complex motion profiles locally at the ride vehicle, allowing the main elevator cables to operate in their optimal, low-stress range while still achieving enhanced ride experiences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If high-frequency vibrational modes are added to enhance motion simulation, then the ride realism is improved, but the system complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibrational capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The motion simulation system employs periodic vibrational modes at frequencies up to 100 Hz to enhance ride realism. By using controlled periodic vibrations through the actuator system, the patent achieves realistic motion simulation effects while managing power consumption through efficient actuator control and recovery during deceleration phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 accelerations up to 1.2 g and complex vibrational modes up to 100 Hz in a cost-effective manner, extending the life of elevator system cables and reducing power consumption, with the ability to integrate with existing systems for enhanced motion simulation.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the plurality of actuators may include a support plate configured to connect with the elevator platform, a planetary gearbox engaged with and driven by at least one electric servo motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlanetary gear mechanism: Epicyclic Gearing

Implementation Method 2

a drive shaft driven by the servo motor and engaged with at least one crank. A plurality of connecting rods is each engaged at a proximal end with one crank of a corresponding one actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrank mechanism: Crankshaft

Implementation Method 3

the elevator is pulled downwards with an acceleration exceeding 1 g

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2945715B1Amusement park elevator drop ride system and associated methods

Publication Date: 2018.05.23 DYNAMIC MOTION GRP

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AI summary

A cable driven elevator system having an elevator platform with an integral motion system is provided using one or multiple actuators. Each actuator includes a support plate attached to the elevator platform, a planetary gearbox engaged with and driven by an electric servo motor, and a drive shaft driven by the servo motor and engaged with a one crank. Connecting rods are connected between the crank and a frame. The frame supports a passenger platform. A control system is operable with each electric servo motor of each actuator for providing a simulated motion to the passenger platform including a heaving (vertical) motion such that the vertical downward acceleration experienced by persons riding the elevator exceeds 1g, by way of example. The motion system is also capable of directly imparting vibrations to the elevator platform of up to at least 100 Hz without additional vibration generating equipment.