Ferris Wheel Gondola Guide Structure for Alignment Error Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ferris wheel installations face alignment errors between gondola and wheel rim axes, leading to stress and wear, which are difficult to correct during assembly and can occur due to dimensional mismatches or deformations over time.
Innovation Solution
A guide structure using sliding ball joints with parallel slide axes and stop devices to allow rotational and translational freedom, minimizing stress at the interface by correcting alignment errors and absorbing axial stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If gondolas are connected to the wheel rim using rigid bearings with fixed alignment, then the structural strength is improved, but alignment errors generate stresses and wear that reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid fixed connections with dynamic adjustable connections. The gondola support system uses adjustable linkages that can adapt their position and orientation to accommodate alignment variations between the wheel rim and gondolas. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain proper alignment during operation, reducing stresses and wear while preserving structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by providing adjustable mechanisms that modify geometric parameters such as the position, orientation, and spacing of bearing mounts. These adjustable parameters enable the system to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and dimensional mismatches, allowing precise alignment correction without requiring perfect initial manufacturing accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If alignment correction is performed during assembly using rigid connections, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the difficulty of operation increases due to the delicate and time-consuming nature of the process
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable linkage system transforms the assembly process from a static, precision-critical operation to a dynamic, self-adjusting process. The mechanisms allow alignment corrections to be made easily during assembly by simply adjusting the linkage positions rather than requiring complex measurement and fabrication procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-aligning features where the adjustable linkages automatically find their optimal positions through the mechanical design itself. This self-service capability reduces the need for operator skill and time-consuming manual alignment procedures, making the assembly process more straightforward while achieving high precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the wheel rim is designed with fixed dimensional specifications, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability decreases when renovating installations with pre-existing wheel rims that have different tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable support system serves multiple functions: it can accommodate new installations with precision-matched components and also adapt to renovation scenarios with pre-existing wheel rims of various tolerances. This multi-functionality is achieved through the adjustable linkages that can be configured for different dimensional relationships between the wheel rim and gondolas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in the mounting geometry to adapt to different wheel rim specifications. By adjusting the position and orientation parameters of the bearing supports, the same gondola design can be installed on wheel rims with different manufacturing tolerances and dimensional characteristics, greatly enhancing versatility.
4Device complexity
If rigid bearings are used to guide gondolas, then the device complexity is reduced, but alignment errors cause stresses and wear that increase maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities into the bearing support system, transforming rigid fixed connections into adjustable linkages. This added complexity in the mechanical structure is offset by the significant reduction in operational stresses and wear, leading to improved reliability and longevity. The adjustable nature allows continuous optimization of alignment, preventing the accumulation of damaging stresses.
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 solution reduces mechanical stresses and extends the longevity of the installation by allowing for easy correction of alignment errors and absorbing axial loads, such as those from wind.
Implementation Method 1
two sliding ball joints (42) which have slide axes (200) that are parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another
Implementation Method 2
The sliding ball joints provide the bearing with a freedom of positioning and orientation in space
Implementation Method 3
The sliding ball joints provide the bearing with a freedom of positioning and orientation in space, such that the rotation of the gondola with respect to the wheel rim structure does not cause any significant stresses at the interface between the bearing and the wheel rim structure
Data Source
AI summary
A gondola of a Ferris wheel installation is connected to a wheel rim structure of the Ferris wheel by means of a guide structure comprising at least one bearing that is connected to the wheel rim structure by two sliding ball joints which have slide axes that are parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another.