Fluid Bearing Ride Platform for Amusement Park Attractions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Amusement park attractions with many mechanical parts are prone to damage and maintenance issues, leading to downtime and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid bearing system that uses a fluid support subsystem and a linear motor subsystem to reduce friction and mechanical stress on ride platforms, allowing them to glide along a track with fewer mechanical parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical parts are used in amusement park attractions, then the structure can be simple and easy to manufacture, but the mechanical parts are susceptible to damage and require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based propulsion and support systems with a fluid bearing system that uses fluid pressure to eliminate mechanical contact. The fluid bearing subsystem generates upward force through fluid pressure to support the ride platform, while linear motors provide propulsion without mechanical contact, thereby reducing mechanical wear and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using a fluid bearing subsystem that generates upward force through fluid pressure. The fluid conduits deliver pressurized fluid to create the bearing surface, eliminating mechanical contact between the ride platform and track, thus reducing mechanical stress and improving component durability.
2Reliability
If many mechanical parts are used in interactive areas, then the structure can be robust and support complex functions, but the mechanical parts become inoperable after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical contact-based operations by substituting them with fluid-bearing and electromagnetic systems. The linear motors provide propulsion without mechanical contact, and the fluid bearing system eliminates friction between moving parts, thereby extending operational lifespan and reducing maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by transitioning from mechanical contact friction to fluid pressure support. The fluid bearing system maintains a pressure differential that eliminates mechanical contact, fundamentally changing how the system operates to reduce wear and extend component life.
3Productivity
If mechanical parts are used in ride systems, then the system can be straightforward and easy to manufacture, but maintenance interrupts guest experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical propulsion and support systems with fluid bearing and linear motor systems that eliminate mechanical contact. This substitution reduces the frequency of maintenance interruptions, thereby improving ride operational continuity and productivity.
4Reliability
If fluid bearing system is implemented, then friction and mechanical stress are reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ride system into distinct functional subsystems: a fluid bearing subsystem for support and a linear motor subsystem for propulsion. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, managing overall system complexity while improving component reliability through specialized design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluid pressure as an intermediary between the ride platform and the track structure. The fluid bearing subsystem acts as a mediator that eliminates direct mechanical contact, reducing friction and stress while managing system complexity through a controlled fluid pressure 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
The fluid bearing system reduces friction and mechanical stress, leading to longer component lifespan, reduced maintenance costs, and improved guest experience by minimizing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to provide an upward force to the ride platform via the plurality of fluid conduits
Implementation Method 2
fluid bearing system that uses a fluid support subsystem and a linear motor subsystem to reduce friction and mechanical stress on ride platforms
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of linear motors that provide a forward thrust to the ride platform
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid bearing system includes a rotor and a linear motor subsystem having a plurality of linear motors that provide a forward thrust to the rotor. The fluid bearing system also includes a fluid bearing subsystem having a plurality of fluid conduits and a pump. Further, the fluid bearing system also includes a control system communicatively coupled to the plurality of fluid outlets and the pump. The control system activates the pump to direct a fluid flow from the plurality of fluid outlets, wherein the provides e a lift force to the rotor via the plurality of fluid outlets that is substantially perpendicular to the forward thrust.