Rider-Controlled Free-Fall Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional free-fall amusement rides do not allow riders to control the timing of their drop, which can be intimidating and limits their appeal, leading to lower visitor numbers and missed revenue opportunities for amusement parks.

Innovation Solution

A free-fall amusement ride apparatus with a vertical structure, lifting assembly, and braking system that enables riders to choose when to initiate a free-fall experience by controlling a release mechanism, allowing them to set their own drop height and ensuring a comfortable experience through a wearable harness, lifting device, and braking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional free-fall rides use machine-controlled release timing, then the ride operation is simple and reliable, but the rider experience is intimidating and appeal is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverider control over drop timingVSAvoidrelease mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The release mechanism allows riders to independently control their own free-fall experience by pulling a release cord or pressing a button, eliminating the need for machine-controlled timing and operators to manage release sequences. Each rider autonomously initiates their drop at their chosen moment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control function for release timing is extracted from the central machine control system and transferred to individual riders. Each rider has their own independent release mechanism (cord or button) that directly controls their personal free-fall timing without requiring complex centralized coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If free-fall rides allow rider-controlled drop timing, then rider comfort and appeal increase, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverider comfort and controlVSAvoidlifting and release system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting assembly transitions from a static, machine-controlled system to a dynamic, rider-controlled system. The release mechanism allows the system state to change from held-elevated to free-falling based on rider input, creating an interactive and adaptable ride experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A simple release cord or button acts as an intermediary between the rider's decision and the complex lifting mechanism. This minimal interface translates rider intent into machine action without requiring the rider to understand or manage the underlying mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If free-fall rides are machine-controlled, then safety monitoring is centralized and reliable, but rider autonomy and entertainment value are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverider autonomyVSAvoidsafety control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates safety sensors and monitoring that detect rider position, harness engagement, and release initiation. This feedback ensures that free-fall only occurs when proper safety conditions are met, maintaining reliability while enabling rider autonomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Safety mechanisms are pre-configured to engage automatically before free-fall begins, such as harness verification and sensor checks. These beforehand safety measures ensure that rider autonomy does not compromise safety, as the system is prepared to prevent unsafe conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 provides riders with control over their free-fall experience, increasing the ride's appeal and allowing multiple users to independently engage their free-fall, enhancing the entertainment value and potential revenue for amusement parks.

Implementation Method 1

a lifting device (130) capable of winding the lifting cable (134) when attached to the support member (112) to effectively position the end-user (110) in the free-fall position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

an air pressure system to stop the end-user (110) before they reach the level surface (104)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir Pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

allowing each end-user the ability to decide when to engage a mechanism that induces a free-fall experience

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11904250B2Apparatus for invoking a free-fall experience

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 MOSLEY JIMMY DOYLE

AI summary

A free-fall apparatus comprising a vertical structure that houses and supports a lifting assembly that includes a wearable harness, a support member, anchored pulleys, a lifting cable, and a lifting device. The vertical structure also houses and supports a braking assembly that includes a pair of cylinders, pistons, anchored pulleys, and braking cables. The amusement ride's unique design provides end-users with selective control of their entertainment experience by allowing each end-user the ability to decide when to engage the release mechanism that induces the safe yet exhilarating free-fall experience.