Spring-Biased Gap Blocking Panels for Ride Vehicle Loading Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Amusement park ride systems face challenges in preventing passengers from losing items through uncovered gaps in loading platforms while allowing ride vehicles to move smoothly along these platforms.
Innovation Solution
A gap blocking system featuring a panel assembly with biasing mechanisms that can transition from a closed to an open configuration, allowing ride vehicles to pass while maintaining access blockage to the gap, utilizing a stationary post to overcome the biasing force and create openings for vehicle entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If uncovered gaps are left in the loading platform to allow ride vehicle passage, then ride vehicle movement is enabled, but passengers may lose items through the gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic gap blocking panels that can transition between open and closed positions. These panels are biased by spring mechanisms to automatically close after ride vehicles pass through, thereby dynamically adjusting the gap coverage to prevent item loss while maintaining ride vehicle accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap blocking system operates autonomously using spring-biased panels that self-close after vehicles pass. The stationary posts and biasing mechanisms create a self-regulating system that requires no external control, automatically blocking gaps when not in use and allowing passage when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If permanently blocked locations are used to prevent item loss, then item loss is prevented, but ride vehicle passage is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of permanent barriers, the patent uses movable panels that can be dynamically positioned. The panels are biased to close but can be pushed open by stationary posts when ride vehicles approach, allowing passage. After vehicles pass, the panels automatically return to closed position to prevent item loss.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple gap blocking panels are installed to cover all gaps, then item loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gap blocking system is divided into multiple independent panels, each associated with specific stationary posts and biasing mechanisms. This segmentation allows each panel to operate independently, simplifying the overall system design while providing comprehensive gap coverage. Each panel-unit can be manufactured and maintained separately.
4Ease of operation
If stationary posts are positioned to create openings for vehicle entry, then ride vehicle access is enabled, but gap blocking effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary posts are strategically positioned to push panels open only when ride vehicles are approaching or entering the loading area. The biasing mechanisms ensure panels are pushed open in advance of vehicle arrival, allowing smooth entry. Once vehicles clear the area, panels automatically close to block gaps, minimizing exposure time.
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 system effectively blocks access to gaps, reducing the likelihood of item loss while enabling ride vehicles to move along the loading path, accommodating varying speeds and spacing, and maintaining closure of the gap during operation.
Implementation Method 1
each panel of the plurality of panels is coupled to a respective biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the loading platform and configured to bias each panel towards a closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
the stationary post is configured to contact and exert an opposing force on at least one individual panel of the plurality of panels to overcome a biasing force of the biasing mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A gap blocking system includes a loading platform having a gap separating a first portion of the loading platform from a second portion of the loading platform. A ride vehicle is coupled to a transport extending through the gap. The gap blocking system also includes a panel assembly coupled to the loading platform and comprising a plurality of panels, wherein each panel of the plurality of panels is coupled to a respective biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the loading platform and configured to bias each panel towards a closed configuration in which each panel extends radially away from the first portion of the loading platform.