Amusement Device Gear System for Synchronized Arm Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement devices, such as carousels and towers, provide repetitive experiences and require complex and energy-intensive mechanisms, which can be hazardous and costly to produce and operate, failing to offer a durable and safe thrill for users.
Innovation Solution
A gear system that allows for independent rotation of arms around a central shaft, with a distinct gear motor and safety gears to ensure synchronized movement and collision avoidance, reducing energy consumption and simplifying production, while allowing for a more dynamic user experience by simulating collisions between vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotating gear at ground level is used to control arm rotation, then the arms can be rotated in opposite directions, but the structure becomes complex and energy-consuming due to the rotating gear and large structure inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor from the ground level and relocates it to the top of the central shaft. This removes the rotating gear structure from the ground level, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to rotate arms in opposite directions through the gear system at the top of the shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the motor at the top of the central shaft rather than at ground level. This inversion allows the gear system to operate differently, with the motor driving gears that control arm rotation without requiring a large rotating structure at ground level, thus reducing energy consumption and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a rotating gear at ground level is used to control arm rotation, then the arms can be rotated in opposite directions, but a great amount of energy is consumed due to the inertia of the large structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor from the ground level and relocates it to the top of the central shaft. This removes the rotating gear structure from the ground level, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to rotate arms in opposite directions through the gear system at the top of the shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the motor at the top of the central shaft rather than at ground level. This inversion allows the gear system to operate differently, with the motor driving gears that control arm rotation without requiring a large rotating structure at ground level, thus reducing energy consumption and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If visors are provided to create virtual reality experience, then user experience is improved, but the device becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems (such as visors for virtual reality) with a simpler mechanical solution. By using a gear system at the top of the central shaft to control arm rotation, the patent achieves enhanced user experience through mechanical means rather than through complex electronic or optical systems like visors.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the central shaft is rotated as a great structure, then the arms can be positioned dynamically, but a great amount of energy is consumed due to the inertia of the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rotation control into individual arm rotations controlled by the gear system at the top of the central shaft, rather than rotating the entire central shaft structure. This segmentation allows dynamic arm positioning while significantly reducing the mass and inertia that must be moved, thereby reducing energy consumption.
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 a durable, safe, and energy-efficient amusement experience with synchronized arm movement, reducing the complexity and cost of production, and enhancing user interaction and thrill without the need for extensive energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A gear system (7) is provided, which allows for a rotation of all the arms (3a-3d) around the central shaft (2)
Implementation Method 2
the first gear (71) is provided with a plurality of second gears (72a-72d), which are arranged around the central shaft (2), and the first gear (71) is in engagement with the second gears (72a-72d)
Implementation Method 3
A gear motor (M) is configured to rotate the first gear (71)
Data Source
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AI summary
Amusement device (1) comprising: a central shaft (2) comprising a base structure (2a); a plurality of arms (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), coupled to said central shaft (2), each of said arms (3a - 3d) being rotatable around a relevant arm axis (A2), provided with one or more vehicles (6) having seats for users of said amusement device (1); a gear system (7) for rotating said plurality of arms (3a - 3d). The gear system (7) comprises a gear motor (M) coupled to a first gear (71), to rotate said first gear (71) and a plurality of second gears (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d), one for each arm (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) of said plurality of arm, coupled to said first gear (71) so that rotation of the first gear (71) drives in rotation said second gears (72a - 72d), the rotation of said second gears (72a - 72d) causing rotation of each arm (3a - 3d) around the relevant arm axis. The gear system (7) is configured so that the angular speed of said arms (3a - 3d) is substantially identical for all the arms. The first gear (71) is directly meshing with said second gears (72a - 72d), or it is coupled to said second gears (72a - 72d) via one or more secondary gears.