Hydraulic Restraint Bar Control for Adjustable Ride Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger restraint devices in rides such as roller coasters face issues with inadequate or excessive restraint due to fixed locking positions, causing discomfort and requiring time-consuming manual checks, which reduces ride frequency and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system with a valve arrangement controlled by a higher-level control unit, incorporating a hydraulic pump, accumulator, and cylinder unit, allows for automated opening and closing of the restraint bar, with manual sensors and adjustable pressure stages to ensure secure and comfortable fit based on passenger size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed locking positions are used for the restraint bar, then the structure is simple and reliable, but passenger comfort deteriorates due to inadequate or excessive restraint
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint bar is equipped with an adjustable positioning mechanism that allows it to be set in multiple discrete positions along its travel path. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the restraint bar to adapt to different passenger body sizes and preferences, resolving the contradiction between fixed structural reliability and adjustable passenger comfort.
2Reliability
If manual visual checks are performed for each restraint bar position, then safety can be verified, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming inspections
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect and verify the position of each restraint bar. This self-verification mechanism eliminates the need for manual visual checks by ride employees, maintaining safety assurance while significantly reducing inspection time and increasing ride frequency.
3Reliability
If multiple manual sensors must be actuated simultaneously, then safety is improved by preventing accidental closure, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves as an intermediary that receives signals from multiple sensors and processes them according to predetermined logic. This centralized control approach implements the safety requirement of simultaneous sensor actuation while managing system complexity through software-based coordination rather than complex hardware interconnections.
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 enhances automation, reduces manual effort, ensures secure passenger restraint, and lowers manufacturing costs by allowing adjustable locking positions and minimizing hydraulic pump operation noise.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic pump (6) is configured to pressurize the hydraulic cylinder unit (10) by switching the valve arrangement (8) into an opening switching position, so that the piston (11) moves from the close position into the open position
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic accumulator (9) is configured to pressurize the hydraulic cylinder unit (10) by switching the valve arrangement (8) into a closing switching position, so that the piston (11) moves from the open position into the close position
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system for a passenger restraint device includes a hydraulic pump, at least one hydraulic section with a hydraulic accumulator, a valve arrangement and a hydraulic cylinder unit with a piston. The valve arrangement is connected to the hydraulic pump, the hydraulic accumulator and the hydraulic cylinder unit and can be controlled by a higher-level control unit. The hydraulic pump is configured to pressurize the hydraulic cylinder unit by switching the valve arrangement to an opening switching position, so that the piston moves to an open position. The hydraulic accumulator is configured to pressurize the hydraulic cylinder unit by switching the valve arrangement to a closing switching position so that the piston moves to a close position. The higher-level control is connected to a manually operable sensor system and switches the valve arrangement to the closing switching position when the manually operable sensor system is actuated.