Integrated Hydraulic Restraint Assembly for Compact Ride Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passenger restraint devices for fairground rides lack a compact and flexible design, which can lead to safety concerns and limitations in accommodating varying passenger sizes, as well as inefficiencies in maintenance and adaptation to different ride requirements.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a hydraulic accumulator and cylinder-piston unit forms a compact structural unit with a detachable design, utilizing a slim cylinder assembly and a gas spring accumulator, along with a piston position sensor for enhanced safety and intuitive operation, allowing for modular adaptation and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hydraulic locking systems are used with separate accumulator and cylinder units, then the locking function is reliable, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic accumulator and cylinder-piston unit into a single integrated structural unit. The accumulator cylinder and piston rod are arranged coaxially, with the piston rod extending through the accumulator cylinder, creating a compact assembly that reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the locking function reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design implements a nested configuration where the piston rod is positioned inside the accumulator cylinder, and the sealing arrangement is integrated within the same structural space. This nesting approach minimizes the overall device footprint and reduces structural complexity while preserving functional reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional restraint devices are designed for various passenger sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable restraint system where the hydraulic accumulator can be positioned at different locations along the restraint element. This dynamic configurability allows the same basic structure to adapt to various passenger sizes without requiring multiple complex fixed configurations, thereby maintaining adaptability while controlling structural complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If compact design is implemented for safety, then injury risk is reduced, but maintenance accessibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated structural unit is designed with detachable connections that allow the accumulator and cylinder components to be separated as a single modular assembly. This segmentation enables the compact unit to be easily removed and replaced during maintenance without requiring disassembly of the entire restraint system, thus maintaining injury risk reduction while improving maintenance accessibility.
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
This configuration provides a safer, more compact, and adaptable restraint system that minimizes injury risk, supports optimal accommodation within the passenger unit, and facilitates easy maintenance and retrofitting, while ensuring reliable operation under varying mechanical stresses.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic accumulator stores hydraulic fluid under pressure and is charged by hydraulic fluid displaced from the hydraulic cylinder when the restraint element is closed. When the valve is in the appropriate position the hydraulic cylinder is pressurized via the hydraulic accumulator in the reverse direction of flow in the sense of opening the restraint element.
Implementation Method 2
For hydraulic locking elements that are already in use, the locking function is typically based on the fact that hydraulic fluid is tightly locked in a hydraulic cylinder working chamber, the volume of which changes with the position of the restraint element.
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger restraint device of a fairground ride passenger unit, which has a passenger space, includes a position-adjustable restraint element and a lockable hydraulic adjuster which acts on the restraint element and has a cylinder-piston unit and a hydraulic accumulator. The hydraulic accumulator and the cylinder-piston unit of the hydraulic adjuster form a structural unit in that the cylinder of the cylinder-piston unit and a cylinder of the hydraulic accumulator arranged next to and parallel to the cylinder are part of an integrated cylinder assembly. The integrated cylinder assembly has a connection block with a switching plate on an axial end face, wherein the hydraulic accumulator is configured as a single unit and is detachably mounted on the switching plate.