Inductive Wheel Lighting for Amusement Rides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement ride illumination systems lack mobility and ruggedness, making them ineffective for dynamic and attention-grabbing displays, especially in roller coaster cars where high speeds and harsh conditions prevail.
Innovation Solution
A mobile illumination device integrated into the wheels of amusement ride cars, utilizing LED light sources and an inductive power generation system that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, allowing for dynamic lighting effects and eliminating the need for external power connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If illumination devices are mounted on the chassis or ride cars, then they provide optical effects, but they lack mobility and cannot utilize the dynamic movement of the ride
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is mounted on the wheel instead of the chassis, allowing it to move dynamically with the wheel's rotation. This provides mobility and enables the light sources to create dynamic lighting effects that change with the wheel's position and motion, resolving the contradiction between mobility and stability by accepting controlled movement as part of the system's function.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional power supply systems are used for illumination devices, then they can provide power, but they require external connections and are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel itself serves as the power source through integrated generators that convert the wheel's kinetic energy into electrical energy to power the illumination devices. This eliminates the need for external power connections and complex power supply systems, while the energy consumption is naturally supplied by the wheel's own motion, creating a self-sufficient system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical motion for the ride, generates electrical energy through integrated generators, and supports the illumination device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power supply systems and reduces overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light sources are mounted on the wheel, then they achieve mobile and dynamic optical effects, but they face harsh conditions and high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device and light sources are mounted on a rigid mounting structure that is securely attached to the wheel, providing structural cushioning and protection against the harsh conditions and high speeds. This mounting structure absorbs and distributes the mechanical stresses and vibrations, protecting the delicate light sources while maintaining the dynamic optical effects.
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 rugged and attention-grabbing illumination system capable of creating varied optical effects, ensuring safety and reliability even at high speeds and under harsh conditions, without the risk of electrical disconnection or component detachment.
Implementation Method 1
a power-generating unit with an inductor (e.g. coil) can be arranged on the car. The movement of the car can generate electrical power in the inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A car 1 for amusement devices comprises a frame (not shown), which is connected to a person-receiving apparatus 10. A running gear 30 is arranged on the frame. Arranged on the running gear 30 and spaced at a distance from the frame and from the person-receiving apparatus 10 are rotatable wheels with coils and illumination elements 33 integrated therein. Between the wheels 31 and the running gear 30 is arranged in each case at least one magnet 32, such that electric current is induced in the coil by rotation of the wheels 31 for feeding the illumination elements 33.