Interactive Speed Control for Roller Coasters Using Magnetic Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roller coasters with interactive speed control are limited by large safety distances and restricted top speeds, leading to low utilization and limited ride options due to frictional transmission of driving and braking forces.
Innovation Solution
A rail vehicle with a positive engagement system that allows passengers to control speed and acceleration through an actuating device, featuring a first engagement element for positive engagement with a stationary second engagement element on the circuit, and a control unit that provides control signals based on boundary conditions and vehicle status, enabling high acceleration and precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If frictional transmission of driving and braking forces is used in conventional roller coasters, then the system is simpler to implement, but large safety distances and restricted top speeds result, leading to low utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional friction-based mechanical transmission system with a magnetic field-based propulsion system. Lifting magnets and propulsion magnets interact with conductive rails to generate electromagnetic forces, eliminating the need for frictional contact. This substitution enables higher speeds and shorter safety distances while maintaining control, directly resolving the contradiction between ride utilization and speed restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental physical parameter from friction-based force transmission to electromagnetic force transmission. By using magnetic fields instead of mechanical friction, the system achieves higher acceleration and deceleration rates, allowing reduced safety distances and improved ride utilization without sacrificing control or safety.
2Force
If frictional transmission is used for driving forces, then the mechanism is simpler, but acceleration range is limited and braking distances are extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electromagnetic interaction for mechanical friction transmission. Propulsion magnets and lifting magnets create controlled electromagnetic forces that act on conductive rails, providing superior acceleration and braking capability. This replacement of mechanical friction with electromagnetic forces resolves the contradiction by delivering higher acceleration forces while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture.
3Reliability
If safety distances are increased to ensure safe operation with interactive control, then safety is improved, but conveying capacity and ride excitement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing friction-based mechanical transmission with electromagnetic propulsion, the system achieves precise control over vehicle motion. The magnetic field-based system can rapidly accelerate and decelerate vehicles, allowing significantly reduced safety distances while maintaining safety. This enables higher conveying capacity and more exciting ride scenarios with multiple vehicles operating simultaneously on the same circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a control system that receives signals from sensors detecting the position and status of vehicles on the circuit. The control unit processes this feedback information and sends control signals to the propulsion and lifting magnets to regulate vehicle motion. This feedback mechanism ensures safe operation with reduced safety distances, resolving the contradiction between safety and conveying capacity.
4Loss of energy
If friction-based transmission is used, then energy losses through slippage occur, but the system is easier to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based mechanical transmission with electromagnetic propulsion, eliminating slippage losses entirely. The magnetic field-based system provides direct force transmission to the conductive rails without mechanical contact, ensuring 100% energy transfer efficiency. The control system maintains simplicity by using sensor feedback and automated control signals, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and ease of operation.
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 solution allows for new ride scenarios with high acceleration and braking capabilities, reducing safety distances and increasing ride options, conveying capacity, and energy efficiency, while maintaining precise control and eliminating slippage losses.
Implementation Method 1
The device for transmitting the driving/accelerating and/or braking force has a first engagement element for positive engagement (positive fit) with a compatible, second engagement element arranged stationarily on the circuit
Implementation Method 2
a device for generating the driving and/or braking force
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a rail vehicle may comprise at least one passenger receptacle; a device configured to generate a driving and/or braking force; a transmitting device for transmitting the driving and/or braking force onto a circuit; and at least one actuating device configured to exert a control over at least one of the vehicle's speed and acceleration. The transmitting device has a first engagement element configured for positive engagement with a compatible second engagement element arranged stationarily on the circuit, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to provide control signals to the device for generating the driving and/or braking force which are independent or dependent from the control exerted through the at least one actuating device. The control signals, at least intermittently, limit or shut off the control via the at least one actuating device or superimpose on the control via the at least one actuating device.