Inverted Gear Stabilization for Passenger Cabin Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilization mechanisms in passenger cabin attractions are prone to malfunction due to foreign objects lodging between teeth of the toothed ring, which can jam the stabilization mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A stabilization system with a toothed ring centered on the reference axis and gears positioned to mesh above the toothing zone, where foreign objects can fall away due to gravity, and a coupling device to alternate gear engagement based on rotation direction, ensuring effective meshing and reducing jamming risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a toothed ring with radially oriented teeth is used for stabilization, then the cabin rotation is controlled effectively, but foreign objects can lodge between teeth and jam the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The gear is positioned above the toothed ring instead of below it, inverting the conventional arrangement. This inversion causes foreign objects to fall away from the meshing zone due to gravity, preventing jamming while maintaining stabilization function
Solution Approach 2:
The gravity force that would normally cause foreign objects to settle on horizontal surfaces is converted into a beneficial effect by positioning the gear above the toothed ring, where gravity causes foreign objects to fall away from the meshing zone rather than into it
2Device complexity
If the gear is positioned below the toothed ring meshing zone, then the structure is simpler, but foreign objects can lodge and cause malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional position of the gear below the toothed ring is inverted to place the gear above it. This simple positional inversion fundamentally changes the behavior of foreign objects under gravity, making them fall away from the meshing zone and preventing malfunctions
3Reliability
If a coupling device is added to alternate gear engagement based on rotation direction, then operational reliability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device dynamically engages or disengages the gear from the toothed ring based on the rotation direction detected by a sensor. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability in both rotation directions while using a relatively simple coupling mechanism
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 effectively prevents foreign object jamming by allowing them to fall away and ensures stable cabin rotation with reduced energy consumption and increased operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Positioning the first gear below the zone of the toothing with which it meshes encourages any foreign elements which may have settled on the toothing to fall under the action of gravity before they reach the zone of meshing with the first gear
Data Source
AI summary
A movable sub-assembly (30) for accommodating and conveying at least one passenger, comprising a support (20), a cabin (22) and a guide (32) for rotationally guiding the cabin (22) relative to the support (20) about a reference axis (200) common to the support (20) and to the cabin (22), the reference axis (200) being horizontal when the movable sub-assembly (30) is in an operational state. The movable sub-assembly (30) is equipped with a stabilization system (36) comprising at least one toothed ring (38) rigidly connected to the support (20) and centered on the reference axis (200), at least one first gear (40) supported by the cabin (22) so as to mesh with the toothed ring (38), and drive means (42) capable of driving the first gear (40). The first gear (40) is supported by the cabin (22) so as to mesh with a zone of the toothed ring (38) that is located above the first gear (40).