Inverted motion base with suspended seating and method of entertainment implemented with such an inverted motion base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional theater seating systems fail to provide an unobstructed view for all patrons, as rows of seats are typically fixed to the floor, leading to obscured views due to the presence of taller individuals, and existing solutions that attempt to enhance the viewing experience through physical motion cause adverse reactions and limited visibility.
Innovation Solution
An inverted motion base system with vertically and horizontally adjustable seating, utilizing cables and rotatable drums to lift and pivot rows of seats, allowing for greater vertical separation and adjustable orientations to enhance visibility and simulate motion without causing discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rows of seats are fixed to the floor in traditional theater configurations, then the structural simplicity and ease of installation are maintained, but the viewing experience deteriorates due to obscured views caused by taller individuals blocking the line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the traditionally fixed seating arrangement into a dynamic, adjustable configuration. Each seat row is mounted on a motion base that can independently adjust its vertical position and orientation angles (pitch, roll, yaw), allowing the seating to adapt its configuration rather than remaining static. This dynamic capability enables the system to optimize viewing angles and eliminate obscured views while maintaining structural feasibility through controlled mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the dimensionality change principle by introducing vertical motion and rotational degrees of freedom to the seating system. Instead of confining seats to a single horizontal plane, the motion bases enable seats to move vertically and rotate around multiple axes, adding spatial dimensions to the seating arrangement. This multi-dimensional positioning capability allows patrons to achieve unobstructed views by adjusting seat height and orientation, fundamentally changing the traditional two-dimensional theater floor layout.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanical structures are used to provide physical motion sensation to patrons, then the immersion experience is enhanced, but adverse reactions occur due to mechanical design flaws causing real reduction in spacing and creating crash sensations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the theater seating system into independent motion bases, each capable of autonomous movement and control. Rather than using a single complex mechanical structure affecting all seats, the system segments the motion control into individual units that can operate independently or in coordinated fashion. This segmentation reduces the complexity of any single mechanical component and allows for more precise, controlled motion that avoids the adverse effects of overly complex interconnected mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces motion bases as intermediary elements between the fixed theater structure and the seats. These motion bases serve as mediators that provide the desired physical motion sensation while isolating the complex mechanical operations from direct contact with patrons. The intermediaries (motion bases) absorb and manage the mechanical complexity, providing smooth, controlled motion that enhances immersion without creating the harsh, unpredictable movements that cause adverse reactions.
3Ease of operation
If seats are positioned on a flat floor to facilitate loading, then the loading process is simplified, but the viewing experience deteriorates as all but the first row have unobstructed views blocked by the overhanging structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling seats to be positioned and configured in optimal viewing arrangements before patrons are loaded. The motion bases allow the seating configuration to be adjusted in advance to eliminate viewing obstructions, and the system can maintain these pre-configured optimal positions throughout the viewing experience. This preliminary optimization of seat positioning ensures that when patrons are loaded, they immediately benefit from unobstructed views without requiring real-time adjustments during the performance.
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 provides unobstructed views for all patrons by adjusting seat rows to accommodate varying heights and orientations, enhancing the viewing experience while minimizing adverse reactions, allowing for immersive motion simulations without physical discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
a first cable connected at a first end to the carriage, the first cable having a second end wound about a first rotatable drum, wherein the first cable in combination with the first rotatable drum raises and lowers the carriage
Implementation Method 2
a transverse support member pivotably coupled to the knuckle; left and right load carrying arms, each connected at a first end to a respective left and right ends of the transverse support member
Implementation Method 3
a second cable connected at a first end to a second end of the right load carrying arm, the second cable having a second end wound about a second rotatable drum, wherein the second cable in combination with the second rotatable drum raises and lowers the second end of the right load carrying arm
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An improved inverted motion base with left, right, and rear supports, a carriage to travel along a length of the rear support. The inverted motion base includes a first cable connected to the carriage and wound about a first drum to raise and lower the carriage, and left and right load carrying arms, each connected to a respective left and right ends of a transverse support member. The inverted motion base further includes a second cable connected to the right load carrying arm to raise and lower the right load carrying arm, and a third cable connected to the left load carrying arm to raise and lower the second end of the left load carrying arm. One or more rows of seats are positioned between and suspended from the right and left load carrying arms, each row of seats being parallel to the other row of seats.