Inverted Simulation Attraction: Overhead Track Yaw Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dark ride systems lack the ability to effectively simulate movement, such as flight, while providing flexible and seamless scenery presentation, and often cause unwanted moving sensations due to the center of rotation being beneath the passengers.
Innovation Solution
A system where the passenger compartment is inverted and suspended from an overhead track, utilizing a pinch wheel drive system for rapid acceleration and braking, and an electric motor controlled by an onboard PLC for yaw rotation, with a motion base between the turntable to simulate pitch and roll movements, allowing for unlimited rotation control and flexible design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the center of rotation is positioned beneath the passengers (conventional design), then the structure is simpler to support, but unwanted moving sensations are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the center of rotation above the passengers rather than beneath them. The overhead track and suspension system achieve this inversion, with the track serving as the rotation center and passengers hanging below, thereby eliminating unwanted moving sensations while maintaining structural feasibility
2Reliability
If mechanical cam systems are used for rotation control, then reliable rotation control is achieved, but the system becomes complex and inflexible for modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical cam systems with an electric motor controlled by a PLC (programmable logic controller). This substitution maintains reliable rotation control through electronic control while dramatically reducing mechanical complexity and enabling flexible programming of rotation profiles without physical modifications
3Reliability
If mechanical cam rails are embedded in the track for rotation control, then rotation control is achieved, but any modification requires extensive replacement or refurbishment of mechanical parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control through a PLC that can be programmed with different rotation profiles without physical changes to the track or vehicle. The system transitions from static mechanical cam rails to a dynamic programmable control system, allowing scene sequences and rotation patterns to be modified simply by changing software parameters
4Adaptability or versatility
If electric motors controlled by PLC are used instead of mechanical cams, then flexibility and ease of modification are improved, but the system may become less mechanically simple
Solution Approach 1:
The PLC-based control system serves multiple functions: it controls yaw rotation, coordinates with motion base actuators for pitch and roll, manages sensor inputs from activators along the track, and synchronizes with video/audio presentations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanical systems into a single programmable controller, reducing overall system complexity despite the electronic control layer
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
Enables the simulation of complex movements like flight while eliminating unwanted sensations by positioning the center of rotation above the passengers, providing precise control and flexibility in design and modification of rotation and simulation profiles.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a pinch wheel drive system for rapid acceleration and braking
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor controlled by an onboard PLC for yaw rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for patron movement and entertainment comprising a track, and at least one vehicle engaged with and positioned below the track, capable of carrying at least one patron in a passenger portion and moving along the track. Each vehicle preferably includes a motion base between the track and the passenger portion, and a turntable between the track and the motion base for rotating the passenger portion in the yaw direction, and particularly for directing the patron's viewpoint toward desired show elements.