Linked Ride Seating for Independent Pivot and Row Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement ride systems, such as flying theater rides, lack individualization of the ride experience due to seats sharing a pivot point, limiting the degree of rotation and preventing synchronized movement of multiple seats in a row.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a linkage system with pivotably coupled seats and actuators to enable independent movement of each seat, allowing for varying degrees of rotation and synchronized motion across rows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple seats share a common pivot point to enable group movement, then the structural simplicity and synchronized motion are improved, but the individualization of ride experience and degree of rotation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seating system into independent modular units, where each seat is individually coupled to the support structure through its own linkage mechanism rather than sharing a common pivot. This segmentation enables each seat to be independently controlled and positioned, allowing customization of the ride experience for different guests while maintaining structural organization through repeated modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities through linkage mechanisms that allow each seat to move between different positions and orientations. The linkages enable variable degrees of rotation and positioning, transforming the static fixed-pivot system into a dynamic system where each seat can be individually adjusted to optimize the ride experience for different guest sensitivities and preferences.
2Ease of operation
If seats are coupled to a common pivot point to enable synchronized movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the degree of rotation and severity of rotation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rotation control for each seat independently through individual linkage mechanisms rather than forcing all seats to rotate together around a common pivot. This allows the system to synchronize movement when desired while also enabling selective adjustment of rotation severity for specific seats, reducing harmful rotational effects for guests who are sensitive to intense motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in the rotation characteristics by allowing each seat to have adjustable linkage configurations. This permits modification of rotation degree, speed, and severity parameters for individual seats, enabling the system to reduce harmful rotational effects for certain guests while maintaining synchronized movement patterns for others, thus adapting the operation parameters to different guest needs.
3Device complexity
If a common pivot point is used for multiple seats, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different guest sensitivities is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing each seat with its own independent linkage mechanism connected to the support structure, rather than using a single common pivot for multiple seats. This modular segmented approach increases device complexity slightly but enables significant adaptability, as each seat can be independently adjusted to accommodate different guest sensitivities, ages, and preferences, transforming the system into a customized experience platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality through the repeated use of standardized linkage mechanisms across multiple seats. While each seat has independent control capability, they all utilize the same type of linkage structure, allowing the system to serve multiple functions: synchronized group movement when needed, individualized adjustment for sensitive guests, and scalable configuration for different numbers of seats. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between complexity and adaptability.
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
Enhances the individualization of the ride experience by allowing seats to pivot uniformly or differently based on guest sensitivity, providing a more personalized and immersive simulation.
Implementation Method 1
A row of multiple seats may share a pivot point, enabling the seats to move about the pivot point
Data Source
AI summary
An amusement ride includes multiple seats disposed in at least one row. A first linkage pivotably couples to each seat, and a second linkage pivotably couples to each seat. The amusement ride also includes a coupling that couples the first linkage to the second linkage. In some embodiments, multiple couplings may be used to couple the first linkage to the second linkage at each location that the first linkage is pivotably coupled to each seat and at each location that the second linkage is pivotably coupled to each seat. The coupling is configured to enable the first linkage to move relative to the second linkage.