Magnetic AGV Ride Vehicle Coupling for Dynamic Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional amusement park ride systems limit rider experience variability due to fixed ride vehicle perspectives and stagnant orientations, restricting the impact of show elements along the ride path.
Innovation Solution
A ride system featuring modular automated guide vehicles (AGVs) with magnets that can dynamically couple and decouple, allowing for changing vehicle configurations, orientations, and interactions with show elements along the ride path, enabling varied ride experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed ride vehicles are used, then the ride experience is consistent and predictable, but the rider experience variability is limited and the impact of show elements is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The ride vehicle is divided into multiple independently controllable modules or sections, each capable of independent orientation adjustment. This segmentation allows different parts of the vehicle to be oriented differently to optimize viewing of show elements at various locations along the ride path.
Solution Approach 2:
The ride vehicle incorporates dynamic orientation control mechanisms that allow real-time adjustment of vehicle orientation during the ride. This enables the vehicle to change its perspective and viewing angles dynamically, enhancing the impact of show elements and creating variable rider experiences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular AGVs with dynamic coupling are used, then ride experience variability and interaction with show elements are enhanced, but the system complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling mechanisms with magnetic coupling systems. The magnetic coupling provides automatic attraction and alignment between modular AGV units, eliminating the need for complex mechanical locking mechanisms and reducing the overall mechanical system complexity while maintaining coupling reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system enables the modular AGVs to self-align and self-couple automatically through magnetic attraction forces. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for external control intervention during coupling operations, simplifying the control system while maintaining flexible reconfiguration capabilities.
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 rider experience by allowing dynamic ride vehicle configurations, varying orientations, and interactions with show elements, providing a unique experience with each ride.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnet exposed along a first exterior side of the first ride vehicle and a first additional magnet exposed along a first additional exterior side of the first ride vehicle. The ride system includes a second ride vehicle having a second magnet exposed along a second exterior side of the second ride vehicle and a second additional magnet exposed along a second additional exterior side of the second ride vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
A ride system includes a first ride vehicle having a first magnet exposed along a first exterior side of the first ride vehicle and a first additional magnet exposed along a first additional exterior side of the first ride vehicle. The ride system includes a second ride vehicle having a second magnet exposed along a second exterior side of the second ride vehicle and a second additional magnet exposed along a second additional exterior side of the second ride vehicle. The ride system includes a control system configured to control maneuvering of one or both of the first and second ride vehicles to: establish a coupling between the first magnet and the second magnet in a first configuration, establish a coupling between the first magnet and the second additional magnet in a second configuration, establish a coupling between the first additional magnet and the second magnet in a third configuration, establish a coupling between the first additional magnet and the second additional magnet in a fourth configuration.