Magnetic Spin Control for Track-Mounted Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current amusement ride systems lack effective control over the spinning motion of passenger chassis, which limits the variety and intensity of experiences for riders, particularly in track-mounted vehicles like roller coasters.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a magnetic spin control system using a magnetic spin hub with a circular magnetic array and conductive fins that interact with the magnetic field to induce or inhibit the rotation of the passenger chassis, allowing for controlled and dynamic spinning experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic spin control system is implemented, then spinning control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical spin control mechanisms with a magnetic field-based control system. A magnetic spin hub generates magnetic fields that interact with conductive fins on the passenger chassis to induce or inhibit rotation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, gears, or hydraulic systems while achieving precise spin control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the control system and the passenger chassis. The magnetic spin hub generates magnetic fields that mediate the interaction with conductive fins, enabling non-contact force transmission to control spinning motion without direct mechanical coupling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic field and fin interactions are adjusted for different orientations and speeds, then ride experience variety is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the magnetic spin hub can adjust magnetic field strength and direction in real-time based on the vehicle's position, speed, and desired spin characteristics. This allows the same magnetic infrastructure to provide different spin experiences (inducing rotation, inhibiting rotation, varying spin rates) without requiring separate mechanical systems for each function.
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
This system enables precise control over the spinning motion of passenger chassis, enhancing the thrill and variety of experiences by adjusting the magnetic field and fin interactions, allowing for different orientations and speeds, thereby improving the overall ride experience.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic spin hub with a circular magnetic array and conductive fins that interact with the magnetic field to induce or inhibit the rotation of the passenger chassis
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for magnetic spin control includes a main chassis, a passenger chassis, a circular magnetic array, and a chassis-mounted fin. The main chassis is configured to ride on a track. The passenger chassis is rotatably supported on the main chassis and the passenger chassis is configured to support one or more passengers. The circular magnetic array is coupled to the passenger chassis such that the passenger chassis rotates with the circular magnetic array. The chassis-mounted fin is coupled to the main chassis and extends into a magnetic field of the circular magnetic array. The chassis-mounted fin includes a conductive material and operates as an eddy current brake to dampen rotation of the passenger chassis with respect to the main chassis. The chassis-mounted fin extends into the magnetic field and leaves at least a portion of the magnetic field unobstructed to allow a track-mounted fin to pass into the magnetic field. The circular magnetic array is configured to interact with a system of track mounted fins. The chassis-mounted fin provides rotational dampening of the passenger chassis, while the track-mounted fin(s) induce or inhibit rotation of the passenger chassis.