Mechanical Linear Blocking Apparatus for Rollercoaster Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic linear blocking apparatuses used in safety systems, such as rollercoaster safety bars, suffer from seal-tightness issues and gas diffusion, leading to 'spongy behavior, high maintenance requirements, and increased safety risks due to unreliable locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical linear blocking apparatus with a rotary device and freewheel mechanism, actuated by a switching device, which allows for reliable blocking and release functions by converting linear motion into rotational motion using a spindle and electromagnetic braking unit, ensuring securement and release of persons or objects with low maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic components are used for linear blocking, then smooth operation and continuous adjustment are achieved, but seal-tightness issues and gas diffusion occur leading to spongy behavior and high maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic system with a purely mechanical blocking device that uses a linear device, rotary device, and blocking element to achieve linear blocking without hydraulic fluid or seals, thereby eliminating seal-tightness issues and gas diffusion problems while maintaining smooth operation through mechanical guidance
2Reliability
If hydraulic components are used for linear blocking, then blocking function is achieved, but gas diffusion through the fluid chamber causes damping property loss and spongy behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the hydraulic fluid chamber entirely by using a mechanical blocking system where a blocking element directly physically blocks the linear device, preventing gas diffusion issues and maintaining reliable blocking function through direct mechanical contact rather than fluid pressure
3Reliability
If hydraulic systems are used, then blocking and release functions are achieved, but high maintenance requirements and safety risks arise due to system breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex hydraulic system with a simple mechanical system consisting of a linear device, rotary device, and blocking element that has no seals, hydraulic fluid, or complex components requiring maintenance, thereby achieving reliable blocking and release functions with minimal maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical blocking device uses simple, durable components that are inherently more reliable and require less maintenance than hydraulic systems, with the blocking element and mechanical components designed for long service life without degradation from fluid leakage or gas diffusion
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 mechanical solution provides a reliable, low-maintenance locking system that prevents 'spongy behavior, ensuring secure and safe operation by converting linear motion into rotational motion for securement and release, thus enhancing safety and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic braking unit, by means of which the rotary motion of the second bearing element is blockable in both rotational directions
Implementation Method 2
converting linear motion into rotational motion using a spindle
Implementation Method 3
freewheel mechanism, wherein the first bearing element and the second bearing element have coaxially arranged, radially offset annular bodies
Data Source
AI summary
A linear blocking apparatus has a linear device which is longitudinally displaceable along an axis and is guided in a housing. It is possible to switch back and forth, by means of a connectable or integrated switching device, between two motional states of the linear device. The linear device acts directly or indirectly on a rotary device. The rotary device, in dependence on the motional direction of the linear device, can be set in rotation in diverse rotational directions. A, in particular mechanical, blocking device is present, which is, or can be brought, directly or indirectly into operative connection with the rotary device. The blocking device is actuable by the switching device, whereby it is possible to switch back and forth between a first motional state and a second motional state of the linear device, and hence between the possible rotational directions of the rotary device.