Modular Motion Seats With Coupled Shafts for Synchronized Ride Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion seat systems are costly and limit configuration options, often requiring separate active mechanisms under each seat, which results in varied experiences for riders and reduced immersion due to limitations in motion synchronization and spacing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular motion seat system utilizing rotary shafts and actuators to synchronize pitch and roll motions across multiple seats, with a master seat system that can transfer motion to slave seats via coupled shafts, allowing for flexible configuration and reduced costs by using pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic power to drive linear displacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate active mechanisms are used under each seat, then each seat can be independently controlled, but the system cost increases and configuration options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a master seat with an active mechanism and multiple passive slave seats. The master seat contains the actuator and control system, while slave seats are simpler units that receive motion through mechanical coupling. This segmentation allows independent control capability while reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
A shaft coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the master seat's actuator and the slave seats. This mechanical intermediary transfers motion from the single active mechanism to multiple passive seats, enabling synchronized motion without requiring separate actuators for each seat.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive spacing is provided between seats, then yaw motion can be implemented, but the facility space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing seats to yaw independently (which would require extensive spacing), the system inverts the approach by keeping seats closely spaced and providing synchronized pitch and roll motion through the master-slave coupling. The_yaw capability is effectively replaced by alternative motion patterns that work within tight spacing constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple seats are mechanically merged through the shaft coupling system, allowing them to move as a synchronized unit. This merging enables the system to achieve immersive motion effects through coordinated pitch and roll of multiple seats rather than through individual yaw motions that would require more space.
3Reliability
If synchronized motion is provided across multiple seats, then immersion is enhanced, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master seat's motion is copied to slave seats through mechanical coupling of the shafts. Instead of independently controlling each seat, the system creates physical copies of the motion pattern from the master seat to the slave seats, achieving synchronization while using a single active actuator to control multiple seats.
Solution Approach 2:
The master seat's actuator and control system serve multiple functions by simultaneously controlling the motion of the master seat and all connected slave seats. This multi-functionality allows a single expensive component to provide synchronized motion to an entire row of seats, reducing the need for multiple identical systems.
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 system provides a cost-effective and flexible configuration for motion synchronization across multiple seats, ensuring each rider experiences the same motion, enhancing immersion and reducing the need for extensive spacing between seats.
Implementation Method 1
Using pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic power one or more actuators receiving motion signals linearly displace one or more links coupled to the shafts and to the seats
Implementation Method 2
Using pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic power one or more actuators receiving motion signals linearly displace one or more links coupled to the shafts and to the seats
Implementation Method 3
converting the rotation of the segmented shaft to a linear displacement producing a motion in the seat
Data Source
AI summary
Motion seat systems and methods of powering motion seating are described. A modular design allows configurations as to the number and arrangement of seats, and provides each person on a seat with the same motion such as pitch and/or roll. The seats can be coupled together. Each seat has one or more rotary shafts that pass under or through the seat. One or more rotating shafts cause each seat to pitch and roll according to the position of the shaft(s). The shaft of a master seat is rotatably coupled to the shaft of one or more slave seats to transfer the motion to the slave seat(s).