Modular Ride Vehicle Interlocks for Dynamic Cluster Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ride vehicles in amusement parks and carnivals lack the ability to dynamically change configuration during a ride, limiting the variety of experiences for passengers and the flexibility to simulate complex scenarios such as breaking apart or reconfiguring without visible connections.
Innovation Solution
A modular ride vehicle system comprising interlock mechanisms, control circuitry, and communication systems that allow ride vehicle modules to link and delink seamlessly, enabling the formation of clusters that can change size and configuration in real-time to create the illusion of a single unified vehicle breaking apart or reconfiguring, while each module can operate independently or in unison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ride vehicles are designed as separate or integral fixed configurations, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to dynamically change configuration during the ride is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The ride vehicle is divided into multiple separate modules that can independently move and then link together. Each module has its own propulsion and control systems, allowing them to operate autonomously before connecting via interlock mechanisms to form unified configurations during the ride experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The ride vehicle transitions from static fixed configurations to dynamic reconfigurable structures. The interlock systems enable modules to connect and disconnect in real-time during the ride, allowing the vehicle to change its configuration adaptively based on ride requirements and passenger distribution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ride vehicles use fixed track connections, then operational reliability is improved, but the ability to simulate breaking apart or reconfiguring is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Interlock mechanisms serve as intermediary devices between separate ride vehicle modules. These interlocks provide controlled connection and disconnection capabilities, enabling the simulation of breaking apart scenarios while maintaining reliable connections when modules need to operate together as a unified vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from permanently fixed to dynamically controllable. The interlock mechanisms can be activated or deactivated based on ride requirements, allowing the vehicle to reliably maintain connections during normal operation and simulate breaking apart when desired for scenario enhancement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ride vehicles operate as single unified units, then operational simplicity is maintained, but the variety of ride experiences is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ride vehicle is segmented into multiple independently controllable modules, each with its own control system. This segmentation enables diverse ride experiences by allowing modules to operate independently, connect in various configurations, or simulate breaking apart, while the control system coordinates these operations to maintain overall ride safety and coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
Each ride vehicle module is designed as a multi-functional unit capable of independent operation, connection to other modules, and participation in various ride scenarios. This universality allows a single modular system to provide multiple ride experiences ranging from unified vehicle operation to simulated breaking apart sequences.
4Adaptability or versatility
If ride vehicles are designed for specific ride types, then operational efficiency is improved, but the versatility to adapt to different ride scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ride vehicle is designed as segmented modules that can be manufactured using standardized processes and then assembled into different configurations for various ride types. This segmentation allows a single module design to serve multiple ride scenarios, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while increasing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular ride vehicle components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that can accommodate different ride types and scenarios. This universality enables the same basic module design to be used across multiple ride applications, simplifying manufacturing while maximizing versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a plurality of ride vehicle modules, where each of the plurality of ride vehicle modules includes an interlock system configured to perform linking operations to join to other ride vehicle modules to form a cluster and delinking operations to separate from the other ride vehicle modules throughout a ride, control circuitry configured to control the interlock system and movement of the respective ride vehicle module independently or as a part of the cluster, and communication circuitry configured to wirelessly communicate with the other ride vehicle modules internal and/or external to the cluster. The cluster may change sizes throughout the ride by performing linking and delinking operations as desired. A method for changing the size of clusters of ride vehicle modules throughout a ride is also disclosed.