Modular Ride Vehicle Linking for Dynamic Cluster Reconfiguration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ride vehicles in amusement parks lack the ability to dynamically configure cluster sizes during a ride, limiting the variety of experiences and immersive effects that can be achieved, as they are typically designed as fixed or separate units.
Innovation Solution
A system of modular ride vehicle modules that can link and delink physically and electronically, allowing for seamless configuration into various cluster sizes, enabling synchronized or asynchronous movement, and independent operation, to create multiple experiences within a single ride by simulating events like crashes or natural disasters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ride vehicles are designed as fixed or separate units, then structural simplicity and ease of operation are maintained, but the ability to dynamically configure cluster sizes and create varied ride experiences is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ride vehicle system is divided into multiple independent modules that can be connected or separated. Each module contains its own propulsion system, control circuitry, and motion base, allowing the train to be segmented into different cluster configurations dynamically during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed-configuration vehicle to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The modules can link and delink during the ride course, changing the cluster size and configuration based on ride requirements, creating varied experiences without requiring multiple complete vehicles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ride vehicles are designed as integral coupled units, then structural stability and reliability are improved, but the ability to provide unique experiences for individual seats or small groups is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the vehicle into modular units with independent propulsion and control systems, each module can operate reliably on its own while also functioning as part of a larger cluster. This segmentation allows the system to provide customized experiences for different groups without compromising the reliability of individual modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module is designed with universal interfaces and identical functional capabilities, allowing any module to operate independently or in various cluster configurations. This multi-functionality enables the same modular components to serve multiple purposes: individual solo rides, small group experiences, or large cluster rides, all while maintaining consistent reliability standards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single uniform ride vehicle is used for all patrons, then operational simplicity is maintained, but the ability to create multiple scenarios and stories within a single ride is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the cluster size and composition during the ride course based on predetermined scenarios. Modules can link together to form larger clusters for certain ride segments and separate for others, enabling multiple stories and experiences within a single continuous ride operation without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular vehicle system automatically manages its own configuration through integrated control circuitry that coordinates linking and delinking operations. The system self-regulates the cluster formations based on ride program requirements, eliminating the need for operators to manually reconfigure vehicles between riders while still providing varied scenarios.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1F
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
A system includes a plurality of ride vehicle modules; an interlock system comprising one or more locks, wherein at least one ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles comprises at least one lock of the one or more locks; and control circuitry configured to control movement of each ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles during a ride and to control the one or more locks of the interlock system to perform a linking operation to link a first ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles to a second ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles during the ride and to perform a delinking operation to delink the first ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles from the second ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles during the ride.