Vertical Motion Simulator Seating with Lifting Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motion simulation theaters face challenges in providing immersive experiences due to limitations in seat positioning, viewing angles, and the inability to create realistic acceleration forces, especially for larger audiences.
Innovation Solution
A novel motion simulation theater design featuring a lifting apparatus that moves seating vertically from a boarding position to a viewing position, allowing for improved seat positioning and acceleration forces through flexible lifting lines and a rigid seating frame, which can be tilted and elevated to provide a less obstructed field of view and enhanced sensory immersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed seating is used in motion simulation theaters, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the viewing angles are obstructed and immersion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic seating system where seats can be individually positioned and tilted using lifting lines and pivot points. This allows each seat to be dynamically adjusted to optimal viewing angles, resolving the contradiction between fixed structure simplicity and viewing angle adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seating system is divided into independent modular units, each with its own lifting mechanism and tilt capability. This segmentation allows individual seat adjustment without affecting the entire seating structure, achieving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through standardization.
2Reliability
If seats are positioned in traditional fixed rows, then the seating arrangement is simple, but acceleration forces cannot be effectively exerted on participants
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting apparatus provides dynamic vertical movement capability, allowing the entire seating array to be accelerated upward and downward in sync with simulated flight maneuvers. This dynamic positioning capability enables realistic acceleration forces to be exerted on participants, resolving the contradiction between simple arrangement and effective force application.
3Ease of operation
If the screen is always visible from boarding position, then accessibility is improved, but the immersive experience is reduced during presentation
Solution Approach 1:
The screen's visibility is dynamically controlled through the vertical positioning of seats. During boarding, seats are positioned lower for easy access and screen visibility. During presentation, seats are raised to immersive positions where the screen fills the viewer's field of view, creating the desired effect while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic transitions between two distinct states: boarding mode with low seat positions for accessibility, and presentation mode with elevated seat positions for immersion. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by providing both functionalities at different times in the operational cycle.
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 solution enables a more immersive experience by offering unobstructed views and sustained acceleration forces, enhancing the realism of the simulation for participants, which is not achievable with conventional theaters.
Implementation Method 1
A lifting apparatus 26, such as a winch, is supported on a ceiling structure 24 of the building
Implementation Method 2
The lifting apparatus may also momentarily lift and lower the seats during the theater presentation, to exert acceleration forces on the participants
Data Source
AI summary
A motion simulator theater equipped with a passenger carrying apparatus. Passengers move into a boarding space where they board the passenger carrying apparatus, while the passenger carrying apparatus is in a first or boarding position. The theater may be designed so that when in the boarding space, the passengers see no indication that they are in a motion simulation theater. After the passengers have boarded, the carrying apparatus is moved into a second or viewing position, where passengers view 2D or 3D visual images displayed on a screen. This movement may be achieved by lifting or lowering the passenger carrying apparatus from cables or chains attached to a lifting system near the top of the theater. In this design, the movement is substantially vertical. The passenger carrying apparatus typically has multiple rows of seats, which may tilt front to back.