Mobile Obstacle Apparatus with Hinged Inclined Belt
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile amusement rides face challenges in ease of disassembly, transportation, and cost-effective production while maintaining complexity and functionality, as previous solutions have not fully addressed these requirements.
Innovation Solution
A mobile obstacle apparatus featuring a chassis with rotatable wheels, a frame hinged to create an inclined belt system, and optional tubular or inflatable slides for traversing, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and transportation via a trailer, with adjustable belt speed and orientation for varying difficulty levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the amusement ride is made more complex to provide better functionality and user experience, then the ride quality and versatility improve, but the ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The amusement ride is divided into modular components including a collapsible frame structure, separate obstacle elements, and detachable platforms. The frame uses telescoping legs with interlocking mechanisms that allow individual sections to be assembled and disassembled independently, enabling complex ride configurations to be built from simple modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure employs nested telescoping legs where smaller frame sections fit within larger ones during transport, and expand outward during assembly. The obstacles and platforms are designed to nest within the frame structure when collapsed, allowing the complex ride to be reduced to a compact transport configuration without sacrificing functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the amusement ride is made more complex to provide better functionality, then the ride quality improves, but the transportation ease and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ride system is segmented into transportable modules that can be independently loaded onto trailers. The frame divides into collapsible leg sections, obstacles separate into individual units, and platforms break down into flat-pack components, allowing the complex ride to be transported in manageable sections rather than as one large structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure transitions dynamically between transport and operational states through telescoping legs that extend and lock into position. The obstacles and platforms are designed with movable joints and adjustable mounting points that allow the structure to adapt from a compact transport configuration to a complex operational configuration, and back again for easy reloading.
3Speed
If the belt system provides higher speed and more challenging traversal, then the excitement and difficulty increase, but the safety and injury risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates cushioning elements positioned at potential fall zones including padded barriers along the belt edges, cushioned landing zones at platform transitions, and shock-absorbing materials on the belt surface itself. These protective features are built into the structure before operation, providing safety margins even at higher belt speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt system allows dynamic adjustment of speed parameters to match user skill levels and safety requirements. The inclined plane angle is variable, allowing the operator to reduce the gradient for safety or increase it for challenge. These parameter adjustments enable the same apparatus to safely accommodate different user groups without requiring separate equipment.
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 apparatus provides a cost-effective, easily transportable, and versatile mobile amusement ride that can be easily assembled and disassembled, offering adjustable difficulty levels and reduced risk of injury through cushioning and safety features, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A frame (80) extends between a proximal end (82), a distal end (84), a first side (86), a second side (88), an upper side (90) and a lower side (92). A hinge (100) pivotably couples the chassis (40) and the frame (80) for positioning the frame (80) in an inclined orientation (102) relative to the chassis (40).
Implementation Method 2
A drive (124) engages the continuous loop belt system (122) for creating a displacement in the belt (120). The belt (120) defines an upper belt surface (126) for the individual (12) to traverse.
Data Source
AI summary
An obstacle apparatus is disclosed for an individual to traverse. The obstacle apparatus comprises a chassis and a frame. A hinge pivotably couples the chassis and the frame for positioning the frame in an inclined orientation relative to the chassis. A first drum is rotatably coupled to the frame. A second drum is rotatably coupled to the frame. A belt encircles the first drum and the second drum for defining a continuous loop belt system. A drive engages the continuous loop belt system for creating a displacement in the belt. The belt defines an upper belt surface for the individual to traverse.