Onboard Generator for Spinning Ride Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement park rides with spinning vehicles face challenges in providing onboard electrical power due to the complexity and high costs associated with running power cables, particularly with the use of electrical slip rings and bus bars, which are impractical and expensive to install and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A ride system that converts kinetic energy from passenger input into electrical energy using a generator affixed to each vehicle's chassis, driven by a drive member connected to the ride structure, allowing for the generation of electricity to power onboard components such as lights and audio elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electrical slip rings and bus bars are used to transmit power to spinning vehicles, then onboard electrical power is provided, but installation and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transmission function from the mechanical coupling system. Instead of running power cables through the rotating coupling mechanism, the invention generates electrical power onboard the vehicle using a generator driven by the kinetic motion of the vehicle itself, thereby eliminating the need for complex electrical slip rings and bus bars while still providing electrical power for onboard components
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle system generates its own electrical power through the generator that is driven by the vehicle's kinetic energy during operation. This self-service approach allows the vehicle to produce its own electrical power without requiring external power transmission infrastructure, reducing both installation and maintenance costs
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrical slip rings and bus bars are installed to provide power to rotating vehicles, then electrical power transmission is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex electrical power transmission infrastructure (slip rings and bus bars) from the system. Instead of transmitting power from the stationary ride structure to the rotating vehicle, the invention generates power onboard the vehicle using its kinetic energy, thereby eliminating the need for complex rotating electrical couplings
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical-electrical power transmission system (slip rings and bus bars) with a kinetic energy conversion system. The generator converts the vehicle's kinetic energy directly into electrical energy onboard, substituting a simpler mechanical-to-electrical conversion process for the complex mechanical-electrical power transmission infrastructure
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and less complex method to generate onboard power, allowing for enhanced ride experiences with reduced installation and maintenance costs, enabling dynamic lighting and audio effects that vary with the kinetic energy input by riders.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical generator (such as an alternator) affixed to or within the body or chassis to move with the vehicle, and the electrical generator is driven by a drive member (e.g., a chain(s), a belt(s), or the like) that is coupled both to an input shaft or element of the electrical generator and the ride structure
Data Source
AI summary
A spinning ride system adapted to convert kinetic energy to electrical energy onboard each of its vehicles. The system includes a passenger vehicle with a chassis for receiving a passenger. The system includes a ride structure including a support arm supporting the passenger vehicle, and the ride structure moves the support arm along a ride path. The system includes a mounting sleeve statically attached to the chassis and pivotally coupled to the support arm. A user input mechanism is attached to the mounting sleeve adapted to receive user input forces to cause the chassis to have movements relative to the support arm. The system includes an electrical component provided on or in the chassis and includes a kinetic energy conversion assembly with an electrical generator converting kinetic energy of the chassis during the movements (e.g., spinning) to electrical energy used to power the electrical component.