Piston-Locked Ride Restraint Bars With Remote Lock Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement ride restraint systems require manual intervention by an attendant to ensure they are in the locked position before the ride begins, which is inefficient and lacks remote monitoring for safety verification.
Innovation Solution
A piston-based restraint system with electromechanical valves and monitored poppet valves that automatically lock and unlock, allowing remote verification of the locked status, enhancing safety and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention by an attendant is used to verify restraint locking, then safety verification can be performed, but the process is inefficient and requires continuous human presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical verification process with an automated electronic monitoring system. Sensors detect the position of restraint bars and locking mechanisms, converting mechanical states into electrical signals that are processed by a control system, eliminating the need for manual verification while maintaining safety monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through sensors that monitor restraint bar positions and locking mechanisms. This feedback is transmitted to a control system that can alert operators or automatically prevent ride operation if restraints are not properly secured, providing ongoing safety verification without manual intervention
2Reliability
If manual verification of each restraint is performed, then safety can be confirmed, but time is lost and human error may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system performs self-verification through integrated sensors and monitoring mechanisms that automatically detect and report the locking status of each restraint. The system monitors its own state without requiring external manual verification, significantly reducing verification time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Manual visual inspection is replaced with electronic sensors that detect restraint bar positions and locking mechanism engagement. This substitution enables rapid, accurate detection of restraint status without the time consumption and potential errors associated with manual verification
3Extent of automation
If automated piston-based locking is implemented, then manual intervention is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic or hydraulic pistons to provide automated locking force for the restraint bars. Fluid pressure actuates the pistons to engage and disengage locking mechanisms, providing reliable automated operation while using well-established technology that can be integrated into existing ride structures
Solution Approach 2:
Electromechanical valves serve as intermediaries between the electronic control system and the pneumatic/hydraulic pistons. These valves translate electrical control signals into fluid flow control, enabling automated operation while isolating the complexity of fluid systems from the electronic control architecture
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 system provides enhanced safety and efficiency by ensuring all restraints are locked remotely and can be verified electronically, reducing the risk of human error and improving ride safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least one piston operably engaged between the restraint bar and the frame, the piston moveable between a first position engaging the passenger in the seat and a second position disengaged from the passenger in the seat
Implementation Method 2
the piston comprises a cylinder head housing a pair of check valves
Implementation Method 3
the piston comprises at least one electromechanical valve operable between an open and a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
Passenger restraint systems are provided. The restraint systems can include: a passenger seat supported by a frame; a restraint bar pivotably attached to the frame; and at least one piston operably engaged between the restraint bar and the frame. Restraint system pistons are provided. The pistons can include: a central chamber housing a piston head and rod; a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the central chamber; and at least one electromechanical valve operable between an open and a closed position. Methods for restraining a passenger within a seat are also provided.Manually operable piston assemblies are provided that can include a piston head within a cylinder, the piston head separating fluid in the cylinder to define rod-side fluid and head-side fluid. The piston assembly can be configured to operate in at least six positions, including but not limited to a first position of locking retract static; a second position of locking retract extend flow; a third position of locking retract flow; a fourth position of locking extend static; a fifth position of locking extend retract flow; and a sixth position of locking extend flow. Manually operable piston assemblies are also provided that can include a piston head within a cylinder, with the piston head separating fluid in the cylinder to define rod-side fluid and head-side fluid. The manually operable piston assembly can further be configured to operate in at least six positions that include a first position of locking extend static; a second position of extend movement flow; a third position of manual override retract flow; a fourth position of manual override extend flow; a fifth position of locking retract static; and a sixth position of retract movement flow.Methods for operating a manually operable piston are also provided. The methods can include applying pressure to retract the piston rod and allow head-side fluid to pass through piston head passageway and mix with rod-side fluid. Methods for operating a manually operable piston can also include applying pressure to extend or retract the piston rod and allow head-side fluid to pass through at least one valve and mix with rod-side fluid.