Pivoting Mast Segments for Tall Fairground Attractions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support installations for fairground attractions have restricted height in the erected position due to the length constraints of their masts, which is undesirable for taller attractions and complicates transportation as the base is often designed as a trailer.
Innovation Solution
Each mast has a base segment and a top segment that can pivot, allowing both to be approximately the same length as the base without protruding in the collapsed position, enabling the support installation to be twice as tall, with stabilization provided by actuators or mechanical locking means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the top segment of a mast is made longer to increase height, then the height of the support installation is improved, but the mast protrudes beyond the base in the collapsed position which worsens transportability
Solution Approach 1:
The masts are divided into multiple segments (base segment, middle segment, top segment) that can pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows the mast to fold into a compact configuration during transport while supporting greater height when erected, as each segment can be positioned alongside the others in the collapsed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The mast segments are designed with pivot joints that allow dynamic reconfiguration between collapsed and erected positions. The base segment pivots relative to the base, and top segments pivot relative to lower segments, enabling the structure to adapt its shape for both compact transport and tall operational configurations.
2Length of moving object
If both base segments are joined to the base such that they can pivot, then the height of the support installation is increased, but the complexity of the stabilization system is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system utilizes the existing pivot joints and structural geometry of the mast segments to achieve self-stabilization. When the base segments are positioned at specific angles relative to the base and top segments are connected, the structure naturally locks into a stable triangular configuration, eliminating the need for additional complex stabilization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding complex active stabilization systems to control the pivot joints, the invention inverts the approach by designing the pivot joint geometry and segment lengths such that stability emerges naturally from the collapsed configuration itself, where the segments align alongside the base to create inherent structural stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A support installation for a fairground attraction, comprises a base, two pairs of masts which can be moved between a collapsed and an erected position, as well as a head that in the erected position is at the top of the masts, on which head a Ferris wheel or a swing or the like can be mounted, wherein the masts each comprise several segments that are joined to one another such that they can pivot. Each mast has a base segment that is joined to the base such that it can pivot, as well as a top segment that is joined to the head, at least in the erected position. Relatively high masts can be obtained with this construction.