Polygonal Ferris Wheel Drive With Continuous Straight-Section Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in driving non-circular wheel frames, such as polygonal frames, smoothly and efficiently as they increase in size, leading to a bumpy experience due to issues with power transmission and uneven rotation.
Innovation Solution
The use of rotary drive units that maintain continuous contact engagement with the straight sections of the wheel frame, actuated by an actuator to compensate for varying radii, ensuring a smooth and consistent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cable system is used to drive a non-circular wheel frame, then the wheel frame can be rotated, but the system becomes problematic with increasing wheel size due to large power transmission requirements and long cable length
Solution Approach 1:
A polygonal intermediate wheel with straight sides matching the wheel frame is introduced as a mediator. This intermediate wheel engages with the frame via friction contact on its straight sections, converting the rotation problem into a simpler form that can be driven by a smaller drive wheel, thereby reducing cable length and power transmission complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system transitions from direct drive of the large wheel frame to driving a smaller intermediate wheel through friction contact. This dimensional change in the drive mechanism allows for reduced power transmission requirements and simplified system architecture
2Productivity
If a rim drive system is used on a non-circular wheel frame, then the wheel frame can be driven, but it does not rotate in a fluent and level manner, leading to a bumpy experience for the rider
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate wheel is designed with locally different geometries: straight sides that match and contact the straight sections of the wheel frame, and curved arcs that bridge between straight sections. This local quality matching ensures continuous fluent contact and smooth rotation throughout the entire rotation cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate wheel incorporates curved arc sections that complement the straight sections of the wheel frame, creating a continuous rolling contact path. This curvature design ensures that the friction contact is maintained smoothly throughout rotation, eliminating bumps and ensuring fluent motion
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 approach allows for a smoother and more efficient rotation of larger non-circular wheel frames by maintaining consistent contact and torque, enhancing the riding experience.
Implementation Method 1
one or more rotary drive units configured to rotate the wheel frame around a rotational axis, wherein, during rotation of the wheel frame, the one or more rotary drive units are maintaining a contact engagement with the one or more straight sections of the wheel frame
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An amusement ride comprising a wheel frame having one or more straight sections in a circumferential direction, one or more rotary drive units configured to rotate the wheel frame around a rotational axis, wherein, during rotation of the wheel frame, the one or more rotary drive units are maintaining a contact engagement with the one or more straight sections of the wheel frame.