Passenger Restraint Lighting for Automated Lock Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual inspection of passenger restraints in amusement park rides is inefficient, leading to delays and potential safety concerns due to the need for operators to verify proper securing of riders before ride operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a passenger restraining system with a locking mechanism, proximity sensors, and a lighting system that automatically indicates whether the restraint is locked or unlocked, using embedded light sources to display different light schemes based on the locking status, and applies forces to secure passengers, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection of passenger restraints is used, then operators can verify proper securing of riders, but operational delays occur due to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system automatically verifies its own locking status through integrated sensors and lighting indicators, eliminating the need for manual inspection by operators. The system self-monitors whether passengers are properly secured and communicates this status visually, allowing rapid verification without operator intervention and maintaining both safety and throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated sensor-based detection system. Optical sensors or proximity sensors detect the position and locking status of restraints, converting physical states into electrical signals that trigger visual indicators. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual verification process while maintaining reliable detection.
2Productivity
If automated sensor systems are added to monitor restraint status, then verification speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the restraint system itself: the restraint mechanism, the sensor detection, and the visual indication are integrated into a single unified system. The lighting elements are embedded within the restraint structure, and the sensors utilize existing mechanical positions, merging detection and indication functions with the primary restraint function to minimize additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple color-coded visual indicators (e.g., green for locked, red for unlocked) to communicate restraint status. This color-change approach provides rapid, intuitive verification without requiring complex display systems or operator training, maintaining simplicity while dramatically improving verification speed.
3Loss of information
If integrated lighting systems are embedded in restraints, then real-time status indication is provided, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting elements are positioned locally at specific critical points on the restraint system where status indication is most needed, such as near the locking mechanism or along the restraint bar. This localized approach provides effective status visibility without requiring lighting throughout the entire restraint structure, simplifying manufacturing compared to comprehensive illumination systems.
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 ensures rapid and accurate verification of passenger restraints, reducing operational delays and enhancing safety by providing real-time feedback on restraint status, while also improving ride throughput and passenger experience through themed lighting.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor set comprising a sensing component configured to emit a signal detected by a proximity sensor of the proximity sensor set
Data Source
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AI summary
Present systems and methods are directed to a passenger restraining system (18), which includes a restraint and a locking mechanism (60), and a lighting system (50), which includes a variety of light sources. At least a portion of the variety of light sources is integrated with the restraint. Furthermore, the lighting system (50) receives an indication of a configuration of the locking mechanism (60), executes a first light scheme via the plurality of light sources when the indication is of an unlocked configuration, and executes a second light scheme via the plurality of light sources when the indication is of a locked configuration.