Ride Vehicle Bogie Positioning for Simulated Racing on One Track

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing amusement park attractions that incorporate simulated competitive racing often require multiple track sections, increasing cost and complexity, and struggle to simulate dynamic interactions between ride vehicles due to physical constraints and limited control over the ride experience.

Innovation Solution

A bogie system with rotatably coupled arms and vehicles that allows for adjustable positioning and rotation of vehicles relative to one another, using actuators and sensors to simulate variable speeds and positions, enhancing the racing experience without additional track sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple track sections are used to provide simulated competitive circumstances, then the racing simulation is improved, but the cost and complexity of the attraction increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveracing simulationVSAvoidtrack sections
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple vehicles are merged onto a single shared track section that loops back on itself, allowing all vehicles to occupy the same physical space simultaneously. The track is configured so that vehicles can pass each other by rotating on the loop, eliminating the need for multiple separate track sections while maintaining competitive racing simulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces rotational movement around a central axis as an additional dimension of motion. Instead of requiring separate tracks for different racing lanes, vehicles rotate around a central pole on a single track, creating multiple virtual lanes through three-dimensional movement rather than spatial separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional track sections are used for racing simulation, then the competitive circumstances are provided, but the cost of construction and operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompetitive circumstancesVSAvoidconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple racing lanes into a single physical track structure by using a shared loop configuration. This reduces the amount of track material, support structures, and infrastructure needed, thereby lowering construction costs and operational expenses while maintaining the ability to simulate competitive racing scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single track section serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the racing path, enables vehicle rotation for position changes, allows passing maneuvers, and supports the central pole structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated structures for each function, reducing overall construction cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If vehicles are positioned fixed on the track, then the structure is simple, but the ability to simulate variable speeds and positions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustmentVSAvoidpositioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from fixed vehicle positioning to dynamic positioning by enabling vehicles to rotate around the central pole. This rotational capability allows vehicles to change their angular position around the track loop, simulating variable speeds and positioning adjustments without requiring complex individual actuation mechanisms for each vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning adjustment function is merged into the rotational mechanism of the central pole. Instead of having separate positioning systems for each vehicle, the entire vehicle assembly rotates together around the central axis, providing position adjustment through a single unified mechanism rather than multiple independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4725571A2System and method for positioning vehicles of an amusement park attraction
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
  • EP4725571A2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4725571A2 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4725571A2 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An attraction system for an amusement park comprises a first guide configured to engage a track, wherein the first guide comprises a first actuator configured to drive rotational movement of the first guide about a first guide axis and a first vehicle coupled to the first guide via a first arm. The attraction system further comprises a second guide configured to engage the track, wherein the second guide comprises a second actuator configured to drive rotational movement of the second guide about a second guide axis, a second vehicle coupled to the second guide via a second arm, and an attachment member coupling the first guide to the second guide.