Ride Vehicle Clearance Scanning for Envelope Breach Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement park attraction systems face challenges in efficiently verifying the proper positioning of environmental features relative to ride vehicle paths, leading to potential breaches of clearance envelopes, which can result in undesired interactions or contact.
Innovation Solution
A clearance envelope scanning system comprising a detection system with emitters and receivers, coupled to a ride vehicle, to define and monitor the clearance envelope, detecting breaches as the vehicle travels along the path, using LIDAR, infrared, or laser technology to analyze reflected waves and determine object positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods are used to determine positioning of environmental features, then the process is simple to implement, but it is cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement methods with a detection system that uses electromagnetic waves (optical, acoustic, or other waves) to scan and detect objects within the clearance envelope. This substitution enables automated, efficient evaluation of environmental feature positioning without requiring complex manual measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to be self-contained and can be coupled to various ride vehicles to autonomously perform clearance envelope scanning. The system independently executes the evaluation process without requiring external intervention, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-built systems are used for each attraction system, then the system can be optimized for specific requirements, but it increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is designed as a universal platform that can be coupled to different ride vehicles and adapted to various attraction systems. The system uses configurable detection parameters and can scan different clearance envelopes, enabling it to serve multiple functions across diverse applications without requiring custom-built systems for each attraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability by allowing modification of detection parameters such as wave frequency, detection range, and clearance envelope dimensions. These parameter changes enable the same hardware platform to accommodate different attraction systems and ride vehicles, eliminating the need for custom-built systems while maintaining optimization for specific requirements.
3Measurement precision
If manual inspection methods are used, then the process is straightforward, but it is time-consuming and less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system performs continuous scanning of the clearance envelope as the ride vehicle moves through the environment. This continuous detection process provides accurate positioning data without interruption, eliminating the time-consuming nature of manual inspection while maintaining high measurement precision through ongoing wave emission and detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual inspection with automated wave-based detection systems that continuously monitor object positions. This substitution enables precise measurement of environmental features relative to ride vehicle paths without the time loss associated with manual methods, achieving both high accuracy and efficiency.
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
Enables efficient verification of clearance envelope compliance, preventing undesired contact between ride vehicles and environmental features, facilitating improved design, operation, and maintenance of attraction systems.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver configured to detect the wave reflected off of an object within the environment
Data Source
AI summary
A clearance envelope scanning system for an amusement park attraction includes a detection system configured to couple to a ride vehicle of the amusement park attraction. The detection system includes an emitter configured to output a wave within an environment of the amusement park attraction and a receiver configured to detect the wave reflected off of an object within the environment. The clearance envelope scanning system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the detection system, where the controller is configured to analyze properties of the wave detected by the receiver and to determine whether the object is within a clearance envelope of the ride vehicle.