Ride Reach Envelope Inspection Using LIDAR and Test Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying reach envelopes in amusement park rides are cumbersome, inefficient, and pose safety risks due to the use of large templates and manual winching of vehicles, requiring repetitive and time-consuming inspections.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous reach envelope inspection system using a portable assembly with distance measurement sensors, such as LIDAR, that attaches to a ride vehicle or UAV to scan the environment at normal speeds, comparing measurements to predefined envelopes for real-time intrusion detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual template methods are used to verify reach envelopes, then inspection accuracy can be maintained, but inspection time increases significantly and safety risks arise from manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical template-based inspection with an automated optical/laser measurement system. The system uses lasers or cameras to automatically measure distances and detect intrusions in the reach envelope, eliminating the need for manual template placement and measurement while maintaining high precision in verifying safety clearances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service inspection by automatically performing reach envelope verification without requiring manual intervention. The automated system independently measures, compares measurements against safety parameters, and generates inspection results, allowing the inspection process to serve itself rather than requiring human operators for each measurement cycle.
2Reliability
If manual template inspection methods are used, then safety verification can be performed, but the process becomes cumbersome and requires repetitive manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces cumbersome manual template handling with an automated measurement system that uses lasers or cameras to perform safety verification. The system automatically measures distances, detects intrusions, and verifies reach envelope compliance without requiring manual template placement, adjustment, or reading, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or representation of the reach envelope space using laser scanning or camera imaging. This digital model is then automatically analyzed for intrusions, replacing the need for physical templates while maintaining the same safety verification function. The digital copy allows for rapid, repeatable inspection without the physical constraints of manual template methods.
3Productivity
If automated distance measurement is implemented, then inspection efficiency increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated distance measurement using lasers or cameras, which significantly increases inspection efficiency by eliminating manual measurement steps. While this introduces some technological complexity, the system uses well-established optical measurement technologies and automated image processing algorithms that are relatively成熟 and can be integrated into existing inspection workflows, thereby achieving high productivity with manageable system complexity.
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 significantly reduces inspection time, enhances safety by eliminating manual handling of heavy vehicles, and provides accurate, automated detection of intrusions, allowing for frequent and efficient verification of reach envelopes.
Implementation Method 1
The distance measurement assembly may include at least one LIDAR-based sensor configured to scan a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the test vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The distance measurement assembly may include at least one ultrasonic sensor configured to scan a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the test vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for autonomously inspecting intrusions into a reach envelope of a vehicle traveling along a ride path of a park ride. The system includes a test vehicle that travels along the ride path at test speeds. The system includes a reach envelope inspection assembly including a housing supported by the test vehicle. The reach envelope inspection assembly includes a distance measurement assembly in the housing operable to measure distances between the distance measurement assembly and surfaces of the physical environment. The inspection assembly includes a processor executing code to provide an examination program that compares the plurality of distances to one or more predefined reach envelopes to determine whether an intrusion into any of the one or more predefined reach envelopes exists along the ride path. The test vehicle is a ride vehicle for the park ride or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operated to follow the ride path.