Amusement Ride Fluid Control System with Dynamic Flow Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water-based amusement rides face challenges in controlling participant movement and conserving water and energy, especially in regions with limited resources, as they require large volumes of water and significant energy to operate.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control system comprising a fluid source, pumps, conduits, and sensors that adjust fluid flow rates dynamically based on participant location and velocity, using variable frequency drives and valves to optimize water usage and energy consumption by increasing flow when a participant approaches a feature and decreasing it when they move away.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water-based amusement rides operate continuously with high water flow to provide cooling and thrills, then participant enjoyment and ride functionality are improved, but water consumption and energy usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts water flow rates based on real-time detection of participant presence and ride vehicle position. Sensors detect when vehicles are approaching, at, or leaving water features, and the control system modulates pump output accordingly. This dynamic adjustment allows the ride to maintain full functionality when needed while minimizing water consumption during idle periods, directly resolving the contradiction between ride operation and water usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor participant presence and vehicle position, feed this information to the control system, which then adjusts water flow in real-time. This feedback loop ensures water is delivered precisely when and where participants are present, eliminating waste while maintaining ride enjoyment, thus resolving the contradiction between functionality and water consumption.
2Ease of operation
If powerful water jets are used to accelerate or decelerate participants in the flume, then control over participant movement is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses variable frequency drives to dynamically control pump motor speed based on real-time ride conditions. When vehicles are detected approaching or at water features, the system increases power output to provide acceleration or deceleration. When no vehicles are present, power consumption is minimized. This dynamic control maintains full movement control capability while significantly reducing average energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (water flow rate, pump power, pressure) based on detected ride conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining constant high output, the system preserves full control capability when needed while reducing energy consumption during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between movement control and energy usage.
3Temperature
If large volumes of water are used to operate water rides in hot climates, then cooling effect for participants is improved, but water resource depletion and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies water flow partially and selectively rather than continuously across the entire flume. Water is delivered only to specific features where participants are present and need cooling, rather than wasting water along the entire ride path. This partial action approach maintains effective cooling where needed while dramatically reducing overall water consumption, resolving the contradiction between cooling effect and water resource depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides different water flow conditions to different locations based on local needs. Water features are activated only in areas where participants are present, creating localized cooling zones rather than uniform water distribution throughout the entire flume. This local quality approach ensures effective cooling for participants while minimizing overall water usage, addressing the contradiction between temperature control and water conservation.
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 system enhances control over participant movement while reducing water and energy usage by delivering water only when needed, allowing for more efficient operation and potentially heavier vehicles to be propelled up inclines or accelerated along horizontal surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
each of the at least one pump is adapted to increase fluid flow rate from the associated fluid feature when the participant is adjacent to the fluid feature
Data Source
AI summary
An amusement attraction fluid control system comprises a fluid source, at least one pump, at least one fluid feature, a plurality of conduits interconnecting the fluid source and the at least one pump to the at least one fluid feature, and a controller; wherein the at least one pump is configured to pump fluid through the conduits to the at least one fluid feature. The controller is adapted to control the at least one pump to deliver fluid to each respective fluid feature.