Ride Vehicle Resistance Control for VR Steering Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement attractions with stationary vehicles lack the ability to provide riders with a dynamic and immersive experience, particularly in controlling the vehicle's movement and enhancing virtual reality interactions.
Innovation Solution
A resistance control system for stationary ride vehicles that adjusts resistance to movement based on rider input, using actuators and springs to simulate steering and enhance virtual reality experiences, accommodating various weights and preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If resistance control system with actuators and springs is added to stationary ride vehicles, then rider experience and immersion are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts resistance levels in real-time based on rider inputs and VR experience requirements. The actuators continuously modify the mechanical resistance provided by the spring system, transforming a static stationary vehicle into a dynamic interactive system that adapts to rider preferences and enhances immersion without requiring a completely complex redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance control system serves multiple functions: it provides haptic feedback for VR immersion, enables rider control perception, accommodates various rider weights through adjustable resistance, and enhances overall engagement. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive benefits across multiple experience dimensions
2Ease of operation
If actuators are used to adjust resistance dynamically, then rider control and immersion are improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuators do not need to overcome the full force of the springs continuously, but only provide partial adjustment to modify resistance levels. This partial action approach enables dynamic control and haptic feedback while consuming significantly less energy than would be required for actuators to fully counteract spring forces throughout the entire range of motion
3Reliability
If springs and actuators are added to control movement, then haptic feedback and immersion are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system acts as a mechanical intermediary that provides natural haptic resistance and feedback. Instead of using complex electronic haptic actuators alone, the springs provide passive mechanical feedback while the actuators make small adjustments, combining simple reliable mechanical elements with controlled actuation to achieve reliable haptic feedback without excessive 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 provides a personalized and immersive experience by dynamically adjusting resistance, allowing riders to control the vehicle's movement and enhancing the virtual reality experience through haptic feedback, catering to a wide range of weights and preferences.
Implementation Method 1
A spring of the ride vehicle is engaged to selectively compress against an actuator plate
Data Source
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AI summary
An amusement attraction comprising: a ride vehicle comprising: a first foundation; a second foundation; a support extending between the first foundation and the second foundation, wherein the support is pivotably coupled to the second foundation via a pivot joint such that the second foundation is configured to move relative to the first foundation via the pivot joint; and a motor configured to drive movement of the second foundation relative to the first foundation via the pivot joint; and a vehicle controller communicatively coupled to the motor, wherein the vehicle controller is configured to instruct the motor to output a torque to adjust resistance to movement of the second foundation relative to the first foundation.