Ride Restraint Audio Integration for Space-Efficient Passenger Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Amusement park rides face challenges in securely restraining passengers during high-force movements and enhancing the entertainment experience without compromising space efficiency or energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an audio system within the restraining system of ride vehicles, featuring speakers and microphones that produce distinct audio outputs based on the restraint's locked or unlocked position, allowing for enhanced passenger experience while maintaining efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an audio system is integrated into the restraining system, then the entertainment value and passenger experience are enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentertainment valueVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The audio system is integrated into the restraining system by incorporating speakers and microphones within the restraint structure itself. The speaker is positioned within the restraining system to deliver audio directly to the passenger, while the microphone captures passenger responses, creating a combined safety-entertainment device that reduces the need for separate audio equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The restraining system is transformed into a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs safety restraint and audio delivery functions. The same structural components that secure the passenger also serve as the housing and delivery mechanism for the audio system, allowing one device to fulfill multiple purposes.

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

2Volume of moving object

If the audio system is positioned inside the restraining system, then space efficiency is improved, but the restraining system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidre restraining system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The audio system components (speaker and microphone) are nested within the existing restraining system structure. The speaker is positioned inside the restraint mechanism, utilizing the available space within the restraint bars and housing, thereby avoiding additional external space requirements while integrating audio functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3700642B1Passenger restraint with integrated audio system
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
  • EP3700642B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3700642B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3700642B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Present systems and methods are directed to an audio system integrated into a restraint system for an amusement park ride vehicle. Specifically, a system includes a restraining system for a ride vehicle of an amusement park. The system includes an audio system comprising a speaker and a microphone, wherein the audio system is positioned inside of the restraining system and configured to produce audio via the speaker in response to a received audio activation signal.