Ride Vehicle Restraint Locking via Controller Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ride vehicle restraint systems lack an effective method to prevent passengers from sitting in out-of-service seats, as operators may not consistently lock or block these seats, leading to potential safety and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a controller to identify and manage the status of ride vehicle seats, locking out-of-service restraint systems and unlocking in-service ones, using data from ride vehicle identifiers and sensor systems to ensure passengers are directed to available seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operators manually lock or block restraint systems of out-of-service seats, then passengers are prevented from sitting in those seats, but operators may fail to notice or consistently implement this procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-service functionality where the restraint system automatically locks or unlocks based on seat status signals from the control system, eliminating the need for operator intervention. The restraint system receives control signals that automatically engage the locking mechanism when a seat is marked out-of-service and automatically unlocks when the seat is available, making the system self-regulating without requiring operator attention or manual action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the control system continuously monitors seat status and automatically adjusts restraint system locking state accordingly. When a seat status changes between in-service and out-of-service, the control system receives this information and automatically sends appropriate control signals to lock or unlock the restraint system, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that ensures reliable prevention without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If a physical barrier is placed on the restraint system to prevent opening, then passengers cannot access out-of-service seats, but this requires additional physical components and manual installation
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical physical barriers with an electronic control system. Instead of using physical blocks or barriers that require manual installation and removal, the invention uses electronic control signals transmitted to the restraint system's locking mechanism. The control system electronically engages or disengages the lock based on seat status, eliminating the need for separate physical barrier components and their associated installation/removal procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: it monitors seat status, determines service availability, and automatically controls the locking mechanism. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate components (status monitoring, decision logic, and physical locking control) into a single integrated control system that manages the restraint system based on real-time seat availability information.
3Reliability
If operators monitor passengers during boarding to prevent sitting in out-of-service seats, then safety is maintained, but this requires continuous operator attention and time
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system performs self-monitoring and self-protection functions by automatically locking when a seat is marked out-of-service. The system monitors its own operational status and takes appropriate protective action without requiring external operator attention during the boarding process, freeing operators to focus on other safety and operational tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary protective action by automatically locking the restraint system before passengers can attempt to board or sit in out-of-service seats. By proactively engaging the lock based on pre-established seat status information, the system prevents potential safety issues before they can occur, eliminating the need for reactive monitoring during the boarding process.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling a ride vehicle restraint in a ride system. A system is configured to identify one or more ride vehicles stopped at a passenger loading platform, the one or more ride vehicles including one or more seats, determine which seat or seats of the one or more seats are in-service or out-of-service based at least in part on data corresponding to the identity of the one or more ride vehicles, instruct to lock one or more restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat of the one or more seats determined to be out-of-service, and instruct to unlock one or more other restraint systems corresponding to at least one seat other seats of the one or more seats determined to be in-service.