Amusement Ride Track Section with Multi-Axis Motion Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Amusement ride vehicles on fixed tracks lack versatility and excitement due to limited motion capabilities, with traditional track switches offering only single degrees of freedom and fixed angles of rotation, limiting the ability to decouple and reconfigure track sections for dynamic experiences.
Innovation Solution
A track section for amusement rides that is mechanically decoupled from adjacent members and mounted on a motion base providing up to six independent degrees of freedom, including translation and rotational motion, allowing for movement in three-dimensional space and enabling the creation of complex switch positions without the need for coplanar or axially symmetric tracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed track switches are used, then the track structure is simple and reliable, but the motion capabilities are limited to single degree of freedom and fixed angles of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static fixed track switch into a dynamic movable track section that can be positioned at multiple locations and orientations along the track path. The track section is mounted on a motion base that provides controlled movement, allowing the track to adapt its position and angle dynamically rather than being fixed in a single location with limited switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the track into movable sections that can be independently positioned and oriented. Rather than a continuous fixed track, the track is divided into discrete sections that can be moved to different locations and angles, enabling multiple switch positions and enhanced motion capabilities while maintaining structural integrity through controlled segmentation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If track sections are mechanically decoupled and mounted on motion bases, then versatility and motion capabilities are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a motion base system that can serve multiple functions: providing controlled movement for track sections, enabling multiple switch positions, achieving various orientations and angles, and potentially integrating themed ride elements. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby controlling manufacturing complexity despite the enhanced versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If motion bases with multiple degrees of freedom are used, then ride experience and entertainment potential are enhanced, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing motion bases with multiple degrees of freedom that can provide controlled pitch, roll, yaw, heave, surge, and slip movements. This dynamic capability allows the track sections to move in complex ways to create enhanced ride experiences and themed effects while maintaining structural control through engineered motion constraints.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed angle turntables are used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to change direction in any direction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by extending the turntable functionality from a single fixed angle of rotation to multiple degrees of freedom including pitch, roll, and yaw rotations. This adds rotational dimensions beyond the traditional single-axis turntable, enabling the track section to orient in any direction in three-dimensional space rather than being constrained to a fixed rotation angle.
Data Source
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AI summary
An amusement ride has a track (5) defining a ride vehicle path (100) with a section of the track (10) that can be decoupled from the main track and is subsequently movable on or about up to three axes with between one and six independent degrees of freedom.