Ride Vehicle UV Sanitization for Continuous Park Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning processes for amusement park rides are time-consuming and often performed during off-hours, increasing wait times for guests and not effectively sanitizing surfaces during operating hours.
Innovation Solution
A sanitization system using ultraviolet light sources positioned along the ride path to sanitize surfaces of ride vehicles as they travel, activated by a control system that detects the vehicle's position, ensuring guests are not exposed and allowing continuous operation of the ride.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning processes are used during off-hours, then surfaces can be sanitized, but wait times for guests increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning processes with an automated ultraviolet light sanitization system. The UV light source is positioned to sanitize ride vehicle surfaces automatically as vehicles pass through the loading/unloading regions, eliminating the need for manual cleaning during off-hours and enabling continuous ride operation without compromising sanitization effectiveness.
2Loss of time
If cleaning is performed during operating hours, then wait times are reduced, but guest safety may be compromised due to exposure to cleaning agents or equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hazardous manual cleaning processes with non-contact ultraviolet light sanitization. The UV light system operates automatically in the loading/unloading regions during operating hours, sanitizing surfaces without requiring physical contact or exposure to cleaning chemicals, thus eliminating guest safety hazards while reducing wait times.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultraviolet light acts as an intermediary sanitization method that bridges the need for continuous operation and effective cleaning. It enables surface sanitization during guest presence by using a non-contact, non-chemical method that doesn't require guest evacuation or create hazardous conditions, allowing cleaning to occur seamlessly during operating hours.
3Productivity
If automated ultraviolet sanitization is implemented during operation, then productivity increases and wait times decrease, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sanitization system is segmented into modular components: a housing unit, an ultraviolet light source, and a control system with sensors. This segmentation allows for easier installation, maintenance, and operation while achieving automated sanitization during ride operation, thereby increasing productivity without excessive overall system 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
Enhances sanitization efficiency by continuously cleaning ride surfaces during operating hours without guest interference, reducing wait times and maintaining a themed experience.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet light source configured to transmit ultraviolet light toward a surface of the ride vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitization system for an amusement park includes a sanitizing source for sanitizing a ride vehicle. The sanitization system may include a controller that receives an indication that the ride vehicle is in a position for sanitization. The sanitization system may include a sanitizing source, which the controller may lower into position to sanitize the ride vehicle. When sanitization is complete, the controller may raise the sanitizing source out of position. The controller may then send an indication that the ride vehicle is sanitized.