Ride Vibration Control for Adjustable Rider Thrill Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Amusement park rides often fail to accommodate varying thrill sensitivities among different age groups and riders, as they are typically designed with a hypothetical rider in mind, leading to inconsistent immersive experiences.
Innovation Solution
A ride vibration system with adjustable vibrational effects, controlled by a processor and input devices, allowing riders to customize their experience by selecting intensity levels through vibrators placed in restraint handles or seat components, simulating sensations like recoil or electrical shock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ride is designed with fixed vibrational effects for a hypothetical rider, then the ride structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but it fails to accommodate varying thrill sensitivities among different age groups and riders
Solution Approach 1:
The ride system transitions from fixed vibrational effects to dynamically adjustable vibrational effects. Multiple vibrators are incorporated into the ride vehicle, each controllable independently through a control system that receives rider input. This allows the vibrational characteristics to change dynamically based on rider preferences and characteristics, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by making the system flexible rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables independent adjustment of vibrational parameters such as intensity, frequency, and duration for different vibrators. Riders can select from multiple intensity levels (e.g., low, medium, high) for each vibrator, allowing customization of the ride experience. This parameter adjustability directly addresses the need to accommodate varying thrill sensitivities while maintaining a manageable system through standardized control mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vibrators with independent control are added to accommodate different riders, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions: it receives rider input, processes selected vibrators based on intensity levels, coordinates activation timing, and manages overall vibrational effect delivery. This multi-functional approach consolidates control logic into a single system that handles all vibrators, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms for each vibrator and thereby managing complexity despite having multiple vibrational actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides more vibrational control options than a single rider can use at once, allowing selection from multiple intensity levels and vibrator combinations. This partial activation approach—where only the selected subset of vibrators is activated at any given time—enables comprehensive customization capability without requiring all vibrators to be simultaneously controlled, effectively managing system complexity through selective engagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vibrational intensity is increased for more intense sensations, then immersive experience improves, but it may cause discomfort or harm to riders with lower thrill tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
Different vibrators are positioned at various locations within the ride vehicle (e.g., seat, handles, restraints) and can be independently controlled. This allows localized application of vibrational effects to specific body areas, enabling intense sensations where appropriate while leaving other areas at lower intensities. Riders can select which body regions receive stronger stimulation, providing intense experiences for tolerant riders without overwhelming sensitive ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vibrational intensity based on rider selection rather than applying fixed high-intensity effects throughout the ride. Riders choose their preferred intensity levels for different vibrators, allowing the system to adapt in real-time to individual tolerance thresholds. This dynamic control prevents harmful over-stimulation while maintaining the capability for intense experiences when desired.
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
Enables a personalized and immersive experience for riders of different ages and thrill preferences, allowing multiple riders to enjoy the same ride with tailored sensory stimulation, increasing the appeal of the ride to a broader audience.
Implementation Method 1
The vibrator includes an eccentric rotating element. The unbalanced rotating element generates vibrations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ride vibration system 10 includes a rider support feature coupled to a ride vehicle and accessible to a rider positioned in the ride vehicle. The system includes a vibrator 18 with a motor 190 that rotates an eccentric mass 196 to generate vibrations. The vibrator 18 is at least partially integrated with the rider support feature and transfers the vibrations to the rider support feature. An input device receives a vibration intensity selection. A controller 22 couples to the vibrator 18 and to the input device. The controller 22 receives the vibration intensity selection and controls the motor 190 to control an intensity of the vibrations.