Amusement Ride Wheel Illumination System Using Induction Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems for high-speed vehicles like roller coasters face challenges such as vibration, g-forces, weather resistance, dust, power limitations, and weight concerns, and lack a compact, reliable, and cost-effective solution that provides powerful and versatile visual effects.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, modular lighting system integrated into the wheel, utilizing an axial flux induction generator to power LEDs without external electrical connections, where the rotation of the wheel induces an electrical current, allowing for efficient and powerful illumination without altering the vehicle's frame or requiring batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a lighting system is added to illuminate the vehicle, then the visual appeal and attention-grabbing effect are improved, but the weight and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting system, power generation (permanent magnets), and wheel structure into a single integrated assembly. The permanent magnets are mounted directly on the wheel rim, and the lighting elements are embedded in the wheel spokes, eliminating separate mounting structures and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel generates its own power for illumination through the rotation-induced electromagnetic field from permanent magnets passing by coil windings in the hub. This self-powered system eliminates batteries or external power connections, avoiding the weight penalty of power storage systems.
2Reliability
If permanent magnets are mounted on the wheel to generate power, then the lighting system becomes self-powered, but the alignment between rotor and stator must be precise
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel hub serves multiple functions: it is the structural connection to the axle, the mounting location for coil windings (stator), and the housing for electronic controls. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate precision-aligned components needed for power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel is divided into functional segments: permanent magnets on the rim generate the magnetic field, coil windings in the hub convert motion to electricity, and electronic controls manage power distribution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and assembled with standard tolerances rather than requiring overall precision alignment.
3Volume of moving object
If the lighting system elements are integrated into the wheel, then the system becomes compact and can replace existing wheels, but the wheel structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting elements and electronic controls are nested within the wheel's internal structure. LED strips are embedded in the spokes, and circuit boards are mounted in the hub cavity, utilizing the wheel's existing volume rather than adding external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural wheel components serve dual purposes: the rim provides both mechanical strength and mounting for permanent magnets, while the spokes provide both structural support and channels for embedding lighting elements, reducing the need for separate housing structures.
4Illumination intensity
If high-powered LEDs are used to provide strong illumination, then the visual effect is improved, but the power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses high-efficiency LED technology which converts electrical energy to light with minimal heat loss compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. The permanent magnets are positioned to maximize magnetic flux through the coil windings, optimizing the electromagnetic induction efficiency and power generation at the wheel's operating rotation speed.
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
The system generates sufficient power to illuminate the vehicle effectively, providing visually stimulating effects while being compact and reliable, with the ability to replace existing wheels without modifying other parts, ensuring safety and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
When the wheel rotor rotates relative to stator, the coils pass through the magnets' magnetic field to induce a current in the coils, thereby energizing the LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel for a roller coaster or other amusement ride vehicle includes a self-contained illumination system. The wheel comprises a hub through which an axle is disposed, a web extending from the hub and including a plurality of apertures, and an annular seat at a periphery of the web for receiving a tire thereon, the annular seat cooperating with the hub and the web to define an annular cavity. A PCB is disposed in the annular cavity and has a plurality of LEDs aligned with the plurality of apertures on the web. A permanent magnet generator within the wheel powers the PCB and the LEDS, the generator completely confined to the interior of the wheel.