Rider Station Motion Synchronization for Amusement Rides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current amusement park rides that synchronize rider movement with video presentations are limited by small actuator ranges, failing to convincingly simulate high G forces and complex motions, leading to an incomplete immersive experience for riders.
Innovation Solution
An amusement park ride system incorporating a motor system for vertical movement and an actuator system for six degrees of freedom motion, synchronized by a controller to coordinate rider position with video imagery, allowing for high G forces, variable speeds, and extensive motion simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If small-range actuators are used to move the rider's chair, then the device complexity is reduced, but the motion range and simulated G forces are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The motion simulation system is divided into two independent subsystems: a motor system for vertical movement along the tower (large range, high G forces) and an actuator system for chair orientation and positioning (small range, precise control). This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between motion range and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane horizontal movement system to a multi-dimensional system combining vertical tower movement with chair-level rotational and translational adjustments. This adds the vertical dimension to the motion simulation, enabling realistic G force experiences while maintaining manageable actuator ranges through the separation of concerns.
2Ease of manufacture
If the actuator range is limited to small movements, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to simulate high G forces and complex motions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates manufacturing complexity into two domains: the motor system handles high-G vertical movements with simple linear motion, while the actuator system manages complex chair orientations with small-range precise movements. This segmentation makes the overall system easier to manufacture while maintaining high adaptability for various motion simulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the motor system and actuator system into a coordinated unified control architecture, where the motor system provides the primary motion platform and the actuator system refines the rider experience. This combination achieves versatile motion simulation capabilities while keeping individual subsystems manufacturable.
3Device complexity
If a single movement system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to synchronize diverse motions with video imagery deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent controllers for the motor system and actuator system, each optimized for their specific motion types. This segmentation enables sophisticated automated synchronization with video imagery without creating a monolithic complex control architecture, as each subsystem can be controlled independently based on its motion characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic, independently controllable motion subsystems that can adapt their movement patterns in real-time to match video imagery. The motor system dynamically adjusts vertical position and speed, while actuators dynamically adjust chair orientation, enabling high程度的自动化 synchronization without excessive overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An amusement ride is provided that moves a rider in a manner that is synchronized with a video image being displayed on a screen visible to the rider. In one embodiment, the ride is comprised of a rider station for supporting a rider, a trolley that supports the station, a tower that vertically guides the trolley, a motor system for vertically moving the trolley along the tower, an actuator system for moving the station relative to the trolley, a projector system, a screen, and a controller for synchronizing the movement of the station and any rider disposed in the station with imagery projected onto the screen. The controller is adapted to position the station using the motor and/or actuator system in a manner that is synchronized with the imagery being displayed on the screen.