Robotic Arm Transfer of Passenger Compartments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transferring passenger compartments between different ride systems in an amusement park is challenging due to the need for coordination between mechanical and computing devices, which consumes significant resources and disrupts the ride experience.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing a robotic arm to transfer passenger compartments between ride systems, with connectors that enable quick and secure connections and disconnections, allowing for efficient transfer of electrical power, pneumatic power, and communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual transfer methods are used for passenger compartments between ride systems, then operational flexibility is maintained, but transfer time increases and resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidtransfer time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical transfer operations with an automated robotic arm system. The robotic arm mechanically grasps, lifts, and positions passenger compartments between ride systems, eliminating the need for manual handling and significantly reducing transfer time while increasing transfer speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic arm acts as an intermediary device between different ride systems, enabling the transfer of passenger compartments without direct mechanical coupling between the ride systems themselves. This intermediary mechanism facilitates efficient transfers while maintaining operational independence of each ride system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ride systems share passenger compartments, then resource utilization improves, but coordination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidcoordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arm system provides a universal interface that can transfer passenger compartments between multiple different ride systems. The standardized gripping mechanism and control system enable the same robotic unit to serve multiple ride systems, increasing adaptability and versatility while managing coordination through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If robotic arm transfer system is implemented, then transfer efficiency improves, but initial resource investment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arm system is pre-configured with gripping mechanisms, positioning systems, and control algorithms before deployment. This preliminary preparation enables immediate efficient operation upon activation, ensuring that the resource investment translates directly into sustained transfer efficiency gains without ongoing operational overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250177875A1Systems and methods for transferring a passenger compartment between ride systems using robotic tool changers

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC

AI summary

A system may include a passenger compartment comprising a first compartment connector and a second compartment connector. The second compartment connector is configured to engage with a first support structure connector of a first support structure. The system may include an arm member configured to be engaged with the first compartment connector of the passenger compartment. The system may include a controller in communication with the arm member. The arm member, upon direction from the controller, is engageable with the first compartment connector, and, when the second compartment connector is uncoupled from the first support structure connector, the arm member is configured to position the passenger compartment adjacent to a second support structure having a second support structure connector. The second compartment connector is configured to engage the second support structure connector.