Rotational Lockage Mechanism for Rollercoaster Seat Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rollercoaster vehicle designs with slewing rings are not suitable for maintaining the vehicle body stationary at a predetermined angular position, leading to vibrations and frequent maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A rotational coupling system with a driven slewing ring and a lockage mechanism, featuring a toothed engagement between a coupling ring and a lock element, using a spring and electromagnet for secure locking and unlocking, allowing the passenger seat to be held at a fixed angular position with reduced vibrations and low maintenance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slewing ring is used to enable rotation of the passenger seat, then the seat can rotate freely, but the vehicle body cannot be maintained stationary at a predetermined angular position and vibrations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two states: a rotational state where the electromagnet is de-energized allowing free rotation of the passenger seat, and a stationary state where the electromagnet is energized to lock the seat at a predetermined angular position. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by providing both rotational freedom and stationary stability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with an electromagnetic locking system. The electromagnet generates magnetic force to hold the locking element against the toothed coupling ring, eliminating the need for complex mechanical latches or brakes while achieving stable stationary positioning.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional mechanical locking mechanism is used to hold the vehicle body stationary, then the stationary position can be maintained, but the structure becomes complex and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a simplified electromagnetic locking system. The electromagnet, locking element, and spring assembly provide a compact design with fewer moving parts, reducing structural complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining stable stationary positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking element automatically engages with the toothed coupling ring when the electromagnet is de-energized, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. This self-service feature reduces system complexity and improves reliability.
3Reliability
If a mechanical locking mechanism with many moving parts is used, then the locking function can be achieved, but the maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic locking system eliminates numerous mechanical moving parts such as gears, levers, and springs found in traditional mechanical locks. The electromagnet and simple locking element design reduces wear and tear, thereby decreasing maintenance frequency while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate mechanical components from the locking system. By using a direct electromagnetic actuation mechanism with a simple locking element, the design removes multiple transmission stages that would require maintenance, resulting in a more reliable and low-maintenance system.
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 solution provides a stable, low-maintenance rotational locking system that eliminates play and vibrations, enhancing passenger comfort and reducing maintenance needs, while ensuring safety by maintaining the seat's position even in case of electrical breakdowns.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element is pushed by a spring
Implementation Method 2
The locking element is attracted by an electromagnet
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Amusement device 100 comprising a substructure 20 with a passenger seat 21, which is rotatable relative to a main structure 10 by a bearing 32 and a coupling 30. The coupling has a coupling ring 31 and a coupling actuator 37 for driving the substructure 20 about a coupling axis C-C. The coupling ring has an end face 314 which is toothed to engage with a toothed end face of a lock element 41 of a lockage 40 for rotationally locking the coupling ring 31 with respect to the main structure 10. The lock element 41 is axially movable and rotationally constrained with respect to an lockage actuator 43. A spring 431 and electromagnet 432 respectively serve for axially moving the lock element. During a normal ride, the lockage is open and all kind of rotations are possible, but in case of an interference the lockage engages for safety.