Rotatable Guide Way Switch for Rapid Track Direction Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track switching systems are limited in their ability to facilitate rapid switching between track segments, particularly in applications like amusement parks where quick changes in direction for multiple vehicles are required, due to restricted angular range and lengthy switching times.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising primary and secondary guide ways with rotatable switch members that can be sequentially unlocked, rotated, and relocked to switch between track segments within a short period, utilizing a pivot actuator and locking mechanisms to enable fast and efficient direction changes for vehicles with multiple ground engaging portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a reciprocal track switch is used to switch between track segments, then the switching mechanism is simple, but the switching time is lengthy (on the order of eleven seconds)
Solution Approach 1:
The track switch is divided into multiple independent segments (first track segment, second track segment, third track segment) that can be switched independently. Each segment has its own guide way and switching mechanism, allowing parallel operation and reducing overall switching time from eleven seconds to approximately two seconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching mechanisms where guide ways can be rapidly repositioned between different track segments. The system transitions from static track configurations to dynamic, rapidly reconfigurable track segments, enabling switching times to be reduced from eleven seconds to approximately two seconds through controlled movement of guide ways.
2Device complexity
If a reciprocal track switch is used, then the structure is straightforward, but the range of angle between track segments is limited thus preventing use for track crossings
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is segmented into multiple independent track segments (first, second, third track segments) that can be independently positioned and angled. This segmentation allows each segment to be oriented at different angles, enabling track crossings and complex routing patterns that were impossible with the limited angular range of traditional reciprocal switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide way system is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of connecting to multiple different track segments at various angles. The guide ways can serve multiple functions by rapidly repositioning to connect different track segments, enabling both straight-through routing and track crossings within the same system.
3Strength
If large masses of steel track are moved to switch track segments, then the switching mechanism is robust, but the switching duration is lengthy (more than twice the distance of the vehicle's pathway)
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving large masses of steel track as a single unit, the system segments the track into lighter, independently movable sections. Each guide way segment can be moved separately and more quickly, reducing the switching duration from more than twice the vehicle's pathway distance to approximately two seconds while maintaining structural robustness through the segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from moving large, heavy steel track masses to dynamically repositioning lighter guide way segments. This dynamic approach allows for rapid switching by moving only the necessary guide way components rather than entire track sections, significantly reducing switching time while maintaining system robustness through controlled movement and precise positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for sequentially switching a plurality of guide ways to accommodate at least one vehicle with a plurality of ground engaging portions following a plurality of plural track segments is provided. The system includes a primary guide (10) way to receive at least one of the plurality of ground engaging portions of the at least one vehicle and a secondary guide way (17, 18) located in proximity to the primary guide way. The secondary guide way may be configured to receive another of the plurality of ground engaging portions of the at least one vehicle. The system may also include a controller (300) configured to sequentially switch the primary guide way and the secondary guide way whereby the at least one vehicle may travel in one direction or in another direction.