Rotatable Track Amusement Ride for Compact Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roller coaster rides are expensive to construct, require a large footprint, and are not well-suited for mobile use, limiting their versatility and ability to be easily moved between fairground sites.
Innovation Solution
A compact amusement ride design featuring a support with a rotatable track that allows a carriage to travel along a sinuous, upright path under the influence of gravity, with adjustable rotational axis and braking/drive mechanisms, enabling varying ride experiences while occupying a smaller space and being more cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional roller coaster rides are constructed, then thrilling ride experience is provided, but construction cost and footprint area increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The ride system is divided into separate functional modules: a rotatable track assembly that can be independently positioned and rotated, and a carriage system that travels along the track. This segmentation allows the track to be a compact, self-contained unit with a small footprint, while still providing roller coaster thrills through rotational movement and gravitational forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The track is designed to be rotatable about a vertical axis, transforming the static roller coaster structure into a dynamic system. This rotational capability allows the same physical track to present different orientations and thrill profiles without requiring additional track length or footprint area, thereby maintaining mobility while delivering varied ride experiences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional roller coaster rides are constructed, then thrilling ride experience is provided, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable track assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the ride path, enables rotational movement for thrill variation, and can be repositioned for different site configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function, reducing overall system complexity and construction cost while maintaining mobility capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage is propelled primarily by gravitational forces as it travels along the elevated track, eliminating the need for complex powered propulsion systems. The system uses its own weight and the track's elevation to provide the driving force, significantly reducing construction and operational costs while maintaining the thrilling ride experience.
3Speed
If track rotational speed is increased, then ride excitement increases, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors track rotational speed and carriage position, automatically adjusting the rotation rate to maintain safe operating parameters. This feedback mechanism allows the system to operate at high speeds for thrill when conditions permit, while automatically reducing speed or stopping when safety thresholds are approached, thereby enabling exciting rides while maintaining safety.
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 design provides a roller coaster-like experience with reduced capital costs and footprint, allowing for easy mobility and adaptable ride experiences through controlled rotational speed and axis adjustments, making it suitable for traveling fairs and smaller spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable track which causes acceleration and/or deceleration of the carriage under the force of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A gondola 40 is mounted to move freely along an endless, sinuous track 20. With the track 20 rotating about a horizontal axis, the gondola 40 is raised and, as the track 20 presents a downhill section, the gondola 40 rolls down it under the influence of gravity. The steeper the downhill section, the greater the speed until the gondola 40 reaches its lowermost position (FIG. 1B). Its momentum cause the gondola 40 to carry on travelling along a momentarily uphill section of the track 20. Travel from then on depends on a number of variables, including the rotational speed, direction and acceleration of the track 20, the weight of the gondola 40 and its passengers, the natural damping effect of friction in the mounting of the gondola 40 on the track 20, and any additional braking and/or driving effect that may be applied to the gondola 40. As compared to a conventional rollercoaster, the ride 1 may occupy a very much smaller footprint, incur a much lower capital cost and be readily adaptable to mobile use. By varying the operating parameters, many differing ride experiences may be achieved.