Safety Bar Locking with Magnetorheological Fluid to Prevent Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger absorption systems in amusement rides face issues with mechanical locks that are prone to wear and leakage, leading to increased maintenance needs and additional weight, which in turn requires more energy to accelerate the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a safety bar with a magnetorheological liquid-based locking device, which includes a fluid channel, a movable blocking link, and a magnetic device. The magnetic device polarizes the magnetorheological liquid, increasing its viscosity and effectively blocking the safety bar, even under high pressure differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical locks are used for safety bars, then the locking function is achieved, but wear and tear increases and maintenance costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical locking system with a magnetorheological fluid-based locking mechanism. The fluid channel is filled with magnetorheological fluid that can change its viscosity in response to magnetic fields, eliminating mechanical contact and wear between locking components while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the ability of magnetorheological fluid to change its viscosity parameter in response to magnetic field strength. By applying a magnetic field, the fluid transitions from a low-viscosity state (allowing movement) to a high-viscosity state (providing locking), enabling reliable locking without mechanical wear.
2Reliability
If mechanical locks are used for safety bars, then the locking function is achieved, but leakage occurs and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical locking components that are prone to leakage with a magnetorheological fluid system contained in a sealed fluid channel. The fluid is held in place by magnetic fields rather than mechanical seals, eliminating the leakage problem associated with traditional mechanical and hydraulic locking systems.
3Force
If conventional hydraulic valves are used in locking devices, then actuating force is provided, but valve leakage occurs at high pressure differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates conventional hydraulic valves by using magnetorheological fluid properties. The fluid's viscosity change in response to magnetic fields provides the necessary actuating force without requiring mechanical valves that are susceptible to leakage at high pressure differences.
4Reliability
If magnetic field lines traverse the channel section, then the magnetorheological fluid viscosity increases and the channel is blocked, but the safety bar cannot be moved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic magnetic field control system that can switch between two states: a first state where magnetic field lines traverse the channel section to increase fluid viscosity and block the channel for reliable locking, and a second state where the magnetic field is deactivated or redirected to allow the fluid to return to low viscosity, enabling safety bar movement.
5Ease of repair
If the locking device uses magnetorheological fluid and magnetic device, then wear and leakage are eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inherent properties of magnetorheological fluid that can change viscosity based on magnetic field application. This parameter change capability allows a single fluid-based component to perform the locking function that would otherwise require multiple mechanical parts, ultimately simplifying the overall device structure despite the introduction of magnetic actuation systems.
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
This solution provides a locking mechanism that is resistant to wear and leakage, reducing maintenance needs and eliminating the additional weight associated with mechanical locks, while maintaining effective safety during ride operations.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid channel (10) with a magnetorheological liquid (11), a movable blocking member (40) and a magnetic device (30), wherein the blocking member (40) forces the liquid (11) through the fluid channel (10) during a movement
Implementation Method 2
the magnetorheological liquid (11) is polarized in the magnetic field of the magnetic device (30), whereby the particles of the magnetorheological liquid (11) are aligned or polarized in the magnetic field of the magnetic device (30) along the field lines
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking device (1) for a safety bar (8), comprising a fluid channel (10) having a magneto-rheological fluid (11), a moveable locking element (40) and a magnet device (30), wherein the locking element (40) is coupled to the safety bar (8) and forces the fluid (11) through the fluid channel (10) when the safety bar (8) moves, wherein the fluid channel (10) has at least one channel portion (20), and wherein the magnet device (30) is arranged at least on opposing sidewalls (21) of the channel portion (20) in such a manner that the field lines (31) of the magnetic field from the magnet device (30) can pass through the channel portion (20). The present invention further relates to a passenger accommodation having a safety bar (8) and a locking device (1) and an amusement ride having a locking device (1) according to the invention.