Ride Seat Restraint Bar Locking for Variable Passenger Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement device seat assemblies lack the ability to accommodate passengers of varying sizes effectively, as the fixed locking mechanisms do not provide sufficient flexibility to secure passengers of different sizes securely during rides.
Innovation Solution
The seat assembly incorporates engagement means that can engage and disengage with a bar construction at multiple positions, utilizing a guide and fixation means such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders to allow for variable passenger fixation positions, ensuring secure locking without restricting passenger movement, and optionally using fixation pins for discrete positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed bar construction is used in the seat assembly, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate passengers of varying sizes effectively, leading to inadequate safety and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The bar construction is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable one. The bar can be moved between an access position (allowing passengers to board) and multiple fixation positions (accommodating different passenger sizes). This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to varying passenger dimensions while maintaining structural integrity through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar construction's movement path is segmented into distinct positions along the guide: access position, engagement position, and multiple passenger fixation positions. The locking mechanism segments the continuous movement into discrete lockable positions, allowing the bar to be secured at specific locations tailored to different passenger sizes.
2Reliability
If a single fixed locking position is used, then the locking mechanism is simple, but it provides inadequate safety and comfort for passengers of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism's positioning parameter is made variable. Instead of a single fixed locking position, the mechanism can lock the bar construction at multiple discrete positions along the guide. This parameter change allows the system to provide optimal safety and comfort for passengers of different sizes by selecting the appropriate fixation position.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide acts as an intermediary element that enables the bar construction to move between positions while the locking mechanism provides discrete fixation points. The guide and locking mechanism work together as a coordinated system to achieve both movement capability and secure positioning at multiple locations.
3Ease of operation
If the engagement means engage with the bar construction at a position remote from the passenger, then the passenger has more freedom to move in the seat, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement means are positioned in a spatial arrangement that allows them to engage the bar construction at a location remote from the passenger's body. The guide provides a path that separates the engagement position from the passenger area, enabling the bar to be locked at a distance while maintaining passenger comfort and freedom of movement within the seat.
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 allows for secure fixation of passengers of different sizes at tailored positions, providing a comfortable and safe riding experience by enabling stepless or discrete locking mechanisms, ensuring the bar construction is locked at any desired passenger fixation position, thereby accommodating a range of passenger sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the fixation means comprise a cylinder, such as a hydraulic, pneumatic or gas cylinder
Implementation Method 2
the fixation means comprise a cylinder, such as a hydraulic, pneumatic or gas cylinder
Implementation Method 3
The cylinder is preferably operated by a solenoid valve
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an amusement device seat assembly, comprising a seat and a bar construction, moveable between a access position to a passenger fixation position, in which the passenger is fixed in the seat. The assembly further comprises locking means to lock the bar construction at the passenger fixation position. The locking means comprise engagement means to engage and disengage with the bar construction and a guide for the engagement means allowing the engagement means to assume an engagement position between the access position and the passenger fixation position, and allowing the engagement means and the engaged bar construction to move between the engagement position to the passenger fixation position. The locking means comprise fixation means for fixing the engagement means and the engaged bar construction at multiple passenger fixation positions along the guide to accommodate passengers of different sizes.