Segmented Moving Walkway for Non-Flat Ride Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Amusement park ride vehicles with non-flat surfaces create gaps between the vehicle and loading platforms, making it difficult for guests and staff to enter or exit, as existing moving platforms do not effectively conform to the vehicle's shape.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable assembly with extendable and retractable walking segments that conform to the surface of the ride vehicle, activated by a controller to maintain contact and reduce gaps during loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a moving platform is used to facilitate loading and unloading from vehicles, then guest access is improved, but gaps form between the platform and vehicle due to non-flat vehicle surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into multiple independently controllable segments that can be adjusted individually to conform to the vehicle's non-flat surface, eliminating gaps while maintaining guest access facilitation
Solution Approach 2:
The platform segments are made dynamically adjustable during operation, allowing the platform to adapt its shape to match the vehicle's surface contours in real-time, resolving the contact issue while preserving ease of operation
2Reliability
If the platform edge is positioned to contact the vehicle, then guest safety is improved, but the platform cannot accommodate vehicles with non-flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The platform edge is segmented into multiple adjustable sections that can independently contact different parts of the vehicle surface, ensuring safety contact is maintained while adapting to various vehicle geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The platform segments can change their position and orientation parameters to match the vehicle's surface characteristics, maintaining reliable contact for safety while accommodating diverse vehicle designs
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a system includes a plurality of extension modules (80) coupled to a movable circuit (42), where each extension module (80) of the plurality of extension modules (80) contain a respective walking segment (44). Each extension module (80) of the plurality of extension modules (80) is also configured to extend the respective walking segment (44) away from the movable circuit (42). The system also includes a controller (100) configured to activate a set of extension modules (80) of the plurality of extension modules (80) to adjust a position of corresponding walking segments (44) based on a position of a vehicle (10), where the corresponding walking segments (44) are configured to substantially abut a surface (18) of the vehicle (10) to facilitate loading and unloading of passengers from the vehicle (10).