Shotgun Gate Control via Row Status Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shotgun gate systems in theme park ride attractions cannot independently control the opening and closing of gates corresponding to out-of-service rows, leading to potential passenger access issues when ride operators or technicians fail to monitor and prevent entry into such rows.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that identifies the status of ride vehicle rows as in-service or out-of-service and instructs shotgun gates to open or remain closed independently, preventing passengers from accessing out-of-service rows by communicating with ride vehicle identifiers and sensor systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If shotgun gate system operates with all gates actuated to open at the same time, then gate operation simplicity is improved, but passenger safety is worsened due to inability to prevent access to out-of-service rows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shotgun gate system into independently controllable gates, where each gate can be controlled individually based on the service status of its corresponding row. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity while enabling selective access control to prevent passengers from entering out-of-service rows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control where gate status changes based on real-time ride vehicle service status. Gates can transition between open and closed states independently, allowing the system to adapt to changing operational conditions and maintain safety without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Device complexity
If manual monitoring by ride operators is required to prevent passenger access to out-of-service rows, then system complexity is reduced, but labor requirements and operational errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the gate system automatically responds to ride vehicle service status changes. The system monitors and controls gate positions autonomously based on pre-programmed logic, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring and reducing operational errors while maintaining appropriate system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the gate control system receives real-time information about ride vehicle service status and automatically adjusts gate positions accordingly. This feedback loop ensures operational efficiency by preventing access to out-of-service rows without requiring constant human intervention.
3Reliability
If individual gates are controlled independently based on row service status, then passenger safety is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal control approach where a single control system manages multiple gates based on their corresponding row service statuses. This multi-functional system handles both safety control and operational coordination through integrated logic, improving safety while keeping overall system complexity manageable through standardized control protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling movement of a shotgun gate in a ride system. A system is configured to identify one or more ride vehicles stopped at a platform, the platform including one or more shotgun gates respectively corresponding to one or more rows of the one or more ride vehicles, determine which row(s) of the one or more rows is in-service or out-of-service based on an identity of the one or more ride vehicles, instruct to remain closed at least one shotgun gate of the one or more shotgun gates corresponding to at least one row of the one or more rows determined to be out-of-service, and instruct to open any other shotgun gate of the one or more shotgun gates corresponding to at least one other row of the one or more rows determined to be in-service.