Six DOF Motion Platform Rectangular Truss Redundant Load Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Stewart platforms for six degree of freedom motion in amusement park rides have non-redundant load paths, leading to safety concerns and increased complexity due to the need for high factors of safety and additional structural components, as well as incompatibility with rectangular ride vehicle shapes.
Innovation Solution
A six DOF motion platform system with a rectangular truss configuration using eight linear actuators arranged in four pairs, eliminating non-redundant load paths and allowing for stable operation even if up to two actuators fail, with a controller managing independent and concurrent actuator operation to maintain stability and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional Stewart platform with six linear actuators is used, then six DOF motion is achieved, but non-redundant load paths create safety concerns and require high factors of safety
Solution Approach 1:
The motion platform is divided into multiple independent load paths through the use of eight linear actuators arranged in four pairs, where each actuator pair provides redundant support. This segmentation creates multiple independent load-bearing paths from the base to the motion platform, ensuring that failure of individual actuators does not compromise overall system safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant actuators that serve as pre-positioned backup load paths. In the event of actuator failure, the redundant actuators are already in place to immediately absorb and redistribute the load, preventing catastrophic failure before it occurs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a triangular Stewart platform configuration is used, then six DOF motion is achieved, but it is incompatible with rectangular ride vehicle shapes requiring additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from the traditional symmetric triangular Stewart platform configuration to an asymmetric rectangular arrangement of eight linear actuators. This asymmetric configuration naturally accommodates rectangular ride vehicle shapes, eliminating the need for additional structural base components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If high factors of safety and additional structural components are added to Stewart platforms, then safety is improved, but design and fabrication costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single overloaded structural base with high safety factors, the system segments the load-bearing function across eight independent linear actuators. This distribution of load paths allows each component to be designed with more reasonable safety factors, reducing overall material requirements and fabrication costs while maintaining or improving safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A six degree of freedom (DOF) motion platform system is described that, in contrast to Stewart platforms, is adapted to include redundant load paths or to be without non-redundant load paths. During operation of the six DOF motion platform system, a controller may employ motion control software to provide desired movement of a ride vehicle supported on the upper plate or motion platform of the system. This makes the six DOF motion platform system particularly well suited for use in amusement or theme park rides and similar applications where it is desirable to provide redundant load paths because this reduces significant design constraints and also lowers fabrication and maintenance/operation costs when compared to rides using Stewart platforms. The actuation system used in the motion platform system include four pairs of linear actuators arranged as a rectangular truss instead of a more conventional triangular truss used in six DOF motion platforms.