Amusement Slide Contact Surface Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indoor amusement slides often lack sufficient ceiling height and current surfaces have a high friction coefficient, making it difficult to achieve the necessary exit velocity without lubricants, which affects the thrill factor, operational efficiency, and safety.
Innovation Solution
A slide-sled configuration with a functional contact material having perpendicular extensions on the sled and slide surface, made from materials like nylon, Teflon, or metals, to reduce the drag coefficient, allowing for a smoother and faster sliding experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional slide surfaces are used, then the slide structure is simple, but the friction coefficient is high requiring greater height and angle to achieve desired exit velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the contact surfaces by using Teflon-coated surfaces on both the slide and sled, which fundamentally alters the friction coefficient. This material parameter change enables the same exit velocity to be achieved with a shorter, lower-angle slide configuration compared to traditional surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction with Teflon coating applied to both the slide surface and sled contact surface. This composite approach creates a low-friction interface that reduces the gravitational component needed to achieve target velocities, thereby reducing the required slide height and angle.
2Speed
If traditional high-friction surfaces are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but lubricants are required to achieve desired sliding performance
Solution Approach 1:
The Teflon-coated surfaces provide self-lubricating properties, meaning the low-friction characteristic is inherent to the material itself rather than requiring external lubricants. The surfaces maintain their low-friction performance through their material composition alone, eliminating the need for additional lubrication systems or maintenance.
3Speed
If higher slide height and angle are used to overcome friction, then exit velocity is achieved, but the thrill factor and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the friction parameter through Teflon coating, the patent enables a different operational parameter set: lower slide angles and reduced heights can produce the same exit velocities. This creates a safer ride profile with less gravitational force required, reducing the intensity while maintaining performance targets.
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 configuration reduces the required height and angle of the slide to achieve desired speed, enhancing the thrill factor, operational efficiency, and safety by minimizing friction and preventing accidents.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention provides a consistent and predictable experience for users. The invention lowers the drag coefficient when sliding therefore lowering the necessary height of the slide to achieve the desired speed.
Data Source
AI summary
An amusement slide member with a rider sled that has a contact surface comprised of protrusions perpendicular to the sled bottom. This contact surface in combination with a low coefficient of friction slide surface makes for a low coefficient of friction between the rider sled and the slide.