Swing Ride Gondola Mass Shifting Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement ride attractions with control mechanisms that manipulate a vertical surface, such as a rudder, are perceived as clumsy by passengers due to their manipulation requirements.
Innovation Solution
The attraction employs control means that move a mass in a radial direction relative to the mast, either by moving the gondola itself or an additional mass on the gondola, altering the subframe's path under gravity, eliminating the need for wind force or air resistance and allowing passengers to control their experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vertical surface such as a rudder is used for control, then the attraction can function with wind force, but the manipulation is perceived as clumsy by passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional aerodynamic control system (vertical surface/rudder catching wind) with a gravitational control system (moving mass radially to shift center of gravity). This substitution eliminates the need for complex aerodynamic surfaces and their manipulation mechanisms, providing a simpler and more intuitive control system that passengers can operate easily.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental control parameter from aerodynamic surface area and orientation to radial mass position. By moving mass radially outward or inward, the center of gravity shifts, naturally altering the swing path and direction under gravity's influence. This parameter change simplifies the control mechanism while maintaining effective attraction control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the swinging range is increased by enlarging the vertical surface, then the control effectiveness improves, but the manipulation becomes even more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves increased swinging range not by enlarging control surfaces but by adjusting the radial position of movable mass. The mass can be positioned at different radial distances from the mast, creating varying moments about the pivot point and enabling a wide range of swing amplitudes and paths without requiring larger or more complex control surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable mass position system where the movable mass can be repositioned radially during operation. This dynamic adjustment allows real-time modification of the center of gravity location, enabling flexible control of swing characteristics and range without the need for fixed, oversized control surfaces.
3Reliability
If wind force is used to control the attraction, then the control mechanism can function, but it requires air resistance which limits control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wind-dependent aerodynamic control system with a gravity-based system using movable mass. This substitution provides more reliable and precise control because it depends on the predictable and consistent force of gravity rather than variable wind conditions. The gravitational force acts reliably regardless of weather, providing consistent and measurable control effects.
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 increases the swinging range without complicating manipulation and allows subframes to swing independently of the base frame rotation, providing a more intuitive and varied ride experience.
Implementation Method 1
By moving the centre of gravity, the path of the subframe around the mast will change under the influence of gravity
Implementation Method 2
the subframes with gondolas swing upon rotation of the base frame under the influence of the centrifugal force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an attraction (1) for amusement rides, such as a fairground attraction or an amusement park attraction, comprising a mast (10), a base frame (13), which is rotatably attached to the mast and which extends radially from the mast, means for rotating the base frame, a plurality of subframes (20), each comprising a stiff connecting arm to which a gondola with one or more passenger seats is attached. The subframes (20) are circumferentially distributed, each pivotably suspended by means of the connecting arm on the base frame (13), such that the subframes with gondolas swing upon rotation of the base frame under the influence of the centrifugal force. The attraction is further provided with control means for controlling the swing of the subframes with gondolas relative to the base frame, which control means are arranged to move the centre of gravity of the subframe (20) relative to the base frame (13).