Thrust-Vectoring Flow Effect Generator for Amusement Parks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Amusement parks face challenges in providing individualized fluid flow effects to large numbers of guests without incurring high costs or space constraints, especially when using air effects, due to considerations like guest spacing, noise, and equipment availability.
Innovation Solution
A thrust-vectored fluid flow effects system that includes a dynamic display, a location identification system, and an automation controller to direct and control fluid flows, such as air, smoke, or mist, towards specific target locations based on user positions and the status of the display, allowing for personalized experiences without the need for extensive equipment or space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If large fans are used to provide wide area fluid flow effects, then the area of effect is improved, but the noise and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attraction space into multiple zones with individual flow effect generators (e.g., fans, nozzles) positioned at strategic locations. Each generator serves a specific zone rather than one large fan covering the entire area, reducing the noise footprint in any single location while maintaining wide overall coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple small-to-medium sized flow effect generators distributed throughout the attraction, each optimized for its local zone. This allows tailored fluid flow delivery to specific areas where guests are positioned, reducing the need for high-power centralized fans that generate excessive noise.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow effect generators are used to provide individualized effects, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple flow effect generators that can deliver various fluid flow effects (air blasts, mist, fog, steam) using similar underlying technology platforms. This multi-functional approach allows individualized guest experiences through a unified equipment family, reducing complexity compared to having separate specialized systems for each effect type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamically controllable flow effect generators with adjustable parameters (flow rate, direction, temperature, phase) that can adapt to real-time guest positions and attraction narrative requirements. This dynamic capability provides individualized experiences without requiring static, overly complex equipment configurations.
3Manufacturing precision
If fluid flow effects are directed at specific target locations, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensors (cameras, LIDAR, RFID) that continuously monitor guest positions and feed this data to the control system. The automation controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the targeting and parameters of flow effect generators, achieving precise fluid flow delivery to specific guest locations without requiring overly complex manual positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical positioning and aiming mechanisms with automated electronic control and sensor-based targeting. Software algorithms calculate optimal target locations based on guest positions, and electronically controlled actuators adjust generator orientation and flow direction, simplifying the overall device complexity while improving targeting precision.
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
The system enables individualized and immersive fluid flow effects for guests, enhancing entertainment value while minimizing costs and space requirements, by precisely directing fluid flows based on user location and display content, thus providing a customized experience for each guest.
Implementation Method 1
a thrust-vectoring flow effect generator configured to generate and direct a fluid flow toward any particular target location of a range of target locations within the attraction
Data Source
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AI summary
An amusement park attraction effects system includes a dynamic display (120) for viewing by a user (118) traveling through an attraction, a display monitor (108) to provide status data indicative of a status of the dynamic display (120), a location identification system to determine a location of the user (118), a thrust-vectoring flow effect generator (112) to generate and direct a fluid flow toward any particular target location of a range of target locations, and an automation controller (116) communicatively coupled to the display monitor (108), the location identification system, and the thrust-vectoring flow effect generator (112). The automation controller (116) is configured to receive the status data, receive the location of the user (118), set a target location based on the location of the user (118), instruct the thrust- vectoring flow effect generator (112) to direct the fluid flow based on the target location, and instruct the thrust-vectoring flow effect generator (112) to control the fluid flow based on the status data.