Torus-Shaped Inflatable Sliding Carrier with Adjustable Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current amusement devices for snow and water sliding are heavy, cumbersome, costly, and have complex designs that require extensive maintenance, lacking a simple and adjustable rotation control mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, monolithic snow and water sliding carrier with a torus-shaped body, integral seats, and threaded nipples that allow for adjustable rotation by varying the friction on the sliding surface, using a combination of flexible and rigid portions and ergonomic seat design for comfort and grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional multi-component designs are used for snow and water sliding carriers, then the device provides sufficient structural strength and flotation, but the device becomes heavy, cumbersome, and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (hull, flotation bumper, seats, and structural supports) into a single integrated inflatable structure. The carrier body itself serves as both the structural framework and flotation device, eliminating the need for separate flotation chambers and structural supports, thereby reducing weight while maintaining strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an inflatable carrier body made from flexible material that provides both structural support and flotation through air pressure. This flexible shell design replaces heavy rigid structures while maintaining the necessary strength to support riders and resist water/snow pressure
2Strength
If traditional multi-component designs are used for snow and water sliding carriers, then the device provides sufficient structural strength and flotation, but the device becomes costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (hull, flotation bumper, seats, and structural supports) into a single integrated inflatable structure. The carrier body itself serves as both the structural framework and flotation device, eliminating the need for separate flotation chambers and structural supports, thereby reducing weight while maintaining strength
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable carrier body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, flotation, seating support, and rotational control. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs
3Device complexity
If traditional designs without rotation control are used, then the device is simple in design, but the device lacks control over rotation during sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service rotation control system where riders can adjust the rotation rate by simply shifting their body weight or position within the carrier. The weighted distribution on the inflatable surface automatically creates the desired rotational moment, eliminating the need for complex mechanical rotation control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the carrier body to an inflatable structure, which allows for adjustable rotation control through rider positioning. The flexible inflatable surface responds to weight distribution changes, enabling dynamic control of rotation rate without mechanical components
4Reliability
If traditional designs with extensive components are used, then the device may provide adequate functionality, but the device requires extensive maintenance and may be unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (hull, flotation bumper, seats, and structural supports) into a single integrated inflatable structure. The carrier body itself serves as both the structural framework and flotation device, eliminating the need for separate flotation chambers and structural supports, thereby reducing weight while maintaining strength
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable carrier body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, flotation, seating support, and rotational control. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs
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 solution provides an economical, lightweight, and reliable sliding device with fewer components, enabling easy adjustment of rotation speed and improved user comfort, reducing maintenance needs and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom member extends beyond the floor member and is co-joined with the outside wall, and includes a plurality of threaded receptacles adapted to receive respective threaded nipples, wherein each threaded nipple is adapted to be threaded into a respective receptacle in varying amounts, such that a predetermined rotation of the sliding carrier is induced and controlled
Data Source
AI summary
A snow and water sliding carrier for amusement center has a body having a general shape of a torus having a central opening, a floor member that closes the central opening, and has an opposite side defining a bottom member, such that the floor member is concave and the bottom member is convex. The bottom member extends beyond the floor member and is co-joined with the outside wall, and includes a plurality of threaded receptacles adapted to receive respective threaded nipples, wherein each threaded nipple is adapted to be threaded into a respective receptacle in varying amounts, such that a predetermined rotation of the sliding carrier is induced and controlled.