Transverse Rail Switching Element for Amusement Park Rides
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a safe and thrilling mechanism to switch a rail vehicle from a first track to a transversely removed second track in amusement park rides, enhancing the entertainment experience while maintaining safety.
Innovation Solution
A transverse rail switching element that includes an entry track section, a vehicle shuttle with braking means, a transverse track section with secondary braking and propulsion means, and an exit track section, allowing the rail vehicle to be decelerated, translated, and accelerated through a transverse movement between the tracks using a combination of mechanical and magnetic braking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional track switching mechanism is used, then the rail vehicle can be switched from one track to another, but the switching process is boring and lacks thrill for riders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the vehicle shuttle movable along the transverse track section, allowing it to dynamically shift between first and second positions to switch the rail vehicle between different track sections. This dynamic positioning capability enables thrilling lateral movements while maintaining safe operational control through braking mechanisms.
2Speed
If the vehicle shuttle moves quickly for thrill, then the ride experience is enhanced, but safety control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating braking means on the vehicle shuttle that can be activated before or during the vehicle's movement to prevent excessive speed. The braking system provides counter-action to the propulsion force, ensuring that even when the shuttle moves quickly for thrill, safety control is maintained through pre-positioned braking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the braking control system that responds to the vehicle shuttle's motion state. The braking means can be activated based on the shuttle's position and speed, providing real-time feedback control to maintain safe operating parameters while allowing thrilling movement when appropriate.
3Reliability
If multiple braking systems are used for safety, then rider safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the braking means directly onto the vehicle shuttle, integrating the safety function into the moving component itself. This consolidation reduces the need for separate braking systems on the track, thereby maintaining rider safety while reducing overall device complexity compared to having independent braking mechanisms distributed throughout the track structure.
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
Enables a safe and thrilling experience by smoothly transitioning the rail vehicle between tracks, ensuring rider safety and enhancing the ride experience through controlled deceleration and propulsion mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
braking means for decelerating the rail vehicle as the rail vehicle moves from the entry rail section to the at least one longitudinally extending intermediary rail of the vehicle shuttle
Implementation Method 2
transverse track section having secondary braking means for decelerating the vehicle shuttle as it moves from the first position to the transversely removed second position
Implementation Method 3
primary propulsion means adapted to translate the rail vehicle from the vehicle shuttle to the at least one exit track section when the vehicle shuttle is in the transversely removed second position
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment the present invention provides a transverse rail switching element for switching a rail vehicle from a first position to a transversely removed second position in a thrilling manner, having an entry track section, a vehicle shuttle adapted to receive a rail vehicle from the entry track section at the first position, a transverse track section extending from the first position to the transversely removed second position, at least one exit track section, primary propulsion means adapted to translate the rail vehicle from the vehicle shuttle to the at least one exit track section when the vehicle shuttle is in the transversely removed second position.