Underwater Ride Pneumatic Propulsion via Bubble Uplift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Theme parks lack innovative attractions that provide a unique underwater experience, with existing rides often being variations of current attractions rather than truly new concepts.

Innovation Solution

An underwater park ride system featuring a track with embedded air registers and an air-driven engine that utilizes the uplift force of bubbles to propel underwater vehicles, offering a realistic underwater experience with themed features and a self-contained air supply for guest safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical conveyor systems are used for theme park rides, then the ride operation is reliable and easy to control, but the ride lacks novelty and does not provide a unique underwater experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniqueness of underwater experienceVSAvoidcomplexity of air-driven propulsion system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pneumatic propulsion by using compressed air bubbles generated from air registers embedded in the track to propel the underwater vehicle forward. The air-driven engine collects these discharged compressed air bubbles to create thrust, replacing traditional mechanical conveyor systems with a pneumatic propulsion mechanism that enables novel underwater ride experiences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical conveyor systems with an air-driven propulsion system. Instead of using mechanical belts, chains, or gears to move the vehicle, the system uses compressed air bubbles to generate thrust through the air-driven engine, substituting mechanical transmission with pneumatic propulsion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an air-driven engine utilizing bubble uplift force is used to propel the underwater vehicle, then the ride provides a novel underwater experience, but the propulsion mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenovelty of underwater propulsionVSAvoidcomplexity of air register and engine system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses embedded air registers along the track that discharge compressed air bubbles upward. The air-driven engine positioned beneath the vehicle collects these rising bubbles and converts their upward momentum into forward propulsion thrust, creating a pneumatic propulsion system that is both novel and integrated into the track structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

Compressed air bubbles serve as an intermediary medium between the air registers in the track and the air-driven engine in the vehicle. The bubbles transfer energy from the track infrastructure to the propulsion system, enabling power transmission through a fluid intermediary rather than direct mechanical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a self-contained air supply system is provided for guest safety, then guest safety is improved, but the vehicle structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguest safety through air supplyVSAvoidcomplexity of air supply system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air-driven engine serves multiple functions: it propels the vehicle forward by utilizing bubble uplift force, and simultaneously provides a self-contained air supply to the passenger compartment. This multi-functional design integrates propulsion and life support systems, reducing overall system complexity while improving guest safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The air-driven engine utilizes the same compressed air bubbles that propel the vehicle to also supply breathable air to passengers. The system serves itself by using the propulsion medium (compressed air) to also fulfill the life support function, eliminating the need for separate air supply tanks or systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 provides a novel and engaging underwater driving experience, simulating environments like the Lost City of Atlantis or natural reefs, while ensuring guest safety with a continuous air supply and emergency backup, differentiating it from traditional mechanical conveyor systems.

Implementation Method 1

an air driven engine that is configured to collect the discharged compressed air in a manner that utilizes the uplift force of bubbles to propels the underwater vehicle along the track

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS10881972B2Underwater park ride system

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 SUB SEA SYST

AI summary

The disclosure is directed to an underwater park ride system that includes a track having a plurality of air registers embedded within the track for discharging compressed air. The underwater park ride system further includes an underwater vehicle having an air engine that is configured to collect the discharged compressed air in a manner that propels the underwater vehicle along the track.