Vertical Motion Drive System for Ride Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional amusement park-style rides using only tracks to define the ride path limit thrill and excitement, and struggle to control vertical motion of ride vehicles, resulting in undesirable loads on tracks and components.
Innovation Solution
A motion drive system with upward and downward drive pulley systems, coupled to a platform assembly, allows for controlled vertical motion of ride vehicles, enabling exposure to entertainment shows on different levels and reducing unwanted loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tracks are used to define the ride path, then the ride vehicle can follow a defined path, but vertical motion control is unfeasible and undesirable loads are generated on tracks and components
Solution Approach 1:
A platform assembly is introduced as an intermediary between the track-based ride vehicle and the vertical motion drive system. The platform receives the ride vehicle from the track, provides controlled vertical motion through pulley systems, and can return the vehicle to the track. This mediator enables vertical motion control without directly loading the track system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ride system is segmented into distinct functional zones: track-based horizontal transport, platform-based vertical motion, and entertainment show areas. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate independently with optimized characteristics - tracks for stable horizontal movement, platforms for controlled vertical movement, eliminating the conflict between track constraints and vertical motion requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If only tracks are used to define the ride path, then the ride system is simpler, but the thrill and excitement experienced by passengers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The platform assembly serves multiple functions: it receives ride vehicles from tracks, provides controlled vertical motion, positions vehicles for entertainment shows, and can return vehicles to tracks. This multi-functionality enhances ride experience variety without proportionally increasing system complexity, as a single platform module handles diverse operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional track-based horizontal motion to three-dimensional motion by adding vertical capability through the platform and pulley systems. This dimensional expansion enables access to entertainment shows at different elevations and creates more varied ride experiences without fundamentally complicating the underlying transport mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vertical motion is controlled to enhance ride experience, then passenger excitement increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulley systems are designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing vertical motion to be activated, deactivated, or adjusted based on ride requirements. The clutch mechanisms enable selective engagement of upward or downward drive systems, providing dynamic vertical motion control that enhances excitement only when needed rather than operating continuously, thereby managing system complexity through conditional activation.
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
Enhances the ride experience by providing flexible and controlled vertical motion, reducing unwanted loads and allowing seamless transitions between ride paths, while maintaining a thrilling experience for passengers.
Implementation Method 1
an upward drive pulley system that upwardly drives motion of the platform assembly
Implementation Method 2
upward drive pulley system that upwardly drives motion of the platform assembly along a vertical axis
Implementation Method 3
a downward drive pulley system that downwardly drives motion of the platform assembly
Implementation Method 4
downward drive pulley system that downwardly drives motion of the platform assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A ride system (10) includes a platform assembly (32) that receives a ride vehicle (20) for transporting a ride passenger (22), an upward drive pulley system (36), and a downward drive pulley system (38). The upward drive pulley system (36) is drivingly coupled to the platform assembly (32) and upwardly drives motion of the platform assembly (32) along a vertical axis (94) oriented along a gravity vector. The downward drive pulley system (38) is drivingly coupled to the platform assembly (32) and downwardly drives motion of the platform assembly (32) along the vertical axis (94). Additionally, upwardly and downwardly driving motion of the platform assembly (32) exposes the ride passenger (22) to a plurality of entertainment shows (40), and the entertainment shows (40) are positioned on a different vertical level with respect to one another.