Virtual Train Ride Control for Synchronized Vehicle Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement park ride control systems are inefficient, costly to maintain, and difficult to implement, as they rely on traditional feedback-based control methods that limit the freedom of movement and synchronization of ride vehicles along a path.
Innovation Solution
A ride control system that synchronizes separate groups of unconnected ride vehicles, or 'virtual trains,' using a central controller and schedules with expected positions and timestamps, allowing for adjustments in speed and position to maintain predetermined distance ranges and enable complex special effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional feedback-based control methods are used to control ride vehicles, then vehicle spacing can be maintained, but the system becomes difficult to implement, inefficient to operate, and costly to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the train into multiple independent ride vehicles, each with its own controller that operates autonomously based on schedule information. Each vehicle controller independently determines its own speed and position adjustments without requiring continuous communication with other vehicles or a central controller, thereby simplifying the overall control system while maintaining reliable spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and assigns schedules to each ride vehicle before the train departs. These schedules contain predetermined speed and position information that guide each vehicle's operation throughout the ride. By performing the control planning in advance rather than relying on real-time feedback adjustments, the system reduces operational complexity and maintenance requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ride vehicles are physically connected as traditional trains, then synchronization is easier to maintain, but the freedom of movement and ability to perform complex special effects are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical coupling between train cars with an information-based control system. Each ride vehicle controller receives and executes schedule information independently, substituting physical connections with digital communication and autonomous decision-making. This allows vehicles to move independently while maintaining synchronization, enabling complex special effects that would be impossible with rigid mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
Each ride vehicle controller autonomously determines its own speed and position adjustments based on the assigned schedule, without requiring direct control from other vehicles or a central system. This self-service approach allows each vehicle to maintain its designated position within the train while preserving the freedom to perform independent special effects maneuvers.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time feedback control is implemented to adjust vehicle positions, then spacing accuracy is improved, but system efficiency decreases and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates optimal speed and position profiles for each vehicle in the schedule before operation begins. These predetermined schedules ensure that vehicles will maintain accurate spacing throughout the ride without requiring real-time feedback adjustments. By performing the control planning in advance, the system achieves position accuracy while maximizing operational efficiency and minimizing maintenance needs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ride control system (12) includes a central controller (22) configured to synchronize movements of separate groups of ride vehicles (52) along a path (20). Each of the separate groups of ride vehicles (52) includes multiple individual ride vehicles (16) unconnected to one another and forming a virtual train (52). Each virtual train (52) is assigned one or more schedules having multiple expected positions along the path (20) and multiple expected timestamps. Each of the expected timestamps of the multiple expected timestamps are associated with respective expected positions of the multiple expected positions. The ride control system (12) also includes multiple vehicle controllers (33). Each vehicle controller (33) of the multiple vehicle controllers (33) is communicatively coupled to a respective individual ride vehicle (16) of the multiple individual ride vehicles (16). Each vehicle controller (33) is configured to control a speed of the respective individual ride vehicle (16) along the path (20) based at least on the one or more schedules.