Wireless Passive Ride Restraint Locking Without Onboard Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement park ride restraint systems often require a power source to lock and unlock, which can be difficult and costly to integrate into existing or new ride vehicles, especially those without a built-in power source.
Innovation Solution
A passive restraint system using a wireless locking mechanism that is activated and deactivated via electromagnetic signals, allowing for secure rider restraint without the need for a power source within the ride vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power source is integrated into the ride vehicle to lock and unlock the restraint system, then the restraint system can be reliably activated and deactivated, but the device complexity and integration cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical power-based locking mechanism with a passive restraint system that uses elastic straps and mechanical latches. The restraint system is activated by the rider's own body movement during the ride, eliminating the need for external power sources while maintaining reliable restraint functionality throughout the ride duration
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system is designed to be self-activating through the rider's body movement. As the rider experiences forces during the ride, their body naturally moves against the elastic straps, which automatically tension and lock the restraint system without requiring external power or manual intervention
2Ease of operation
If a power source is integrated into the ride vehicle, then the restraint system can be controlled, but the integration cost and difficulty increase for existing and new ride vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source requirement from the restraint system entirely. By removing the dependency on electrical power, the system can be easily integrated into both existing and new ride vehicles without complex electrical infrastructure, significantly reducing installation difficulty and cost while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components such as elastic straps, buckles, and latches that can be easily manufactured and installed. These components require no expensive power infrastructure and can be retrofitted to existing ride vehicles with minimal modification
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 secure rider restraint throughout the amusement park ride without the need for a power source, facilitating retrofitting into existing ride vehicles and reducing integration costs, while also accommodating riders of various sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a lock having a detector that may receive a wireless signal. Receiving the wireless signal causes the lock to lock or unlock
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a ride vehicle of an amusement park ride and a restraint system coupled to the ride vehicle and including a lock having a detector that may receive a wireless signal. Receiving the wireless signal causes the lock to lock or unlock and the restraint system may secure a rider within the ride vehicle.