Prefabricated Wooden Roller Coaster Track for Precision Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wooden roller coaster tracks require costly and time-consuming manual bending and cutting, leading to imperfections and the need for highly skilled labor, which can be scarce and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A track assembly with multiple layers arranged in a stacked configuration, where each layer is prefabricated from dimensional lumber using computer-generated models and automated cutting, allowing for efficient assembly and reduced labor requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual bending and cutting methods are used to construct wooden roller coaster tracks, then the track can be assembled with traditional craftsmanship, but the construction process becomes costly and time-consuming with imperfect results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack precisionVSAvoidconstruction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The track components are prefabricated off-site with precise curved paths and profiles before being transported to the installation location. This preliminary fabrication allows for high precision manufacturing using automated equipment while reducing on-site construction time and manual labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual bending and cutting operations are replaced with automated fabrication processes that use computer-generated models to guide precision cutting and shaping equipment. This substitution eliminates the need for skilled manual labor while improving consistency and precision of the track components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If manual bending and cutting methods are used to construct wooden roller coaster tracks, then traditional construction approaches can be maintained, but highly skilled labor is required which is scarce and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

Manual craftsmanship is replaced with automated fabrication systems that use computer-generated models to control precision cutting and shaping equipment. This substitution makes the manufacturing process easier to standardize and replicate while reducing dependence on scarce skilled labor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The track design is captured in computer-generated models that serve as digital templates for fabrication. These digital copies guide automated equipment to reproduce the exact curved paths and profiles consistently across all track components, eliminating the need for manual pattern-making and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If conventional wooden track construction methods are used, then traditional materials and techniques can be employed, but repeated adjustment is required which is costly and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction efficiencyVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

All necessary adjustments and modifications are made during the off-site prefabrication process before components are shipped to the installation location. This eliminates the need for repeated on-site adjustments and reduces the complexity of assembly operations to simple installation tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12239917B2Track for rolling vehicle and methods of fabricating and assembling the track

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 THE GRAVITY GRP LLC

AI summary

A track for a roller coaster is provided. The track includes a plurality of layers that are each constructed from a plurality of layer segments prefabricated with an automated precision cutting device.