Patent Application
20240399263
The present invention relates to a an amusement ride comprising a wheel frame having one or more straight sections in a circumferential direction, and one or more drive units configured to rotate the wheel frame around a rotational axis. The invention further relates to a method for operating an amusement ride.
Such one or more drive units may comprise an external cable drive, wherein a single cable is ran all around one side of a wheel frame. The single cable is then wrapped onto a separate wheel, wherein upon rotation of the separate wheel, the single cable moves around and rotates the wheel frame. The one or more drive units may also comprise a chain drive having a conveyor belt-like arrangement, comprising a single cable wrapped around a first wheel, where upon rotation of the first wheel, it rotates a second wheel having a diameter larger than a diameter of the first wheel, wherein the second wheel is mechanically coupled to the wheel frame for rotation thereof.
Chinese patent application CN108791585A discloses a polygonal Ferris wheel type bicycle storage and picking device, comprising a polygonal parking rack, a support frame, a bicycle fixing device, a cam driving device, and a control box. The polygonal outer frame includes: a central axis, a polygonal outer frame, and a spoke bar, wherein the central axis is connected to the polygonal outer frame by the spoke bar. The cam driving device is configured to drive rotation of the polygonal parking rack.
UK patent application GB191216588A discloses Ferris wheels of the type in which passenger cars are run on rails arranged on the periphery of the wheel. Rotation of the wheel in either direction is imparted to the wheel by means of a chain, rope, or the like from any suitable prime mover, wherein the rope or chain is passing over a pulley or pitch chain wheel, wherein the pulley comprises a requisite diameter to provide sufficient speed.
It is known that amusement rides with rotating wheel frames are driven with a variety of systems and methods. In general, circular wheel frame may be driven by a rim drive, otherwise known as a pinchdrive wheels system, having pneumatic tyres pressing against (e.g. pinching) an inner or outer rim of the circular wheel frame. The pneumatic tyres are fixed to the structure and move the rim of the circular wheel frame as they rotate, thus, rotating the circular wheel frame in-tandem.
Alternatively, non-circular wheel frames having straight sides, e.g. a polygonal wheel frame, tend to be driven with a cable system having a traction cable running (friction pads) on the outer rim of the polygonal wheel frame. The cable is wrapped onto a separate, external rotating wheel that pulls on the cable leading to a rotation of the polygonal wheel frame.
However, with increasing size, driving a non-circular wheel frame with a cable system becomes problematic, due to the large amount of power transmission to the rope, and long rope length. Although a non-circular wheel frame may be driven with a rim drive (as described above), due to the non-circular shape with straight sides, it may not be driven in a fluent and level manner, leading to a ‘bumpy’ experience for the rider.
As a result, there is a need to overcome these drawbacks, and to drive non-circular wheel frame in a smooth, even manner, yet, with a drive which is not problematic with increasing wheel size.
The present invention therefore provides an amusement ride comprising a wheel frame having one or more straight sections in a circumferential direction, and one or more rotary drive units configured to rotate the wheel frame around a rotational axis, wherein, during rotation of the wheel frame, the one or more rotary drive units are maintaining a contact engagement with the one or more straight sections of the wheel frame.
The amusement ride may comprise any suitable mechanical device or structure have a wheel frame that may move e.g. people or toy structures, wherein the wheel frame is rotated around the rotational axis positioned at a centre of the wheel frame, i.e. the amusement ride is rotated in a regular circumferential direction.
The one or more rotary drive units are configured to rotate the wheel frame around the rotational axis, wherein the one or more rotary drive units resemble a rim-drive type (as described herein), and wherein the wheel frame has one or more straight sections i.e. a non-regular circular wheel frame. In this context, the wheel frame does not have a regular, constant radius, but a varying radius (or width) in the circumferential direction with reference to the (central) rotational axis. Thus, should the one or more rotary drive units be arranged in a static (i.e. non-moving) position, the wheel frame is not driven in fluent and level manner, leading to a ‘bumpy’ experience.
In this light, the present invention provides that during rotation of the wheel frame, the one or more rotary drive units maintain a (direct) contact engagement with the one or more straight sections of the wheel frame. In other words, at the reference point of their position, the one or more rotary drive units compensate for the varying radius of the wheel frame, and have a continuous contact with the wheel frame to drive it in a more consistent and even manner, leading to a more ‘smoother’ experience. The one or more rotary drive units also maintain a good, contact pressure with the one or more straight sections to allow a good traction and friction contact therewith to rotate the wheel frame around the rotational axis.
It is understood that the one or more rotary drive units may comprise any type of rotary drive unit in (direct) contact engagement with the one or more straight sections of the wheel frame, and may be positioned at any (circumferential) part of the wheel frame in order to generate sufficient torque to rotate the wheel frame around the rotational axis.
In an embodiment, the amusement ride further comprises an actuator configured to actuate the one or more rotary drive units in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis. The actuator is arranged to actuate (e.g. move) the one or more rotary drive units for maintaining a contact engagement with the one or more straight sections of the wheel frame, such that the one or more rotary drive units may drive the wheel frame in an even and smooth manner. The actuator may, for example, move the one or more rotary drive units from one respective position to another (e.g. extended and retracted positions for the smallest and largest radius) in a regular cycle in order to maintain a contact engagement with the wheel frame, that is, compensate in a routine manner for the varying radius of the wheel frame.
For example, the actuator may move the one or more rotary drive units ‘up and down’ parallel to a plane defined by the (surface area of the) wheel frame i.e. a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis. The actuator may comprise any device to actuate the one or more rotary drive units, assuming the operational principle of the present invention embodiments described herein may be carried out.
In an embodiment, the actuator comprises hinged supports and/or hydraulic actuators, in particular a hydraulic cylinder. Alternatively stated, the one or more rotary drive units are supported and actuated by hinged supports and/or hydraulic actuators. The hinged supports and hydraulic actuators is beneficial in view of not only allowing for better contact engagement between the one or more rotary drive units and wheel frame, but also for providing and maintaining a good, sustained pressure (e.g. sufficient force) between the one or more rotary drive units with the wheel frame. The hinged supports and/or hydraulic actuators are also advantageous in allowing easy and controlled actuation of the one or more rotary drive units; for example, the hinged supports naturally allow the one or more rotary drive units to be subjected to an ‘up and down’ movement. It is noted that other implementations or types of the actuator may be envisaged; for example, pivot-type support and/or spring-like actuator may be considered.
In an embodiment, the one or more rotary drive units comprise drive wheels, in particular a set of drive tyres. That is, the drive wheels are in good pressure and contact engagement with the one or more straight sections of the wheel frame, and, by rotation of the drive wheels, a torque is generated to move (i.e. drive) the wheel frame around the rotational axis. This embodiment is advantageous in that a simple and straightforward implementation of the one or more rotary drive units is realised, and such drive wheels may easily maintain a contact engagement with the wheel frame. The drive wheels may, in particular, comprise a set of drive tyres, for example, a set of pneumatic tyres comprising a resilient rubber material that is able to bear a large load. In certain embodiments, the set of drive tyres comprises a pair of two tyres.
However, it is noted that such drive wheels and/or drive tyres represent exemplary embodiments, and other embodiments of the one or more rotary drive units may be envisaged. For example, it is conceivable that the one or more rotary drive units comprise a teeth-like sprocket, and forms a gear train system and engagement with the wheel frame including pitch circles and engaging gears etc.
In an embodiment, the drive wheels are attached to each other over a pivotable connection and configured to tilt around a pivot axis thereof for maintaining a contact engagement with the one or more straight sections of the wheel frame. During rotation of the wheel frame, the drive wheels may pivot accordingly over the pivotable connection to maintain a contact engagement with the one or more straight sections in an proper manner; the drive wheels may advantageously pivot accordingly to the ‘varying’ radius of the wheel frame and accordingly to profile (the ‘steep’ and ‘gentle’ gradients) of the one or more straight section in contact engagement therewith. The axis defined by the pivotable connection is substantially parallel to the rotational axis. The drive wheels may pivot ‘freely’ in an uncontrolled manner or it may be connected to e.g. a specific pivot actuator that may control the degree of pivotable movement of the drive wheels, i.e. the pivotable movement is controlled. In this respect, the pivotable movement may be entirely controlled, or be partially controlled and uncontrolled (free pivoting).
In an embodiment, the one or more rotary drive units are maintaining a contact engagement with the one or more straight sections at an outer circumferential ring of the wheel frame. In other words, the one or more straight sections are arranged and connected to one another to form the outer circumferential ring of the wheel frame, and it is the outer circumferential ring that is driven by the one or more rotary drive units for rotation of the wheel frame. This is beneficial in use because not only does it allow a bigger torque to be exerted on the wheel frame, but it also allows the one or more rotary drive units to be arranged at a lower height (with respect to ground level) for e.g. easier repairs and maintenance in comparison to the one or more rotary drive units arranged at a greater height and maintaining contract engagement with e.g. an inner circumferential ring of the wheel frame.
In an embodiment, the contact engagement is with a bottom peripheral surface of the outer circumferential ring. To elaborate, it has been mentioned herein that the one or more rotary drive units maintain a contact engagement with the one or more straight elements (of the outer circumferential ring). Thus, the one or more straight elements may comprise outer, peripheral surfaces, and a bottom one (e.g. rear side facing outwards and/or towards the ground) of the outer, peripheral surfaces is in contact engagement with the one or more rotary drive units. This is supposed to having a pinch wheel-like system (as mentioned above), wherein the one or more straight sections are ‘sandwiched’ by the one or more rotary drive units i.e. contact engagement with both top and bottom outer, peripheral surfaces. This way, it allows a simpler and easier driving mechanism for rotation of the wheel frame and for maintaining the contact engagement.
In an embodiment, the one or more straight sections comprise linear modular beams. The linear modular beams may comprise any material known to the skilled person, e.g. steel, aluminium and/or polyurethane. The linear modular beams may allow for a good, strong structure of the wheel frame having one or more straight sections.
In an embodiment, the one or more rotary drive units are arranged on opposite sides of the outer circumferential ring, wherein the opposite sides are spaced apart from each other along the rotational axis. This may allow the one or more rotary drive units to have and maintain more than one point of contact engagement with the one or more straight sections of the outer circumferential ring at the same time, allowing for better control and rotation of the wheel frame.
In an embodiment, the one or more rotary drive units are arranged on a base frame. The base frame is arranged on a ground level, and, in this embodiment, have one or more rotary drive units attached therewith. From this point of view, it is beneficial because the one or more rotary drive units are also arranged at ground level and rotate the wheel frame at ground level, instead at greater heights (with respect to ground level) and arranged on e.g. a separate support structure. This may ease the assembly of the amusement ride, whereby e.g. separate structures are not needed for mounting and arranging the one or more rotary drive units thereon, and also allow easy access of the one or more rotary drive units for e.g. maintenance and repairs.
In an embodiment, the one or more rotary drive units comprise a first rotary drive unit and second rotary drive unit arranged on opposite sides of the base platform. That is, the wheel frame is driven and rotated by both first and second drive units, wherein the first and second drive units are (directly) opposite one another along the plane of the wheel frame. This provides proper torque and power to drive the wheel frame into rotation.
In an embodiment, the amusement ride further comprises a control unit connected to the one or more rotary drive units, wherein the control unit is arranged to control the rotation of the wheel frame by controlling one or more operational parameters associated with the one or more rotary drive units. The control units may control the one more rotary drive units to maintain a good, contact engagement with the one or more straight sections of the wheel frame. The control unit may comprise any suitable equipment, e.g. hardware, software or control system known to the skilled person, and can be used by any one person to control rotation of the wheel frame.
In an embodiment, the one or more operational parameters comprises an actuation of the one or more rotary drive units in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis. That is, the control unit is arranged to control and actuate the one or more rotary drive units to compensate for the ‘varying’ radius of the wheel frame (during rotation thereof) by e.g. moving the one or more rotary drive units from one respective position to another. The amount of actuation of the one or more rotary drive units may be controlled by the control unit, and controlled accurately for suitable rotation of the wheel frame in a smooth manner.
In an embodiment, the one or more operational parameters comprise a speed and/or direction control parameters. The control unit may control the speed and direction of rotation of the one or more rotary drive units for a subsequent speed and/or directional change of the rotation of the wheel frame. For example, should the one or more rotary drive units comprise a drive wheels, the rotating speed and direction of the drive wheels would that of the rotating wheel frame.
In an embodiment, the speed and/or direction control parameters comprise a pre-determined profile associated with the speed and/or direction along one or more straights sections of the wheel frame. As mentioned herein the one or more rotary drive units compensate for the ‘varying’ radius of the wheel frame due to the one or more straight sections. In this context, at the reference point of the one or more rotary drive units, an associated speed and/or direction may be provided to an associated part of the one or more straight sections during rotation of the wheel frame, e.g. slower and faster rotation at different parts/portions of the one or more straight sections. This may enable even better and smoother rotation of the wheel frame.
The pre-determined profile may e.g. be calculated beforehand and determined according to e.g. the size of the wheel frame, and may also be adapted and applied during rotation of the wheel frame for e.g. faster rotation. The pre-determined profile may be calculated and adapted by the control unit.
In an embodiment, the pre-determined profile is repeated at consecutive ones of the one or more straight sections during rotation of the wheel frame. As mentioned herein, the wheel frame has one or more straight sections in a circumferential direction thereof, where, the one or more rotary drive units are in contact engagement with consecutive ones of the one or more straight sections during rotation of the wheel frame. By repeating the pre-determined profile, the same speed and/or direction, for example, can be provided to the same associated part of each one of the one or more straight sections, allowing for correct and flawless rotation of the wheel frame.
In an embodiment, a width d of the wheel frame is at least 20 m. As an example the width d of the wheel frame is 40 m. As another example, the width d of the wheel frame is 70 m. As mentioned herein, driving a non-circular wheel frame with increasing size becomes increasingly problematic with e.g. a cable drive. By having a width d of at least 30 m e.g. 40 m, this enables larger sized non-circular wheel frames to be driven and rotated in a proper manner without the problems posed by cable drives.
In an embodiment, the amusement ride is a transportable Ferris wheel. This is beneficial in view of assembling the Ferris wheel, whereby such a Ferris wheel may be constructed easily and in good time, yet, also transportable from one location to another. This embodiment thereby provides for Ferris wheels having wheel frames having one or more straight sections in a circumferential direction. Where a transportable wheel is mentioned here, it will be clear that the invention is beneficial for stationary wheels as well.
The present invention also provides a method for operating an amusement ride comprising, rotating, by rotating, by one or more rotary drive units, a wheel frame having one or more straight sections in a circumferential direction around a rotational axis and maintaining, by the one or more rotary drive units, a contact engagement with the one or more straight sections of the wheel frame during the rotation of the wheel frame.
In this context, the method for operating the amusement ride enables the one or more rotary drive to generate sufficient torque to rotate the wheel frame, yet, allow a direct, contact engagement with the one or more straight sections of the wheel with good pressure. The method thereby allows for a rotation of the wheel frame having one or more straight sections in a fluent and level manner whilst in contact engagement with the one or more rotary drive units. The method described herein may be applied to any type of rotary drive unit (e.g. drive wheels) and amusement ride (e.g. Ferris wheel).
In an embodiment, the method further comprises controlling, by a control unit connected to the one or more rotary drive units, the rotation of the wheel frame by controlling one or more operational parameters associated with the one or more rotary drive units, wherein the one or more operational parameters comprise a speed and/or direction control parameters comprising a pre-determined profile associated with the speed and/or direction along one or more straights sections of the wheel frame. The pre-determined profile may be determined before a rotation cycle of the wheel frame, and adapted accordingly during the rotation of the wheel frame.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises calculating, by the control unit, the pre-determined profile based on an input parameter associated with a width w of the wheel frame and/or a number of one or more straight sections of the wheel frame. As mentioned herein, the one or more rotary drive units may compensate for the ‘varying radius’ of the wheel frame. Thus, but simply having the width w of the wheel frame and/or the number of one or more straight sections of the wheel frame, a simple (theoretical) calculation may be performed for good, safe operation of the amusement ride. The length of the one or more straight sections may also be provided in the calculation of the pre-determined profile. In this respect, the skilled person will appreciate the easy calculation of the pre-determined profile based on these two input parameters; for example, a speed parameter in the pre-determined profile may easily and accurately be determined based on calculating the surface area and ‘circumference’ of the wheel frame from the width w.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises controlling, by the control unit, the rotation of the wheel frame by repeating the pre-determined profile at consecutive ones of the one or more straight sections of the wheel frame during rotation of the wheel frame, thereby providing correct and flawless rotation of the wheel frame. In relation to the embodiment relating to calculating the pre-determined profile based on the number of one or more straight sections of the wheel frame described, as a non-limiting example, the pre-determined profile may be repeated according thereto; for example, for 45 straight sections of the wheel frame, the pre-determined is repeated 45 times for one full rotation cycle of the wheel frame.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises actuating, by an actuator, the one or more rotary drive units in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis. The actuator may comprise hinged supports and/or hydraulic actuators, in particular a hydraulic cylinder.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises, controlling, by the control unit, the actuation of the one or more rotary drive units, wherein the one or more operational parameters comprise an actuation of the one or more rotary drive units in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis.
The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings, in which
The amusement ride comprises a base frame 2, and a wheel support structure 3 for supporting a wheel frame 4 having one or more straight sections 41 in e.g. a substantially upright position. That is, the base frame 2 supports and bears the weight of the wheel frame 4. The base frame 2 is arranged on a ground level L, wherein the wheel frame 4 may be supported above the ground level. The wheel support structure 3 is connected to a part of the wheel frame 4 and to the base frame 2 for supporting the wheel frame 4 in e.g. the substantially vertical position. The wheel support structure 3 may comprise any support structure known to the skilled person, for example, a single or twin-sided support. In
The amusement ride may further comprise a plurality of passenger capsules 10 articulately connected (e.g. pivotally connected) to parts of the wheel frame 4. The plurality of passenger capsules 10 may comprise any capsule known to the skilled person, e.g. capsules orientated upright by gravity or by electric motors.
Furthermore, the amusement ride further comprises one or more rotary drive wheels 5a, 5b, configured to rotate the wheel frame 4 around a rotational axis 46, wherein the rotational axis 46 is at the centre of the wheel frame 4, i.e. the wheel frame 4 rotates at its central axis. The one or more rotary drive units 5a, 5b are in direct, contact engagement with the one or more straight sections 41 of the wheel frame 4, wherein, during rotation of the wheel frame, 4, the one or more rotary drive units 5a, 5b are maintaining a contact engagement with the one or more straight sections 41 of the wheel frame 4.
As mentioned herein, the one or more straight sections 41 are arranged to form an outer circumferential ring 42 of the wheel frame 4 and outline the ‘perimeter’ of the wheel frame 4. It is therefore noted that the wheel frame 4 is not a typical ‘circular’ wheel frame 4. In
The one or more rotary drive units 5a, 5b comprise drive wheels 51. The drive wheels 51 comprises a set of drive tyres, but, as mentioned herein, other types of rotary drive units 5a, 5b will suffice as assuming rotation of the wheel frame 4. The one or more rotary drive units 5a, 5b comprise a first rotary drive unit 5a and a second rotary drive unit 5b attached to parts of the base frame 2 on opposite sides.
The outer circumferential frame 42 is provided with a plurality of spokes 44 fixedly attached thereto and connecting to an inner circumferential frame 43 of the wheel frame 4. The inner circumferential frame 43 may also comprise straight sections in a circumferential direction thereof, or may comprise a circular frame comprise curved sections.
The wheel frame 4 has a width d, wherein the width d is the distance between two opposite points on the ‘perimeter’ of the wheel frame 4. The width d of the shown wheel is about 70 meters.
The amusement ride further comprises an actuator 52 to actuate the one or more rotary drive units 5a, 5b in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis 46, as shown by the double-ended arrow in
In this case, the actuator 52 comprises hinged supports 52a (two in
Also, the outer circumferential ring 42 has opposite sides (or flanges) 42a, 42b (can be thought as a first drive ring and second drive ring), the opposite sides being spaced apart along the rotational axis 46 from each other, wherein the rotary drive unit 5a is in contact engagement with both opposite sides 42a, 42b. The plurality of passenger capsules 10 are arranged between the two opposite sides 42a, 42b.
As shown clearly in
The drive wheels 51 (a set of drive tyres in this case) are connected over a pivotal connection P1, and pivots over the pivot axis thereof accordingly to the rotation of the wheel frame 4 to maintain contact engagement with the one or more straight sections 41. The drive wheels 51 are connected to one another via a drive wheel connecting segment 54. The set of drive tyres comprise a pair of two drive tyres here. In this exemplary case, the pair of two drive tyres are suitably spaced apart for contact engagement with the opposite sides 42a, 42b of the outer circumferential ring 42, i.e. the first pair of two drive tyres for one side 42a and the second pair of two drive tyres for the other side 42b. In each pair, the two drive tyres are arranged side-by-side in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis of the pivot connection P1, wherein both drive tyres are in contact engagement with the one or more straight sections 41. Further, in this exemplary case, there is one hinged support 52a and one hydraulic actuator 52b for each pair of drive tyres.
The present invention has been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments as shown in the drawings. Modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements are possible, and are included in the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2029250 | Sep 2021 | NL | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/NL2022/050534 | 9/22/2022 | WO |
