Patent Application
20180221778
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to ride systems and methods having features that enhance a guest's experience.
Various amusement rides and exhibits have been created to provide guests with unique interactive, motion, and visual experiences. For example, a traditional ride may include a vehicle traveling along a track. The track may include portions that induce a motion on the vehicle (e.g., turns, drops), or actuate the vehicle. However, traditional ride vehicle actuation (e.g., via curved track) may be costly and may include a large ride footprint. Further, traditional ride vehicle actuation (e.g., via curved track) may be limited with respect to certain desired motions and, thus, may not create the desired sensation for the passenger. Accordingly, improved ride vehicle actuation is desired.
Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.
In one embodiment, a ride system includes a base, a ride vehicle, a platform assembly positioned between the base and the ride vehicle, and an extension mechanism coupled to the platform assembly and positioned between the base and the ride vehicle. The platform assembly includes a first platform, a second platform, and six legs extending between the first platform and the second platform, and the platform assembly is configured to actuate each of the six legs so as to move the first platform relative to the second platform in different configurations based on which of the six legs is actuated. The extension mechanism is configured to extend and contract so as to move the ride vehicle away from and toward, respectively, the base of the ride system.
In another embodiment, a ride system includes a platform assembly, where the platform assembly includes a first platform, a second platform, and six legs extending between the first platform and the second platform. The first platform includes a first anchor position to which a first leg and a second leg of the six legs are coupled, a second anchor position to which a third leg and a fourth leg of the six legs are coupled, and a third anchor position to which a fourth leg and a fifth leg of the six legs are coupled. The second platform includes a fourth anchor position to which the third leg and the sixth leg are coupled, a fifth anchor position to which the second leg and the fifth leg are coupled, and a sixth anchor position to which the first leg and the fourth leg are coupled. The first anchor position is aligned with the fourth anchor position when the six legs are of equal lengths, the second anchor position is aligned with the fifth anchor position when the six legs are at equal lengths, and the third anchor position is aligned with the sixth anchor position when the six legs are at equal lengths.
In another embodiment, a method of operating a ride vehicle includes supporting, via a plurality of cables, a ride vehicle under a track of the ride system. The method also includes monitoring, via a controller, forces in the ride system. The method also includes modulating, via instruction by the controller of a plurality of motors corresponding to the plurality of cables, a torque output of the plurality of motors based on the monitored forces in the ride system.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward amusement park rides and exhibits. Specifically, the rides and exhibits incorporate a motion-based system and corresponding techniques that may be designed or intended to cause a passenger to perceive certain sensations that would not otherwise be possible or would be significantly diminished by a traditional ride system. In the presently disclosed rides and exhibits, the passenger experience may be enhanced by employing certain motion-based systems and techniques. For example, the ride system may incorporate a device that produces, or devices that produce, up to six degrees of freedom to provide sensations to the passengers that cannot normally be created from traditional methods (e.g., turns, drops). The device may include two platforms that are coupled via legs extending therebetween. The legs are coupled to particular locations along the two platforms, and at angles with respect to the two platforms, so as to cause the two platforms to move relative to one another when the legs (or corresponding features) are actuated. One manner by which the platforms may be coupled via the legs, in accordance with the present disclosure, is referred to herein as an “inverted Stewart platform,” which differs from a traditional Stewart platform. A traditional Steward platform may be described as having opposing platforms which are connected by legs, where the legs extend in pairs from three extension regions on each of the two opposing platforms. The inverted Stewart platform includes six legs extending between opposing platforms, where the six legs extend from positions along the opposing platforms, and are oriented between the opposing platforms, in ways that differ substantially from those of the traditional Stewart platform. The different positions/orientations of the inverted Stewart platform, which will be described in detail below and with reference to the drawings, are configured to enhance, among other things, stability of the inverted Stewart platform and corresponding ride components.
In general, a first of the two platforms of the inverted Stewart platform noted above may be coupled with (or correspond to) a vehicle of the amusement park ride or exhibit, whereas a second of the two platforms may be coupled with (or correspond to) a track of the amusement park ride (or a base of the exhibit). In some embodiments, an extension mechanism may be disposed between the first platform and the ride vehicle, or between the second platform and the track or base. The legs coupling the first and second platforms may be controlled (e.g., retracted, extended, or otherwise actuated) to move the first platform relative to the second platform, thereby causing the ride vehicle coupled to (or corresponding to) the first platform to move along with the first platform. In embodiments having the above-described extension mechanism, the extension mechanism may be actuated independently, or in conjunction with the above-described legs of the inverted Stewart platform, to augment, supplement, or interact with the movement and corresponding sensations imparted by the inverted Stewart platform.
Presently described embodiments permit a wide range of motion without requiring the use of a curved track. Thus, a footprint of the ride system in accordance with present embodiments may be reduced. Further, presently disclosed embodiments may increase a range of motion of the ride vehicle, may enable more finely tuned actuation than traditional ride systems. For example, a wider range of motion may be provided via the inverted Stewart platform, and the inverted Stewart platform may facilitate improved ride stability. Further still, actuation may be imparted to the ride vehicle without occupants of the ride vehicle visualizing a source of the actuation. As such, presently disclosed embodiments may enhance the ride experience by immersing the passenger in a 3-dimensional environment without an obvious track or base. In certain embodiments, an environment of the ride system may include features separate from the vehicle and/or track, where the environmental features may be positioned, oriented, or otherwise situated so as to appear as though the environmental features themselves impart the actuation to the ride vehicle that, as described above, actually originates from the inverted Stewart platform and/or the extension mechanism. In other words, presently disclosed embodiments may facilitate actuation via components that are not perceivable by the occupant of the ride vehicle. Furthermore, present embodiments may permit ride designers to deliver simulated experiences involving displacement, velocity, acceleration, and jerk while at any portion of the ride track, which may save costs and engineering complexity. Still further, disclosed embodiments are configured to detect and manage reactionary forces associated with movement of the ride vehicle. These and other features will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings.
Further to the points above, the arrangement of motion controlled axes in accordance with the present disclosure provides geometric stability due to more acute actuation angles than conventional approaches for a given gross motion base volumetric envelope. In one preferred embodiment, this amounts to greater force components in directions stabilizing lateral movement between motion base mounting planes. Further, the reduced actuation angles may facilitate smaller platform sizes, as described in detail with reference to the drawings below.
In addition, the ride vehicle 14 may also include a platform assembly 18 that induces motion on the ride vehicle 14. In certain embodiments, the platform assembly 18 may be directly coupled to the track 12 and/or directly coupled to the ride vehicle 14. In other embodiments, the platform assembly 18 may be indirectly coupled to the track 12 and/or indirectly coupled to the ride vehicle 14, meaning that intervening components may separate the platform assembly 18 from the track 12 and/or ride vehicle 14. The platform assembly 18 may induce motion (e.g., roll, pitch, yaw) onto the ride vehicle 14 to enhance an experience of the passengers 16. In some embodiments, an extension mechanism 19 may be disposed between the platform assembly 18 and the track 12 (as shown), or between the platform assembly 18 and the ride vehicle 14. The platform assembly 18 and the extension mechanism 19 may be communicatively coupled to a controller 20, which may instruct the platform assembly 18 and/or the extension mechanism 19 to cause the aforementioned motions. By utilizing the platform assembly 18 and/or the extension mechanism 19 to induce certain motions on the ride vehicle 14, features (e.g., shapes) of the track 12 that are otherwise costly and increase a footprint of the ride system 10 may be reduced or negated.
The controller 20 may be disposed within the ride system 10 (e.g., in each ride vehicle 14, or somewhere on the track 12), or may be disposed outside of the ride system 10 (e.g., to operate the ride system 10 remotely). The controller 20 may include a memory 22 with stored instructions for controlling components in the ride system 10, such as the platform assembly 18. In addition, the controller 20 may include a processor 24 configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processor 24 may include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general purpose processors, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the memory 22 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), optical drives, hard disc drives, or solid-state drives.
The platform assembly 18 may include an inverted Stewart platform. Examples of the inverted Stewart platform are illustrated in detail at least in
Since each platform, for example the first platform, includes three contact regions and six legs extending therefrom, a first pair of legs extends from a first contact region of a first platform, a second pair of legs extends from a second contact region of the first platform, and a third pair of legs extends from a third contact region of the first platform. The six legs are configured to be actuated (e.g., by the aforementioned winches) such that lengths of the six legs change during operation of the inverted Stewart platform. For example, the legs may be independently actuated, actuated in pairs, or actuated in various arrangements such that different legs include different lengths during certain operating modes. In accordance with the present disclosure, when all six legs include equal lengths, the two platforms are parallel with each other (e.g., a “parallel position” of the inverted Stewart platform). Further, when all six legs include equal lengths, the three contact regions of the first platform circumferentially align with the three contact regions of the second platform. In other words, from a perspective directly above or below the inverted Stewart platform, the aforementioned three contact regions of the first platform and three contact regions of the second platform will be disposed at aligned annular positions. That is, respective contact regions on the first and second platforms line up in this configuration and they are distributed generally along the circumferences of each of the first and second platforms (or radially inward from the circumferences). Further still, when all six legs include equal lengths, the angle formed between an individual leg and one of the platforms may be 45 degrees or less, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. These features, among others, enable improved stability of the inverted Stewart platform with respect to traditional platforms.
As an example, the extension mechanism 60 (or flying reaction deck, or part thereof) can provide additional movement complexity to a ride system that includes a simple track. As a specific example, a ride system with a straight track can be implemented to feel as though there are hills, valleys, and/or curves using the extension mechanism 60. Thus, the extension mechanism 60 moves the ride vehicle 54 without having to utilize large areas of curved track to impart the motions. By reducing curves (and, thus, area) of the track 52, components of the ride system 50 may be capable of being disposed in a smaller area, while still imparting the sensations to the passengers of the ride vehicle 54 that, in traditional embodiments, required larger areas. The inverted Stewart platform 58 may also impart motions (e.g., roll, pitch, yaw) that, in traditional embodiments, may be imparted by a track. It should also be noted that, in other embodiments, a different type of platform assembly may be used than the aforementioned inverted Stewart platform 58. Further, the inverted Stewart platform 58 is illustrated schematically in
Continuing with the illustrated embodiment in
In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 84 are coupled to the lower platform 86 at attachment points 88 (or attachment regions) via fasteners, hooks, welds, another suitable coupling feature, or any combination thereof. The attachment points 88 securely couple the legs 84 onto the lower platform 86. The lower platform 86 is coupled to the ride vehicle 54. Thus, as the winches 82 along the top platform 50 are actuated to change lengths of the legs 84, the winches 82 pull the lower platform 86 and the attached ride vehicle 54, via the legs 84, toward the top platform 50. It should be noted that, while the description above refers to three contact regions (e.g., “anchor positions”) along each platform, each platform may actually include six contact regions (e.g., anchor positions) grouped in pairs that, where the two contact regions of a given pair are disposed immediately adjacent one another.
The embodiments of the ride system shown in
In another embodiment of the ride system 50, as shown schematically in
The controller 20 may analyze the sensor feedback from one or more of the sensors 111, and may utilize a torque compensation algorithm to initiate control of tension in the cables 110, and/or to initiate extension/retraction of the legs 84 by motors (e.g., associated with the winches 82 of
The embodiments illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the upper platform 152 includes three contact regions 152a, 152b, 152c (e.g., “anchor positions”), and the lower platform 154 includes three other contact regions 154a, 154b, 154c (e.g., anchor positions) that, within the respective upper and lower platforms 152, 154, are circumferentially spaced a substantially equal distance apart from one another along a perimeter of the respective upper and lower platforms 152, 154. As previously described, winches may be disposed at the contact regions 152a, 152b, 152c, at the contact regions 154a, 154b, 154c, or both, and may be configured to extend/retract the legs 84 (e.g. via motors of, or coupled to, the winches).
As shown, each contact region 152a, 152b, 152c, 154a, 154b, 154c receives two of the six legs 84. Further, when all six legs 84 are of equal length (e.g., such that the upper and lower platforms 152, 154 are parallel to each other, as shown), the three contact regions 152a, 152b, 152c of the upper platform 152 are generally circumferentially aligned (e.g., aligned along a circumferential direction 159) with the three contact regions 154a, 154b, 154c of the lower platform 154. This may be referred to as a “parallel position” of the inverted Stewart platform 150. Thus, it may be said that, in the parallel position, assuming the platforms 152, 154 are of equal size, the contact region 152a is generally aligned underneath contact region 154a, the contact region 152b is generally aligned underneath contact region 154b, and the contact region 152c is generally aligned underneath contact region 154c. The leg 156 coupled to contact region 152a extends to contact region 154b, and the leg 158 coupled to contact region 152a extends to contact region 154c. The leg 160 coupled to contact region 152b extends to contact region 154a, and the leg 162 coupled to contact region 152b extends to contact region 154c. The leg 164 coupled to contact region 152c extends to contact region 154a, and the leg 166 coupled to contact region 152c extends to contact region 154b. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the legs 84 extends from an initial contact region to a contact region of the opposing platform that is not directly above or below (i.e., in the same x, y position) the initial contact region.
The configuration of the inverted Stewart platform 150 described above decreases an angle 155 between each of the legs 84 and each of the upper and lower platforms 152, 154, compared to traditional embodiments, even when the legs 84 include different lengths (e.g., during operation). The reduction in the angle 155 of the legs 84 of the inverted Stewart platform 150 (e.g., relative to traditional embodiments) may enhance stability of the inverted Stewart platform 150 by creating a larger restoring force in the legs 84. For example, the decrease in the angle 155 may increase overall stiffness of the inverted Stewart platform 150 to reduce undesired movement. Further, while traditional Stewart platform assemblies may include one large platform in order to provide stability, the reduction in the angle 155 noted above facilitates stability with smaller platforms. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the platforms 152, 154 may not be of equal size, and that in those embodiments, the contact regions 152a, 152b, and 152c would still align, along the circumferential direction 159, with the contact regions 154a, 154b, and 154c, respectively; however, the contact regions 152a, 152b, and 152c of the upper platform 152, assuming a larger size of the upper platform 152, may not be disposed directly above the contact regions 154a, 154b, 154c of the lower platform 154, but instead may be disposed radially outward therefrom and circumferentially or annularly (e.g., along the direction 159) in alignment therewith.
As noted above, the arrangement illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment of the inverted Stewart platform 150, to facilitate consistent motion and distribution of forces, the legs 84 may alternate between being an “outer leg” and an “inner leg.” In other words, if one starts at contact region 152a on the upper platform 152 and moves counter-clockwise, the leg 156 (“inner leg”) of contact region 152a extends toward an inside of the legs 160 and 164, and the leg 158 (“outer leg”) of contact region 152a extends toward an outside of the leg 164. Moving next to contact region 152c, the leg 164 (“inner leg”) of contact region 152c extends between the legs 158 and 162, and the leg 166 (“outer leg”) of contact region 152c extends outside of the leg 162. Moving next to contact region 152b, the leg 162 (“inner leg”) extends between the legs 164 and 166, and the leg 160 (“outer leg”) of contact region 152b extends outside of the leg 156. Of course, a similar arrangement, but in reverse, could be employed by swapping each of the outer and inner legs. In other embodiments, different arrangements may be utilized.
As shown in
In
To provide a more detailed view of one of the legs 84,
Additional embodiments of ride systems utilizing the platform assembly and/or extension mechanism(s) are described below. For example,
In another embodiment, as shown in
The method 400 also includes extending and/or retracting (block 404), via instruction of motor winches or other actuators by the control, certain of the legs of the platform assembly to cause the platform assembly (or a platform thereof) to move in accordance with the instruction discussed above with respect to block 402. As previously described, movement of the platform assembly may cause a ride vehicle or cabin (or stage, in embodiments relating to shows or exhibits) of the system to move, which may cause reactionary forces on a load path (e.g., extension cables) between the ride vehicle and a track.
The method 400 also includes measuring, sensing, or detecting (block 406) reactionary forces (or parameters indicative of forces) in the ride system. For example, as previously described, torque sensors, optical sensors, or other sensors may be used to detect forces (or parameters, such as orientation of the ride vehicle, indicative of forces) in the ride system. The controller may receive the sensor feedback, and determine, based on a torque compensation algorithm, how best to manage the reactionary loads/forces of exerted by movement of the ride vehicle.
The method 400 also includes determining (block 407) adjustments to the system via a controller that analyzes the reactionary forces via a torque compensation algorithm. Further, the method 400 includes adjusting (block 408) the legs of the platform assembly and/or the extension cables. As previously described, the controller may determine the desired adjustments, and instruct motors or other actuators to adjust a tension in the legs and/or extension cables (e.g., by extending or retracting the legs and/or extension cables), which precludes the legs and/or extension cables from going slack.
The systems and methods described above are configured to enable management of reactionary loads on a ride system by movement of a ride vehicle, where the movement is caused by an extension mechanism and/or platform assembly (e.g., inverted Stewart platform). The extension mechanism and/or platform assembly causes the vehicle to move without utilizing curved track, where curved track would otherwise take a larger space and increase a footprint of the ride system. The feedback control enables the system to monitor reactionary forces caused by motion of the ride vehicle, and adjust the system to maintain stability of the ride system.
While only certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/456,506, entitled “Inverted Stewart Platform and Flying Reaction Deck,” filed Feb. 8, 2017, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62456506 | Feb 2017 | US |
