Coaster transportation system

A ride system includes a vehicle configured to travel along a first ride path. The ride system also includes a coaster that travels along a second ride path that overlaps with the first ride path at an overlapping portion of the ride system. The vehicle disengages from a first portion of the first ride path and engages with the coaster when the coaster is positioned at the overlapping portion, such that the coaster transports the vehicle along the second ride path to a second portion of the first ride path after engaging with the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Generally, amusement park-style rides include ride vehicles that carry passengers along a ride path, for example, defined by a track. Over the course of the ride, the ride path may include a number of features, including tunnels, turns, ascents, descents, loops, and so forth. The direction of travel of the ride vehicle may be defined by tracks of the ride path, as the ride vehicle may be in constant contact with the tracks. The ride experience associated with such amusement park-style rides may lack surprise to repeated passengers because repeated passengers may be familiar with the ride path and its features. For example, the ride vehicle may travel along the same single loop during every run. As such, there is a need to improve the excitement and reduce the predictability associated with amusement park-style ride systems employing a single track to direct motion of the ride vehicle.

Additionally, servicing features on a portion of the tracks of these amusement park-style rides having a single track (e.g., closed-loop track) may require that the entire amusement park-style ride shut down for maintenance, resulting in loss of revenue, productivity, and false expectations for passengers looking forward to riding such an amusement park-style ride. Accordingly, it may be desirable to improve features of a single track amusement park-style ride to increase the efficiency by which maintenance of a portion of the track may be performed, while improving the excitement associated with the amusement park-style ride, the implementation of which may be difficult to coordinate in practice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, a ride system includes a vehicle configured to travel along a first ride path. The ride system also includes a coaster that travels along a second ride path that overlaps with the first ride path at an overlapping portion of the ride system. The vehicle disengages from a first portion of the first ride path and engages with the coaster when the coaster is positioned at the overlapping portion and engages with the coaster, such that the coaster transports the vehicle along the second ride path to a second portion of the first ride path after engaging with the vehicle.

In an embodiment, method for controlling multi-dimensional motion of a vehicle includes instructing, via a controller, the vehicle traveling along a first ride path defined by a first track to stop the vehicle at a first position along the first ride path. The method also includes instructing, via the controller, a coaster traveling along a second ride path defined by a second track to stop at a second position along the second ride path, such that the first position and the second position overlap with one another. Furthermore, the method includes actuating, via the controller, one or more securing mechanisms to release the vehicle from the first track at the first position and to secure the vehicle to the coaster. The method also includes instructing, via the controller, the coaster to travel along the second ride path defined by the second track to a third position along the second ride path and to stop at the third position, such that the third position overlaps with the first ride path.

In an embodiment, a ride system includes a first ride path defined by a first track that guide a ride vehicle along the first ride path and includes a second ride path defined by a second track that guides a coaster along the second ride path. The first ride path and the second ride path overlap with one another at a plurality of overlapping portions. The ride system also includes a controller that includes a processor and a memory device having instructions stored thereon that when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include outputting a first signal to decelerate and stop the ride vehicle at a first position along the first ride path, such that the first position is at a first overlapping portion of the plurality of overlapping portions. The operations further include outputting a second signal to decelerate and stop the coaster at a second position along the second ride path, such that the second position is at the first overlapping portion of the plurality of overlapping portions. The operations include outputting a third signal to actuate one or more securing mechanisms to release the ride vehicle from the first track at the first overlapping portion and to secure the ride vehicle to the coaster. The operations include outputting a fourth signal to actuate the coaster to cause the coaster to travel along the second ride path via the second track to a second overlapping portion of the plurality of overlapping portions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the following discussion is generally provided in the context of amusement park-style rides, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to such entertainment contexts. Indeed, the systems, methods, and concepts disclosed herein may be implemented in a wide variety of applications. The provision of examples in the present disclosure is to facilitate explanation of the disclosed techniques by providing instances of real-world implementations and applications. It should be appreciated that the embodiments disclosed herein may be useful in many applications, such as transportation systems (e.g., train systems), conveyer line systems, distribution systems, logistics systems, automation dynamic systems, and/or other industrial, commercial, and/or recreational systems, to name a few.

With this in mind, ride systems (e.g., amusement park-style rides) may employ ride vehicles that carry passengers along a ride path, for example, defined by a track. Over the course of the ride system, the ride path may include a number of features, including tunnels, turns, ascents, descents, loops, and so forth. The direction of travel of the ride vehicle may be defined by tracks of the ride path, as the ride vehicle may be in constant contact with the tracks defining the ride path. The ride experience associated with such a ride system may lack the element of surprise to repeated passengers because repeated passengers may be familiar with the ride path. For example, the direction of travel may remain the same during every run. These ride systems may include exposing a passenger to a consistent ride experience defined by the same turns, the same motion enhancing triggers, and the same ride trajectory for each run of the ride system. Repeated passengers may find such consistent ride experience boring or unexciting after engaging with the ride system multiple times. As such, there is a need to improve the excitement of the ride experience and to incorporate unpredictable ride themed experiences associated with such ride systems.

Additionally, servicing features on a portion of the track (e.g., closed-loop track) of a ride system may require that the entire ride system be shut down for maintenance because the ride vehicle will not be able to operate along the portion of track that requires servicing, irrespective of how minor the feature(s) or portions of the track being serviced may be. Closing the entire ride system to service these features may result in a loss of revenue, a loss of productivity, and false expectations for passengers looking forward to riding this ride system. Accordingly, it may be desirable to improve features of the ride system to increase the efficiency by which maintenance of a portion of the track may be performed, while improving the excitement associated with the ride system, the implementation of which may be difficult to coordinate in practice.

With the foregoing in mind, the systems and methods disclosed herein may enhance the ride experience and improve maintenance operations associated with the ride system. In an embodiment, a system includes one or more ride vehicles that may travel along a first ride path; hereinafter referred to as a “vehicle ride path,” which may be defined along a first track. The system also includes one or more coasters that may travel along respective second ride paths; hereinafter referred to as “coaster ride paths,” which may be defined along a second track different from the first track. The coaster ride paths may be separate from the vehicle ride paths. For example, the coaster ride path may be positioned on another plane (e.g., a plane lower, crosswise, or above) relative to a plane on which the vehicle ride vehicle is positioned.

As an exemplary embodiment, when the coaster ride path is positioned below the vehicle ride path, the coaster may remain hidden from a passenger in a ride vehicle on the vehicle ride path (e.g., because the coaster may be positioned under the vehicle ride path and/or separated by a surface). For example, the coaster may be positioned below a surface on which the vehicle ride path is positioned, such that when the coaster is moving separate from to the ride vehicle, the motion of the coaster along the coaster ride path may be masked by the surface.

A top of the coaster may couple with a portion of the vehicle ride path that is positioned above the coaster and that overlaps with the coaster ride path. In this manner, when the ride vehicle is positioned on the portion of the vehicle ride path that overlaps with the coaster, the ride vehicle may decouple from the vehicle ride path and couple to the coaster, as described in detail below.

After the coaster and the ride vehicle are coupled to one another, the coaster may transport the ride vehicle along the coaster ride path toward another portion on the vehicle ride path that also overlaps with the coaster ride path. After the coaster transports the ride vehicle to another overlapping portion on the vehicle ride path, the ride vehicle may decouple from the coaster and couple to the vehicle ride path at the additional overlapping portion. In this manner, a portion of the vehicle ride path (e.g., a segment between the overlapping portions) may be avoided (e.g., for scheduled maintenance of the portion of the vehicle ride path, for experience-enhancing effects, or for theming-related reasons) by transporting the ride vehicle via the coaster and along the coaster ride path to another portion of the vehicle ride path. Accordingly, employing the coaster described herein may enhance the operations and experience of a ride system.

As used herein, “overlapping portion” may refer to a portion of the ride path that overlaps in trajectory between the vehicle ride path and the coaster ride path. For example, “overlapping portion of the vehicle ride path” may refer to a portion of the vehicle ride path that has an overlapping trajectory with that of the coaster ride path. Similarly, “overlapping portion of the coaster ride path” may refer to a portion of the coaster ride path that has an overlapping trajectory with that of the vehicle ride path.

To help illustrate,FIG. 1is a block diagram of an embodiment of various components of an amusement park8, including a coaster, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The amusement park8may include a ride system10, which includes a vehicle ride path12that receives and guides a ride vehicle20, such as by engaging with tires or rollers of the ride vehicle20, and facilitates movement of the ride vehicle20along the vehicle ride path12. In this manner, the vehicle ride path12may define a trajectory and direction of travel that may include turns, inclines, declines, ascents, descents, banks, loops, and the like. In an embodiment, the ride vehicle20may be passively driven or actively driven via a pneumatic system, a motor system, a tire drive system, a catapult system, fins coupled to an electromagnetic drive system, and the like.

The vehicle ride path12may receive more than one ride vehicle20. The ride vehicles20may be separate from one another, such that they are independently controlled, or the ride vehicles20may be coupled to one another via any suitable linkage, such that motion of the ride vehicles20is coupled or linked. For example, the front end of one ride vehicle20may be coupled to a rear end of another ride vehicle20via a pin system. Each ride vehicle20in these and other configurations may hold one or more ride passengers22.

The ride vehicle20may include a bogie system30having a chassis31and/or any number of experience enhancing features such as a turntable, a yaw drive system, and the like. While the embodiments disclosed herein are discussed as including passively-driven rollers or drive mechanisms, it should be understood that other motion enabling features, such as actively-driven or passively-driven tires, tracks, or actuatable components, may be employed. The bogie system30may include a suspension system, which may dampen motion or vibrations while the ride vehicle20is in operation, for example, by absorbing vibration and reducing centrifugal forces when the ride vehicle20executes certain motions, such as turns, at certain velocities. The suspension system may be actuated to enhance the ride experience for the ride passengers22, for example, by stiffening, vibrating, or rotating components of the suspension system.

The chassis31may support a motor, a pneumatic driving system, an electrical system, a cab that houses the ride passengers22, and the like. The chassis31may support the load of the various components of the ride vehicle20and the ride passengers22. Furthermore, the chassis31may support a turntable, which may be positioned between the chassis31and a cab securing the ride passengers22. In an embodiment, the turntable may be rigidly coupled to the cab, such that rotation of the turntable, in response to control instructions, results in a similar rotation of the cab relative to the chassis31to further enhance the ride experience.

The chassis31may support a yaw drive system, which may be positioned between the chassis31and the cab. In an embodiment, the yaw drive system may be integral to the turntable. The yaw drive system may receive control instructions to actuate the turntable in accordance with the control instructions. For example, the yaw drive system may cause the turntable to rotate the cab relative to the chassis31. Furthermore, the yaw drive system may enable the cab to move relative to the chassis31in any suitable direction. To this end, the yaw drive system may enable the cab to rotate about or vibrate along a yaw axis, a pitch axis, or a roll axis. In this manner, the yaw drive system may enable six degrees-of-freedom motion of the cab relative to the chassis31.

The ride vehicle20may include roller assemblies32, which may include one or more rollers that engage with the tracks defining the vehicle ride path12. For example, the roller assemblies32may include running rollers or actively-driven rollers to drive and/or guide motion of the ride vehicle20along the vehicle ride path12, up-stop rollers that couple to the underside of the tracks, side friction rollers that couple to the side of the tracks, or any combination thereof.

Furthermore, the ride vehicle20may include various sensor assemblies34. The sensor assemblies34may be communicatively coupled to a control system, as discussed in detail below. For example, the sensor assemblies34may include an infrared sensor to determine a position, velocity, and acceleration of the ride vehicle20along the vehicle ride path12. The sensor assemblies34may include an orientation sensor, such as a gyroscope and/or accelerometer, configured to provide feedback for use in determining motion of any portion of the ride vehicle20(e.g., the cab), such as linear motion along three orthogonal axes, and the roll, pitch, and yaw of the ride vehicle20. Additionally, the sensor assemblies34may include various sensors positioned near a vehicle securing mechanism36to determine a securing configuration of the ride vehicle20. In this manner, the control system may receive information indicative of the various operating parameters of the ride system10via the sensor assemblies34.

The vehicle securing mechanism36may include a hook, a ratchet system, a redundant locking mechanism, or any suitable device that maintains the ride vehicle20fixed in place with respect to a direction of travel along the vehicle ride path12when engaged. In addition or alternatively, the vehicle securing mechanism36may secure the ride vehicle20to a coaster, as described in detail below, when engaged. The vehicle securing mechanism36may include any suitable device that, when engaged, enables the roller assemblies32to maintain contact with tracks of the vehicle ride path12while the ride vehicle20traverses along the vehicle ride path12. For example, the vehicle securing mechanism36may include a female mating member that may mate with a male mating member of a coaster40, such that the female and male mating members may selectively lock with respect to one another, thereby securing the ride vehicle20to the coaster40. Additionally, the vehicle securing mechanism36may actuate to disengage the ride vehicle20from the vehicle ride path12so as to decouple the ride vehicle20from the vehicle ride path12and to enable the ride vehicle20to be transported by the coaster40operating on a coaster ride path42, as described in detail below.

The vehicle securing mechanism36may be positioned on the underside of the ride vehicle20(e.g., on the chassis31) and/or may be positioned laterally inward or outward relative to the roller assemblies32to selectively secure the ride vehicle20to the tracks of the vehicle ride path12(e.g., secure the ride vehicle20to the tracks of the vehicle ride path12when the vehicle securing mechanism36is engaged and detach the ride vehicle20from the tracks of the vehicle ride path12when the vehicle securing mechanism36is disengaged). However, it should be appreciated that, in addition or alternatively to including the vehicle securing mechanism36on the underside of the ride vehicle20, the vehicle securing mechanism36may be positioned anywhere on or proximate to the ride vehicle20(e.g., a longitudinal side of the ride vehicle20, a lateral side of the ride vehicle20, a top side of the ride vehicle20, and so forth).

The ride system10may include one or more coasters40operating on respective coaster ride paths42. For example, each coaster40may operate on a respective coaster ride path42. The coasters40may each include roller assemblies44, which may include one or more rollers that engage with the tracks defining the coaster ride path42. For example, the roller assemblies44may include running rollers or actively-driven rollers to drive and/or guide motion of the coaster40along the coaster ride path42, up-stop rollers that couple to the underside of the tracks of the coaster ride path42, side friction rollers that couple to the side of the tracks, or any combination thereof.

To retrieve information indicative of the operating parameters of the coaster40, the coaster40may include various sensor assemblies46communicatively coupled to a control system, as discussed in detail below. For example, the sensor assemblies46may include an infrared sensor to determine a position, velocity, and acceleration of the coaster40, for example, with respect to the coaster ride path42. Additionally, the sensor assemblies46may include various sensors positioned near a coaster securing mechanism48to determine whether the coaster securing mechanism48is activated and/or secured to one of the ride vehicles20. In this manner, the control system may receive information indicative of the various operating parameters of the coaster40via the sensor assemblies46to facilitate securement of the ride vehicle20to the coaster40(via securing mechanisms36and/or48), transportation of the ride vehicle20along the coaster ride path42from one portion of the vehicle ride path12to another portion of the vehicle ride path12, and/or disengagement of the securing mechanism (e.g., securing mechanisms36and/or48) to allow the ride vehicle20to continue along the vehicle ride path12after being transported via the coaster40.

By way of illustration and as discussed in detail below with respect toFIG. 9, in an embodiment, the coaster ride path42may be defined and may extend between a first portion of the vehicle ride path12and a second portion of the vehicle ride path12. In this manner, the coaster40may secure the ride vehicle20to the coaster40via the coaster securing mechanism48(and/or the vehicle securing mechanism36) while the ride vehicle20is positioned on the first portion of the vehicle ride path12. Thereafter, the coaster42may transport the secured ride vehicle20from the first portion of the vehicle ride path12to the second portion of the vehicle ride path12via the coaster ride path42extending there between.

As discussed below with respect toFIG. 9, in an embodiment, the coaster ride path42may be defined by a first end and a second end, such that the first end intersects the vehicle ride path12at a first overlapping portion and the second end intersects the vehicle ride path12at a second overlapping portion. In this manner, the coaster40may travel between the first and second portions of the vehicle ride path12to transport the ride vehicle20between the first and second portions of the vehicle ride path12along the coaster ride path42instead of along the vehicle ride path12. For example, the coaster40may receive the ride vehicle20from the first portion of the vehicle ride path12when the ride vehicle20is positioned on the first portion of the vehicle ride path12. After securing the ride vehicle20via the vehicle securing mechanism36or the coaster securing mechanism48, the coaster40may transport the ride vehicle20along the coaster ride path42to the second portion of the vehicle ride path12.

In an embodiment, and as discussed below with respect toFIG. 9, the coaster ride path42may overlap with a first vehicle ride path and with a second vehicle ride path that is separate from the first vehicle ride path. In this manner, the coaster40may receive the ride vehicle20from an overlapping portion of the first vehicle ride path when the ride vehicle20is positioned on the overlapping portion of the first vehicle ride path. After securing the ride vehicle20via the vehicle securing mechanism36or the coaster securing mechanism48, the coaster40may transport the ride vehicle20along the coaster ride path42from the overlapping portion of the first vehicle ride path to an overlapping portion of the second vehicle ride path. As such, the coaster40may facilitate transportation of ride vehicles20between different vehicle ride paths12and/or between different portions of the same vehicle ride path.

The amusement park8may include a control system50that is communicatively coupled (e.g., via wired or wireless features) to the ride vehicle20, the coaster40and the features on the ride system10. The amusement park8may include more than one control system50. For example, the amusement park8may include one control system50associated with the ride vehicle20, another control system50associated with the coaster40, a base station control system50, and the like, such that each of the control systems50is communicatively coupled to other control systems50(e.g., via respective transceiver or wired connections).

The control system50may be communicatively coupled to one or more ride vehicles20of the amusement park8via any suitable wired and/or wireless connection (e.g., via transceivers). The control system50may control various aspects of the amusement park8. For example, in some portions of the vehicle ride path12, the control system50may control or adjust the direction of travel, velocity, and acceleration of the ride vehicle20to cause the ride vehicle20to stop on an overlapping portion of the vehicle ride path12. Then, the control system50may disengage the vehicle securing mechanism36to decouple the ride vehicle20from the vehicle ride path12and engage the vehicle securing mechanism36and/or the coaster securing mechanism48to couple the ride vehicle20to the coaster40. The control system50may then actuate the coaster40to transport the ride vehicle20to another portion of vehicle ride path12or to another vehicle ride path12. To facilitate control, the control system50may receive data from the sensor assemblies34,46. In an embodiment, the control system50may be an electronic controller having electrical circuitry configured to process data associated with the ride vehicle20and or the coaster40, for example, from sensor assemblies34and46, respectively, via the transceivers. Furthermore, the control system50may be communicatively coupled to various components of the amusement park8(e.g., park attractions, park controllers, and wireless networks).

The control system50may include a memory device52and a processor54, such as a microprocessor. The control system50may also include one or more storage devices56and/or other suitable components. The processor54may be used to execute software, such as software for controlling the ride vehicle(s)20and the coaster40. Moreover, the processor54may include multiple microprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor54may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors.

The memory device52may include a volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory device52may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory device52may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the processor54to execute, such as instructions for controlling components in the ride system10, such as features of the ride vehicle20, the coaster40, and so forth. For example, the instructions may cause the processor54to control motion of the ride vehicle20and the coaster40to subject the passengers22to ride-enhancing motions, while also transporting the ride vehicle20to other portions of the vehicle ride path12in a manner that is blind to the passengers22to enhance the overall ride experience.

The storage device(s)56(e.g., nonvolatile storage) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The storage device(s)56may store data (e.g., passenger22information, data associated with the amusement park8, data associated with the vehicle ride path trajectory), instructions (e.g., software or firmware for controlling the ride vehicle20, the vehicle securing mechanism36, the coaster40, and/or the coaster securing mechanism48), and any other suitable information.

The ride system10may include a ride environment60, which may include multiple and differing combinations of environments. The ride environment60may include the type of ride (e.g., dark ride, water coaster, roller coaster, VR experience, or any combination thereof) and/or associated characteristics (e.g., theming) of the type of ride. For example, the ride environment60may include aspects of the ride system10that add to the overall theming and/or experience associated with the ride system10.

The ride system10may include a motion-based environment62, in which the passengers22are transported or moved by the ride system10. For example, the motion-based environment62may include a flat ride64(e.g., a ride that moves passengers22substantially within a plane that is generally aligned with the ground, such as by the ride vehicle20translating along a substantially flat vehicle ride path12or the coaster40transporting the ride vehicle20along a flat coaster ride path42), a gravity ride66(e.g., a ride where motion of the passengers22has at least a component of movement along the gravity vector, such as the coaster40transporting the ride vehicle20between one vehicle ride path12on a first level and another vehicle ride path12on a second level higher than the first level), and/or a vertical ride68(e.g., a ride that displaces passengers22in a vertical plane with respect to a fixed point).

The ride system10may include a motionless environment70, in which the passengers22are not substantially transported or displaced by the ride system10. For example, the motionless environment70may include a virtual reality (V/R) feature72(e.g., the passenger22may sit on a seat that vibrates or remains stationary while wearing a virtual reality (V/R) headset displaying a VR environment or experience) and/or a different kind of simulation74. In an embodiment, the ride vehicle20may come to a stop along the vehicle ride path12, such that the ride experience may include aspects of the motionless environment70for a portion of the duration of the ride experience. While the passengers22may not move substantially in the motionless environment70, virtual reality and/or simulation effects may cause disorientation of the passengers22, which may be enhanced and contrasted by motion-based distortion experienced by passengers22. To that end, it should be understood that the ride system10may include both motion-based and motionless environments62and70, which make the coaster40desirable for enhancing the ride experience.

FIG. 2is a schematic of an embodiment of the ride system10, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The ride system10may include multiple ride vehicles20coupled together via linkages to join passengers22riding in corresponding ride vehicles20in a common ride experience. The ride vehicles20may not be coupled to one another and may instead move independently of one another, for example, along respective and/or separate vehicle ride paths12. In an embodiment, ride vehicles20may move together in groupings or as sets of ride vehicles20. For example, a first set of ride vehicles20(e.g., three ride vehicles) may move along a first vehicle ride path12, and a second set of ride vehicles20(e.g., five ride vehicles) may move along a second vehicle ride path12. It should be understood that the control system50may instruct the ride vehicles20to travel along the one or more vehicle ride paths12in any desired manner.

The vehicle ride path12may include any features that define a vehicle direction of travel76(i.e., the direction of travel of the ride vehicle20). For example, the vehicle ride path12may include a track, a rail, a road, a chute, or any combination thereof. For example, the vehicle ride path12may define the movement (e.g., direction, speed, and/or orientation) of the ride vehicle20as the ride vehicle20progresses along the vehicle ride path12, similar to a train on train tracks.

The ride system10may also include the coaster40that includes a corresponding roller assembly44. The roller assembly44may be compatible with tracks, rails, roads, chutes, or any combination there, associated with the coaster ride path42. To that end, in an embodiment, the coaster40may travel along a coaster direction of travel78(i.e., the direction of travel of the coaster40) defined by the coaster ride path42. While the illustrated embodiment includes the vehicle ride path12and the coaster ride path42defined by respective paths (e.g., tracks), it should be appreciated that the ride vehicle20, the coaster40, or both, may freely travel along an unrestricted path at least in some portions of the ride system10.

The vehicle ride path12and the coaster ride path42may overlap at an overlapping portion80. For example, the vehicle ride path12may be defined along a plane or contour positioned at a vertical position different from a plane or contour defining the coaster ride path42. The overlapping portion80may refer to the portion along which the coaster ride path42intersects with the vehicle ride path12in such a manner that the coaster40(e.g., the top79of the coaster40) may couple to the vehicle ride path12(e.g., the underside of the vehicle ride path12) to receive the ride vehicle20. Alternatively, the coaster40(e.g., the top79of the coaster40) may couple to the chassis31of the ride vehicle20. After the coaster40receives and secures the ride vehicle20, the control system50may send a signal to the coaster40to transport the ride vehicle20along the coaster ride path42, for example, along the coaster direction of travel78.

FIG. 3is a schematic of an embodiment of the ride vehicle20and the coaster40operating in the ride system10and illustrating the ride vehicle20traveling along the vehicle direction of travel76, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. To facilitate discussion, the following description may refer to a coordinate system81including a longitudinal axis82, a lateral axis84, and a vertical axis86, where the axes of the coordinate system81are generally orthogonal with respect to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle direction of travel76is oriented substantially parallel to or along the longitudinal axis82.

The control system50may instruct the ride vehicle20to travel along the vehicle ride path12in the vehicle direction of travel76and decelerate to a stop at the overlapping portion80. When the ride vehicle20decelerates to a stop, the control system50may send a signal to the coaster40to actuate the coaster40to position the coaster40on the coaster ride path42under the vehicle ride path12and at the overlapping portion80. In this manner, the coaster40may be ready to couple to the ride vehicle20. The ride vehicle20may include a stopping device that enables the ride vehicle20to stop on the overlapping portion80at a desired position. Alternatively or in addition, the stopping device may be separate from the vehicle securing mechanism36and the coaster securing mechanism48. For example, the roller assemblies32may be associated with a braking system configured to decelerate the ride vehicle20on the vehicle ride path12.

As mentioned above, the coaster40may travel along the coaster direction of travel78. As illustrated, the coaster direction of travel78is oriented substantially parallel to or along the lateral axis84. While the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 3-5depict the coaster ride path42as oriented substantially perpendicular to the vehicle ride path12, it should be understood that the coaster ride path42may be oriented at any angle relative to the vehicle ride path12. For example, the coaster40may travel along the coaster ride path42in the coaster direction of travel78and decelerate to a stop on the overlapping portion80(e.g., by a braking system). The control system50may be communicatively coupled to aspects of the ride system10, such as the ride vehicle20, the coaster40, and their corresponding features. In this matter, the control system50may coordinate motion of the ride vehicle20and the coaster40to transport the ride vehicle20(by using the coaster40) to overlapping portions along the vehicle ride path12in a thrilling and experience-enhancing manner.

To that end,FIG. 4is a schematic of an embodiment of the coaster40receiving the ride vehicle20from the vehicle ride path12, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The control system50may send a signal to a braking system of the ride vehicle20or the vehicle ride path12to decelerate the ride vehicle20to a stop at a desired position on the vehicle ride path12(e.g., such that the ride vehicle20, when stopped, is positioned on the overlapping portion80). The control system50may send another signal to the coaster40, causing the coaster40to travel along the coaster ride path42and decelerate to a stop at the overlapping portion80. Indeed, the control system50may coordinate operation of the coaster40and the ride vehicle20, such that the coaster40and the ride vehicle20may decelerate to the overlapping portion80at the same time. Alternatively, the control system50may coordinate operation of the coaster40and the ride vehicle20by instructing the coaster40to be positioned at the overlapping portion80prior to the ride vehicle20decelerating to a stop at the overlapping portion80. In this manner, the coaster40may be ready to receive and secure the ride vehicle20.

After the ride vehicle20decelerates to a stop at the overlapping portion80, the control system50may send signals to feature(s) of the ride vehicle20and/or tracks of the vehicle ride path12on the overlapping portion80to decouple the ride vehicle20from the vehicle ride path12. The control system50may instruct the tracks of the vehicle ride path12to rotate about the longitudinal axis82, such that the ride vehicle20slides off the vehicle ride path12and onto the coaster40.

In an embodiment, the vehicle securing mechanism36may include a restraining system that, when engaged, limits the ride vehicle20to movement along the direction of the tracks defining the vehicle ride path12(e.g., along the vehicle direction of travel76). The control system50may instruct the vehicle securing mechanism36to disengage, such that the ride vehicle20is free to move relative to the tracks of the vehicle ride path12. In this manner, the ride vehicle20may decouple from the vehicle ride path12, such that the coaster40may receive the ride vehicle20and secure the ride vehicle20to the coaster40.

After receiving the ride vehicle20from the vehicle ride path12, the coaster40may receive signals (e.g., from the control system50) indicative of instructions to secure the ride vehicle20to the coaster40(e.g., the top79of the coaster40) via the coaster securing mechanism48. Alternatively, the coaster40(e.g., the top79of the coaster40) may couple to the chassis31of the ride vehicle20. As mentioned above, the vehicle securing mechanism36and the coaster securing mechanism48may include a female-male securing configuration83, such that when the vehicle securing mechanism36and the coaster securing mechanism48are engaged, the male configuration couples to the female configuration to secure the ride vehicle20to the coaster40. In this manner, the ride vehicle20may transition from being coupled to the vehicle ride path12to being secured to the coaster40.

To continue illustration of the operation and functionality of the coaster40,FIG. 5is a schematic of an embodiment of the coaster40transporting the ride vehicle20along the coaster ride path42to another portion of the vehicle ride path12, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As illustrated, after the coaster40receives and secures the ride vehicle20thereto, the control system50may instruct the coaster40to travel along the coaster ride path42(e.g., along the coaster direction of travel78) to transport the ride vehicle20to another portion of the vehicle ride path12. For example, the control system50may instruct the coaster40to travel to another overlapping portion different from the overlapping portion80where the coaster40received the ride vehicle20. In this manner, a portion of the vehicle ride path12between the two overlapping portions80may be avoided (e.g., for maintenance purposes, for experience enhancing purposes, for theming purposes, and so forth). In other words, utilization of the coaster40and the coaster ride path42as described herein enables transportation of the ride vehicle20to different portions of the ride vehicle path12without the ride vehicle20traveling along certain segments of the vehicle ride path12.

As mentioned above, the coaster40may remain hidden from the passengers22within the ride vehicle20(e.g., because the coaster40may be positioned in a floor under the vehicle ride path12), such that the passengers22may be unaware of the mechanism used to transport the ride vehicle20away from the vehicle ride path12and then back onto the vehicle ride path12. For example, a surface41may be level with the vehicle ride path12to mask the coaster40from the passengers22.

In response to the coaster40transporting the ride vehicle20to the other overlapping portion, the control system50may position another coaster40on the overlapping portion80. The other coaster40may be on the overlapping portion80ready to couple to another ride vehicle20. In this manner, a plurality of coaster40may coordinate with each other to transport many ride vehicles20operating in the ride system10.

After the coaster40transports the ride vehicle20to the other overlapping portion, the control system50may disengage the vehicle securing mechanism36or the coaster securing mechanism48to decouple the ride vehicle20from the coaster40. The control system50may also instruct the vehicle securing mechanism36to couple and secure the ride vehicle20to the vehicle ride path12. That is, the control system50send a signal to the locking mechanism(s) to re-engage the locking mechanism(s), as described above, to secure the ride vehicle20to the vehicle ride path12to enable motion of the ride vehicle20along the vehicle ride path12. WhileFIGS. 3-5illustrate motion of the ride vehicle20along the longitudinal axis82and the lateral axis84, it should be appreciated that the techniques disclosed herein may be employed to also facilitate vertical motion of the ride vehicle20(e.g., via the vehicle ride path12and/or via the coaster ride path42).

To that end,FIGS. 6-8illustrate schematics of the coaster40and the ride vehicle20operating in an embodiment of ride system10to enable vertical motion of the ride vehicle20, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In particular,FIG. 6is a schematic of an embodiment of the ride vehicle20and the coaster40operating in the ride system10to facilitate motion of the ride vehicle20along a vertical direction of travel90between vehicle ride paths12.FIG. 7is a schematic of an embodiment of the coaster40receiving the ride vehicle20from the vehicle ride path12, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.FIG. 8is a schematic of an embodiment of the coaster40vertically transporting the ride vehicle20along the coaster ride path42to another portion of vehicle ride path12, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.FIGS. 6-8are discussed concurrently below.

The ride vehicle20may include any number of vehicle securing mechanisms36. For example, as discussed above, the ride vehicle20may include one vehicle securing mechanism36on the underside (e.g., on the chassis31) of the ride vehicle20. In addition, the ride vehicle20may include another vehicle securing mechanism36on a lateral side92of the ride vehicle20. In this manner, the lateral side92of the ride vehicle20may couple to the coaster40, such that the ride vehicle20remains fixed to the coaster40while the coaster40vertically transports the ride vehicle20along the vertical direction of travel90.

The coaster40may be positioned on the overlapping portion80as the ride vehicle20approaches the overlapping portion80on the vehicle ride path12. After the control system50instructs the ride vehicle20to decelerate to a stop onto the overlapping portion80, the control system50may instruct the coaster securing mechanism48to couple to the vehicle securing mechanism36on the lateral side92. The control system50may also instruct the vehicle securing mechanism36on the underside of the ride vehicle20to decouple from the vehicle ride path12(e.g., from the tracks of the vehicle ride path12).

After the ride vehicle20is coupled and secured to the coaster40and after the ride vehicle20is decoupled from the vehicle ride path12, the control system50may send a signal to the coaster40to actuate the coaster40to travel along the coaster ride path42(e.g., along the vertical direction of travel90) and thereby transport the ride vehicle20to another portion of the vehicle ride path12positioned at another vertical distance relative to the location of the vehicle ride path12from which the coaster40received the ride vehicle20. For example, the control system50may instruct the coaster40to travel to another overlapping portion different from the overlapping portion80from which the coaster40received the ride vehicle20. In this manner, a portion of the vehicle ride path12may be avoided (e.g., for maintenance purposes, for experience enhancing purposes, for theming purposes, and so forth).

As mentioned above, the coaster40may be hidden by a surface41from the passengers22(FIGS. 1 and 2) within the ride vehicle20(e.g., because the coaster40may be positioned inside a wall on which the vehicle ride path12is positioned), such that the passengers22may be unaware of the mechanism used to vertically transport the ride vehicle20away from the vehicle ride path12and to another portion of the vehicle ride path12or to a ride path positioned on another floor or another vertical position.

In response to the coaster40transporting the ride vehicle20to the other overlapping portion, the control system50may position another coaster40on the overlapping portion80. The other coaster40may be on the overlapping portion80ready to couple to another ride vehicle20. In this manner, a plurality of coaster40may coordinate with each other to transport many ride vehicles20operating in the ride system10.

After the coaster40transports the ride vehicle20to another overlapping portion, the control system50may disengage the vehicle securing mechanism36and/or the coaster securing mechanism48to decouple the ride vehicle20from the coaster40. The control system50may also instruct the vehicle securing mechanism36to engage and secure the ride vehicle20to the vehicle ride path12. That is, the control system50send a signal to the securing mechanism(s) to re-engage the securing mechanism(s) of the vehicle securing mechanism36, as described above, and thereby secure the ride vehicle20to the vehicle ride path12and enable motion of the ride vehicle20along the vehicle ride path12.

FIG. 9is a graphical representation100of an embodiment of the ride system10, including one or more coaster ride paths42and one or more vehicle ride paths12, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As described above, the vehicle ride paths12and the coaster ride paths42may overlap with one another at a plurality of overlapping portions80. To facilitate illustration, in the graphical representation100, the vehicle ride paths12are represented with solid lines, the coaster ride paths42are represented with dotted lines, communication with the control system50is represented with dashed-dotted lines, and the overlapping portions80are represented as solid squares. Furthermore, the directions of ride vehicle20travel along the vehicle ride path20and/or the coaster ride path42are defined with arrows along the vehicle ride paths12and coaster ride paths42. However, it should be appreciated that the vehicle ride paths12and/or the coaster ride paths42may be bidirectional or configured to enable ride vehicle20motion in directions opposite to those shown.

The ride system10may include a ride station102on which ride passengers22(FIGS. 1, 2) may wait in a queue line before boarding the ride vehicle20(FIGS. 1-8). For example, after traveling along the vehicle ride paths12and the coaster ride paths42, the ride vehicle20may decelerate along a break run104of the vehicle ride path12to come to a stop at the ride station102. Ride passengers22may egress out of the ride vehicle20to allow the next set of ride passengers22(e.g., waiting in a queue line) to ingress into the ride vehicle20and experience the thrilling experience of the ride system10.

As mentioned above, the ride vehicle20may receive control signals from the control system50to drive motion of the ride vehicle20along the vehicle ride path12and to coordinate motion of the ride vehicle20with motion of the coaster40to enable transportation of the ride vehicle20from one overlapping portion80to another overlapping portion80by way of the coaster ride path42. In this manner, portions of the vehicle ride path12or portions of the coaster ride path42may be avoided by the ride vehicle20(e.g., for theme enhancing reasons, for maintenance purposes, and so forth).

By way of example, the ride vehicle20may be transported by the coaster40along a first portion106of the coaster ride path42. The coaster40may stop at a first overlapping portion110, the ride vehicle20may decouple from the coaster40, and the ride vehicle20may couple to the vehicle ride path12to travel along a first portion112of the vehicle ride path12. Thereafter, the ride vehicle20may decelerate to a stop on a second overlapping portion114, and the ride vehicle20may decouple from the vehicle ride path12, couple to the coaster40, and continue traveling along the coaster ride path42along a second portion116of the coaster ride path42. In this manner, a third portion118(e.g., positioned and extending between the first portion106and second portion116) of the coaster ride path42may be avoided by the ride vehicle20.

Alternatively, while the control system50is controlling the coaster40to transport the ride vehicle20, the coaster40may not stop on the first overlapping portion110or second overlapping portion114and instead may continue traveling along the coaster ride path42. In this manner, the first portion112of the vehicle ride path12may be avoided. In other words, the ride vehicle20may not travel along the first portion112of the vehicle ride path12. While the graphical representation100generally illustrates ride vehicle20motion along a common plane, it should be appreciated that the present techniques may be employed to transport the ride vehicle20along and amongst various floors (e.g., to avoid certain portions of the vehicle ride path12or provide passengers22with a thrilling and unique experience).

Furthermore, the ride system10may include a maintenance facility130. For example, when the ride vehicles20or coasters40are due for maintenance, the path of travel of the ride vehicle20or the coaster40, respectively, may be diverted to direct the ride vehicle20or the coaster40into the maintenance facility130, where the ride vehicle20or the coaster40may be serviced. The maintenance facility130may store various maintenance equipment (e.g., for servicing the ride vehicle20, the coasters40, the vehicle ride paths12, and/or the coaster ride paths42), additional coasters40, additional ride vehicles20, and so forth.

FIG. 10is a flow diagram200of an embodiment of a method for transporting the ride vehicle20(FIGS. 1-8) from one portion of the vehicle ride path12(FIGS. 1-8) to another portion of the vehicle ride path12, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The process of the flow diagram200may be implemented by a processor-based device, such as a controller of the control system50(FIGS. 1-9) described above.

With the foregoing in mind, the control system50may send a signal to the coaster40to actuate (process block202) the coaster40operating on the coaster ride path42(FIGS. 1-9) (e.g., a coaster track) and move the coaster40to intersect the vehicle ride path12(FIGS. 1-9) at a target position (i.e., overlapping portion80of the coaster ride path42and vehicle ride path12[FIGS. 2-9]). The coaster40may remain at the overlapping portion80until it receives the ride vehicle20from the vehicle ride path12.

While the coaster40is at the overlapping portion80, the control system50may control motion of the ride vehicle20by sending a signal to the ride vehicle20to decelerate the ride vehicle20to a stop onto or at the overlapping portion80. That is, the control system50may position (process block204) the ride vehicle20on the overlapping portion80and on (or proximate to) the coaster40. When both the ride vehicle20and the coaster40are at the overlapping portion80, the coaster40may be positioned under the ride vehicle20(e.g., to transport the ride vehicle20along the coaster ride path42). In an embodiment, when both the ride vehicle20and the coaster40are at the overlapping portion80, the coaster40may be positioned on the lateral side of the ride vehicle20(e.g., to execute vertical motion along the coaster ride path42).

While the coaster40is at the overlapping portion80, the control system50may send a signal to the vehicle securing mechanism36to disengage the vehicle securing mechanism36(FIGS. 1, 3-8) and decouple the ride vehicle20from the vehicle ride path12. The control system50may also send a signal to engage the vehicle securing mechanism36and/or the coaster securing mechanism48to couple and secure the ride vehicle20to the coaster40. That is, the control system50may cause the (process block206) securing mechanism(s) to engage, as described above, in order to secure the ride vehicle20to the coaster40.

After the control system50secures the ride vehicle20to the coaster40, the control system50may send a signal to the coaster40to actuate (process block208) the coaster40to transport the ride vehicle20along the coaster ride path42to another portion of the vehicle ride path12or to another, separate vehicle ride path12. For example, the control system50may instruct the coaster40to travel (e.g., along the longitudinal axis82[FIGS. 3-8], the lateral axis84[FIGS. 3-8], and/or the vertical axis86[FIGS. 3-8]) to another overlapping portion different from the overlapping portion80where the coaster40received the ride vehicle20from the vehicle ride path12. In this manner, a portion of the vehicle ride path12may be avoided (e.g., for maintenance purposes, for experience enhancing purposes, for theming purposes, and so forth). In other words, use and operation of the ride vehicle20to entertain passengers22may continue without utilizing the portion of the vehicle ride path12.

After being transported to another overlapping portion, the control system50may disengage the vehicle securing mechanism36and/or the coaster securing mechanism48to release the ride vehicle20from the coaster40. The control system50may also send a signal to the vehicle securing mechanism36to cause the vehicle securing mechanism36to couple and to secure the ride vehicle20to the vehicle ride path12. That is, the control system50may cause the securing mechanism(s) to re-engage (process block212), as described above, to secure the ride vehicle20to the vehicle ride path12to enable motion of the ride vehicle20along the vehicle ride path12.

Technical effects of the present disclosure include a ride system that includes a ride vehicle configured to travel along a vehicle ride path and includes a coaster configured to travel along a coaster ride path. The coaster ride path may be defined by a first end and a second end, where the first end intersects the vehicle ride path at a first overlapping portion, and the second end intersects the vehicle ride path at a second overlapping portion. In this manner, the coaster may travel between the first and second portions of the vehicle ride path to transport the ride vehicle between the first and second portions of the vehicle ride path along the coaster ride path instead of along the vehicle ride path. In this manner, the coaster may transport the ride vehicle between floors, between separate ride paths, and/or between portions of a single ride path. As a result, the section of the vehicle ride path between the first and second portions of the vehicle ride path may be avoided during certain runs of the ride system, for example, to facilitate maintenance of that section between the first and second portions of the vehicle ride path or for experience-enhancing purposes.