Patent Description:
Theme park or amusement park attractions have become increasingly popular, and have been created to provide guests with unique immersive experiences. Many theme parks or amusement parks include ride systems that move a ride vehicle relative to a track. Certain ride systems may include overhung ride assemblies, meaning a ride vehicle and other aspects of the ride system (e.g., a transport platform, a heave system, a motion base platform) are positioned underneath the track of the ride system relative to a Gravity vector (e.g., while the overhung ride assembly is in a resting or home position). Unfortunately, traditional ride systems employing overhung ride assemblies may include a limited range of motion of the ride vehicles relative to the track. Further, traditional ride systems employing overhung ride assemblies may be expensive to manufacture (e.g., due to excessive part counts and expensive parts) and operate (e.g., due to wasted energy). It is now recognized that improved ride systems employing improved overhung ride assemblies are desired.

<CIT> describes a ride system including a base, a ride vehicle, a platform assembly, and an extension mechanism. 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 an embodiment, a ride system includes a track and an overhung ride assembly. The overhung ride assembly includes a transport platform coupled to the track, a ride vehicle, and a heave system extending between the transport platform and the ride vehicle. The heave system is configured to heave the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform. The heave system includes an extendible tube defining a variable volume configured to store a gaseous fluid. The extendible tube is configured to extend in response to a lowering of the ride vehicle away from the transport platform by the heave system such that the gaseous fluid within the variable volume of the extendible tube enables a fluid force that biases the extendible tube toward a contracted configuration to assist the heave system with a lifting of the ride vehicle toward the transport platform.

In an example useful for understanding the present disclosure, a ride system includes a track and an overhung ride assembly. The overhung ride assembly includes a transport platform coupled to the track, a ride vehicle, and a heave system extending between the transport platform and the ride vehicle. The heave system is configured to heave the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform. The heave system includes a strong arm assembly having a backhoe configuration including a first rigid arm coupled via a first hinge to the ride vehicle or to a motion base platform coupled to the ride vehicle, and including a second rigid arm coupled the first rigid arm via a second hinge and to a transport hinge at the transport platform.

In an example useful for understanding the present disclosure, a ride system includes a track and an overhung ride assembly. The overhung ride assembly includes a transport platform coupled to the track, a ride vehicle, and a heave system configured to heave the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform. The heave system includes a winch assembly having a spool, a cable coupled to the spool, and a motor. The motor is configured to drive the spool into rotation in a first circumferential direction to lift the ride vehicle via the cable toward the transport platform and create potential energy in the ride vehicle. The motor is also configured to generate power in response to the spool rotating in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction as the ride vehicle is lowered via the cable away from the transport platform and the potential energy of the ride vehicle is converted to kinetic energy.

The present disclosure relates generally to ride systems having overhung ride assemblies. For example, an overhung ride assembly may include a ride vehicle and other features positioned beneath a track or mount of the ride system relative to a Gravity vector (e.g., while the overhung ride assembly is in a resting or home position). The overhung ride assembly may also include a transport platform connected to the track and configured to move along the track, and one or more motion systems or assemblies (e.g., a heave system and a motion base platform) positioned at the transport platform and/or between the transport platform and the ride vehicle. The one or more motion systems or assemblies may be configured to move the ride vehicle in various directions (e.g., heave, translate, roll, pitch, yaw) relative to the transport platform.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the overhung ride assembly may include a heave system configured to lift and lower the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform, and a motion base platform between the heave system and the ride vehicle. The motion base platform may include, for example, a Stewart platform or an octopod. In general, the motion base platform may roll, pitch, and/or yaw the ride vehicle relative to the heave system and transport platform. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ride system may not include the motion base platform, and the heave system may be directly connected to the ride vehicle.

The heave system may include several assemblies that work in conjunction to lift the ride vehicle toward the transport platform and to lower the ride vehicle away from the transport platform. For example, the heave system may include a winch assembly having a spool, a cable that extends from the ride vehicle (or the motion base platform) to the spool, and a motor that turns the spool. The motor may perform work to turn the spool in a first circumferential direction to wind the cable onto the spool and raise the ride vehicle toward the transport platform. The spool may also turn in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction to unwind the cable from the spool and lower the ride vehicle away from the transport platform. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the spool may receive multiple cables that extend between the transport platform and the ride vehicle or the motion base platform, or multiple cable-dedicated spools may be employed. Further, multiple motors may be employed to drive rotation of the one or more spools. In general, utilizing multiple cables attached to various points of the ride vehicle or the motion base platform may improve a stability of the ride vehicle and improve control of lifting and lowering the ride vehicle. Other actuation mechanisms for actuating the cable are also possible.

The heave system of the overhung ride assembly may also include a strong arm assembly that extends between the transport platform and the ride vehicle (or the motion base platform) and assists in lifting and lowering the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform. The present disclosure may refer to an embodiment of the strong arm assembly as forming a backhoe configuration, as the strong arm assembly may resemble excavating equipment or machinery referred to as a backhoe. The strong arm assembly may include multiple rigid arms connected by hinges that enable certain of the rigid arms to rotate. The present disclosure may describe the rigid arms of the strong arm assembly as being rigid to denote a material strength and geometry of each rigid arm of the strong arm assembly. While the strong arm assembly is configured to move, and while rigid arms of the strong arm assembly may move (e.g., rotate) relative to each other, each rigid arm of the strong arm assembly includes a material and geometric configuration that prevents a portion of the rigid arm of the strong arm assembly from flexing relative to another portion of the rigid arm of the strong arm assembly. For example, in contrast with the cable of the winch assembly, which is configured to flex as it is wound onto (and unwound from) the spool of the winch assembly, the rigid arms of the strong arm assembly are configured to maintain a structural rigidity as they move in accordance with the description above. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the rigid arms of the strong arm assembly may not be perfectly rigid, but that the term rigid is used in accordance with the present disclosure to differentiate from substantially less rigid members, such as the cable configured to wind about (and unwind from) the spool of the winch assembly.

The strong arm assembly may include a first rigid arm having a proximal end connected to the ride vehicle (or to the motion base platform) at a first passive hinge. The strong arm assembly may also include a second rigid arm having a proximal end connected to the transport platform at a transport hinge, where the transport hinge is actuated via one or more motors (e.g., the above-described motor[s] configured to drive rotation of the spool[s]) to impart movement to the strong arm assembly. A distal end of the first rigid arm and a distal end of the second rigid arm may be coupled together via a second passive hinge that enables the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm to form a variable angle, where the variable angle between the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm changes as the strong arm assembly is used to lift and/or lower the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform. The first passive hinge and the second passive hinge may be referred to by the present disclosure as being passive to denote that they may not be motor or power driven, whereas the transport hinge may be driven by the one or more motors described above. The first passive hinge between the first rigid arm and the ride vehicle (or motion base platform), the transport hinge between the second rigid arm and the transport platform, and the second passive hinge between the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm may be referred to by the present disclosure as a three-hinge design of the strong arm assembly.

A stabilizing boom connected to the transport platform and coupled to the first rigid arm may support a weight of the assembly and/or facilitate controlled rotation of the first rigid arm about an axis of the second passive hinge between the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm. For example, the stabilizing boom may provide a level of resistance against the first rigid arm and prevent the first rigid arm from freely rotating about an axis of the second passive hinge, such that the first rigid arm only rotates about the axis of the second passive hinge in response to the second rigid arm being driven into rotation about an axis of the transport hinge. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stabilizing boom connected to the first rigid arm may move laterally (e.g., across the transport platform and/or underneath the first rigid arm) as the second rigid arm is driven into rotation about the axis of the transport hinge, thus enabling the first rigid arm to rotate about the axis of the second passive hinge. The variable angle between the distal ends of first rigid arm and the second rigid arm, coupled via the second passive hinge, may be decreased (e.g., made more acute) as the ride vehicle is lifted toward the transport platform. Further, the variable angle between the distal ends of the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm may be increased (e.g., made more obtuse) as the ride vehicle is lowered away from the transport platform.

The proximal end of the second rigid arm of the strong arm assembly, connected to the transport hinge at the transport platform, may be rotated about the axis of the transport hinge in response to the transport hinge being rotated by the one or more motors. For example, the second rigid arm may be rigidly coupled to the transport hinge and, as the transport hinge is turned by the one or more motors, the second rigid arm turns with the transport hinge. Accordingly, to lift the ride vehicle, the transport hinge may be turned by the one or more motors in a first circumferential direction to rotate the second rigid arm about the axis of the transport hinge, which in turn causes rotation of the first rigid arm about an axis of the second passive hinge between the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm. As the ride vehicle is lifted toward the transport platform, the variable angle between the distal end of the first rigid arm and the distal end of the second rigid arm may decrease (e.g., become more acute). Further, to lower the ride vehicle, the transport hinge may be turned by the one or more motors in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction to rotate the second rigid arm about the axis of the transport hinge, which in turn causes rotation of the first rigid arm about the axis of the second passive hinge between the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm. As the ride vehicle is lowered away from the transport platform, the variable angle between the distal end of the first rigid arm and the distal end of the second rigid arm may increase (e.g., become more obtuse). It should be noted that, while the strong arm assembly is used to raise and lower the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform, the strong arm assembly may also impart a certain amount of lateral movement of the ride vehicle as the ride vehicle is raised and lowered relative to the transport platform.

In addition to the above-described winch assembly and strong arm assembly, the heave system may also include a compensation assembly configured to assist in lifting of the ride vehicle toward the transport platform. The compensation assembly may be disposed at or adjacent to the transport platform and may include multiple extendible tubes having corresponding reservoirs that store a gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen. For example, first ends of the extendible tubes may be connected to stationary anchors of the transport platform and second ends of the extendible tubes may be connected to a rotation feature at or adjacent to the transport platform, such as the second rigid arm of the above-described strong arm assembly and/or an extension of the transport hinge. As the strong arm assembly is utilized to lower the ride vehicle, the rotating feature (e.g., the second rigid arm and/or the extension of the transport hinge) may move away from the anchors of the transport platform, pulling the second ends of the extendible tubes away from the first ends of the extendible tubes and causing the extendible tubes to extend in length. For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ends of the extendible tubes may include, or be coupled to, plungers extending into the first ends of the extendible tubes. A vacuum may be formed in the first end of each tube and defined at least in part by the plunger.

As the extendible tubes extend in length, the gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, may move into bodies of the extendible tubes. For example, the above-described plungers may move along the first ends of the extendible tubes to expand a volume inside of the extendible tubes. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gaseous fluid may reside in both the reservoirs and the bodies of the extendible tubes as the extendible tubes are extended or in an extended state. The expanded volume may increase a pressure differential between the insides of the extendible tubes and an atmosphere surrounding the extendible tubes, generating a fluid force. The fluid force may tend to force the extendible tubes to contract.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the motors corresponding to the transport hinge and/or winch described above may perform work to force the strong arm assembly downwardly and to overcome the fluid force generated by the extendible tubes as the ride vehicle is lowered, and/or to maintain the ride vehicle in a lowered (e.g., extended) position. When the motors are disabled and/or used to raise the ride vehicle toward the transport platform, the fluid force generated by the extendible tubes may cause a contraction of the extendible tubes. As the fluid force is released and the extendible tubes contract, the extendible tubes may exert a force against the second rigid arm and/or the extension of the transport hinge and pull the second rigid arm and/or the extension of the transport hinge back toward the anchors of the transport platform. A pulley assembly between each extendible tube and the second rigid arm and/or the extension transport hinge may be configured to convert between lateral movement of the extendible tube and rotational movement of the second rigid arm and/or the extension of the transport hinge. Thus, the extendible tubes may assist in lifting the ride vehicle toward the transport platform, thereby reducing an amount of work required from the motors that turn the transport hinge and/or the spools of the winches of the heave system during a lifting procedure.

A combination of the one or more winch assemblies, the strong arm assembly, and the compensation assembly, referred to collectively as the heave system, is utilized for lifting and lowering the ride vehicle as described above. The heave system may generally facilitate improved heave control and reduced power consumption needed for heaving the ride vehicle relative to traditional embodiments.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the heave system may include a pantograph that does not include the above-described backhoe configuration, such as a jointed mechanical linkage framework having a generally rectangular configuration and extending between the ride vehicle (or the motion base platform) and the transport platform. A winch, winch motor, and cable, as previously described, may be used in lifting the ride vehicle and motion base platform and/or supporting a weight of the ride vehicle and motion base platform, while the pantograph extends and contracts to improve stability of the ride vehicle and/or motion base platform. The winch motor may be coupled to a regenerative drive system. In general, the winch motor performs work to use the cable to lift the ride vehicle as the pantograph is contracted. That is, electrical torque of the winch motor performs work to overcome the gravitational forces of the ride vehicle and other features (e.g., the motion base platform) of the overhung ride assembly. However, lifting of the ride vehicle creates potential energy, which is converted to kinetic energy as the ride vehicle is lowered. As the ride vehicle is lowered, the winch motor may act as a generator in order to regenerate power via the kinetic energy created during lowering of the ride vehicle. Induced currents from the winch motor, which acts as a generator during lowering of the ride vehicle, may be passed through a drive and into a bus rail system generally used to power the winch motor, such that the bus rail system can store the generated power for future use during a future lifting of the ride vehicle or another ride vehicle associated with the ride system. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the regenerative power features described above in conjunction with the generally rectangular pantograph may be employed with the strong arm assembly having the backhoe configuration.

The above-described features may generally improve an experience of a guest positioned in the ride vehicle through improved movement (e.g., lifting, lowering, rolling, pitching, yawing) of the ride vehicle relative to traditional embodiments. Further, the above-described features may generally reduce a cost of ride system manufacturing (e.g., via reduced number of parts, less expensive parts, simplified configuration) and operation (e.g., via utilization of fluid force in the compensation assembly and/or the power regeneration features of the winch assembly) relative to traditional embodiments. These and other features will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Continuing now with the drawings, <FIG> is a side view of an embodiment of an overhung ride assembly <NUM> for a ride system <NUM>. The ride system <NUM> may also include a track that is illustrated in later drawings (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>). The overhung ride assembly <NUM> may be positioned underneath (or hang from) the track (e.g., while the overhung ride assembly <NUM> is in a resting or home position). In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the overhung ride assembly <NUM> of the ride system <NUM> includes a transport platform <NUM> and a heave system <NUM> configured to lift and lower a ride vehicle <NUM> of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> relative to the transport platform <NUM>. The transport platform <NUM> may be coupled to the track of the ride system <NUM> via wheel assemblies <NUM>. The heave system <NUM>, as described in detail below, may include several assemblies configured to assist in lifting and lowering of the ride vehicle <NUM> relative to the transport platform <NUM>. The overhung ride assembly <NUM> may also include a motion base platform <NUM> between the heave system <NUM> and the ride vehicle <NUM>. The motion base platform <NUM> may include, for example, a Stewart platform or an octopod. In general, the motion base platform <NUM> may roll, pitch, and/or yaw the ride vehicle <NUM> relative to the heave system <NUM> and transport platform <NUM>. In an embodiment, the ride system <NUM> may not include the motion base platform <NUM>, and features of the heave system <NUM> may be directly connected to the ride vehicle <NUM>.

As previously described, the heave system <NUM> may include several assemblies that work in conjunction to lift the ride vehicle <NUM> toward the transport platform <NUM> and to lower the ride vehicle <NUM> away from the transport platform <NUM>. For example, the heave system <NUM> may include a winch assembly <NUM> defined at least in part by one or more cables <NUM> extending from the motion base platform <NUM> (or directly from the ride vehicle <NUM>) to the transport platform <NUM>. Although only one cable <NUM> is visible in the side view of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> in <FIG>, another cable <NUM> may be disposed on an opposing side of the overhung ride assembly <NUM>. The one or more cables <NUM> may be coupled to one or more spools <NUM> of the winch assembly <NUM> disposed on the transport platform <NUM>. It should be noted that a single spool <NUM> for multiple cables <NUM> may be used, or multiple cable-dedicated spools <NUM> may be used. For example, while only one spool <NUM> is visible in the side view of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> in <FIG>, another spool <NUM> may be disposed on an opposing side of the overhung ride assembly <NUM>. The spool <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment may be turned in a first circumferential direction to unwind the cable <NUM> from the spool <NUM> and lower the ride vehicle <NUM> away from the transport platform <NUM>. The spool <NUM> may also be turned by a motor <NUM> in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction to wind the cable <NUM> onto the spool <NUM> and raise the ride vehicle <NUM> toward the transport platform <NUM>. While a collapsible pole <NUM> is shown in the illustrated embodiment and may be used to stabilize undesirable movement (e.g., undesirable rolling movement) of the ride vehicle <NUM>, the collapsible pole <NUM> may not be considered a part of the winch assembly <NUM> noted above.

The heave system <NUM> of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> may also include a strong arm assembly <NUM> that extends between the transport platform <NUM> and the ride vehicle <NUM>, where the strong arm assembly <NUM> forms a backhoe configuration. An embodiment of the strong arm assembly <NUM> may be described as forming a backhoe configuration because it may resemble excavating equipment or machinery referred to as a backhoe. The strong arm assembly <NUM> may also assist in lifting and lowering the ride vehicle <NUM> relative to the transport platform <NUM>. It should be noted that the strong arm assembly <NUM>, as described in detail below, may include multiple rigid arms connected by hinges that enable certain of the rigid arms to rotate about the hinges, and that "rigid" is used herein to refer to a material strength and geometry of each rigid arm of the strong arm assembly <NUM>. That is, while the strong arm assembly <NUM> is configured to move, each rigid arm of the strong arm assembly <NUM> includes a material and geometric configuration that prevents a portion of the rigid arm from flexing relative to another portion of the rigid arm.

For example, the strong arm assembly <NUM> may include a first rigid arm <NUM> having a proximal end <NUM> connected to the motion base platform <NUM> at a first passive hinge <NUM>. That is, the proximal end <NUM> of the first rigid arm <NUM> is proximal to the motion base platform <NUM>. However, the proximal end <NUM> may alternatively be coupled to the ride vehicle <NUM> via the passive hinge <NUM>, such that the proximal end <NUM> is proximal to the ride vehicle <NUM>. The strong arm assembly <NUM> may also include a second rigid arm <NUM> having a proximal end <NUM> connected to the transport platform <NUM> at a transport hinge <NUM>, where the transport hinge <NUM> is actuated (e.g., via the motor <NUM> or a separate motor) to impart movement to the strong arm assembly <NUM>. That is, the proximal end <NUM> of the second rigid arm <NUM> is proximal to the transport platform <NUM>. The transport hinge <NUM> of the strong arm assembly <NUM> and the spool <NUM> are aligned on an axis in the illustrated embodiment and driven by the motor <NUM>, although the transport hinge <NUM> and the spool <NUM> may not be aligned in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Alignment of the transport hinge <NUM> and the spool <NUM> is more clearly illustrated, and later described with respect to, <FIG>. A distal end <NUM> of the first rigid arm <NUM> and a distal end <NUM> of the second rigid arm <NUM> may be coupled via a second passive hinge <NUM> that enables the first rigid arm <NUM> and the second rigid arm <NUM> to form a variable angle <NUM>. The first passive hinge <NUM>, the transport hinge <NUM>, and the second passive hinge <NUM> may be referred to herein as a three-hinge design of the strong arm assembly <NUM>. It should be noted that the first passive hinge <NUM> and the second passive hinge <NUM> may be described as being passive to denote that they are not power driven in an embodiment of the present disclosure, whereas the transport hinge <NUM> is power driven (e.g., by the motor <NUM> or a separate motor) as described in detail below.

A stabilizing boom <NUM> connected to the transport platform <NUM> and coupled to the first rigid arm <NUM> may facilitate controlled rotation of the first rigid arm <NUM> about an axis of the second passive hinge <NUM> between the first rigid arm <NUM> and the second rigid arm <NUM>. For example, the stabilizing boom <NUM> may provide resistance against the first rigid arm <NUM> and prevent the first rigid arm <NUM> from rotating about an axis of the second passive hinge <NUM>, unless the second rigid arm <NUM> is driven into rotation about an axis of the transport hinge <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stabilizing boom <NUM> may move laterally (e.g., across the transport platform <NUM>) as the second rigid arm <NUM> is driven into rotation about the axis of the transport hinge <NUM>, thus enabling the first rigid arm <NUM> to rotate about the axis of the second passive hinge <NUM>. Accordingly, the variable angle <NUM> between the distal ends <NUM>, <NUM> of first rigid arm <NUM> and the second rigid arm <NUM>, coupled via the second passive hinge <NUM>, may be decreased (e.g., made more acute) as the ride vehicle <NUM> is lifted toward the transport platform <NUM>. Further, the variable angle <NUM> between the distal ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the first rigid arm <NUM> and the second rigid arm <NUM> may be increased (e.g., made more obtuse) as the ride vehicle <NUM> is lowered away from the transport platform <NUM>.

While the stabilizing boom <NUM> may provide resistance against free rotation of the first rigid arm <NUM> about the axis of the second passive hinge <NUM>, other resistance (e.g., frictional resistance) may also be included to block free rotation of the first rigid arm <NUM> about the second passive hinge <NUM> and/or about the first passive hinge <NUM>. The above-described configuration of the strong arm assembly <NUM>, which may employ the first rigid arm <NUM>, the second rigid arm <NUM>, and the three-hinge design including the first passive hinge <NUM>, the transport hinge <NUM>, and the second passive hinge <NUM>, may be generally referred to by the present disclosure as a backhoe configuration, as previously described. Power features that impart movement to the strong arm assembly <NUM> are described in detail below.

The proximal end <NUM> of the second rigid arm <NUM> of the strong arm assembly <NUM>, connected to the transport hinge <NUM> at the transport platform <NUM>, may be rotated about an axis of the transport hinge <NUM> in response to the transport hinge <NUM> being rotated by the one or more motors <NUM> previously described with respect to the one or more spools <NUM> (or via one or more separate motors). For example, the second rigid arm <NUM> may be rigidly coupled to the transport hinge <NUM> and, as the transport hinge <NUM> is turned by the one or more motors <NUM>, the second rigid arm <NUM> may turn with the transport hinge <NUM>. Accordingly, to lift the ride vehicle <NUM> toward the transport platform <NUM>, the transport hinge <NUM> may be turned by the one or more motors <NUM> in a first circumferential direction to rotate the second rigid arm <NUM> about the axis of the transport hinge <NUM>, which in turn causes movement of the first rigid arm <NUM> about an axis of the second passive hinge <NUM> between the first rigid arm <NUM> and the second rigid arm <NUM>. As the ride vehicle <NUM> is lifted toward the transport platform <NUM> (e.g., referred to herein as a contracted movement or condition), the variable angle <NUM> between the distal end <NUM> of the first rigid arm <NUM> and the distal end <NUM> of the second rigid arm <NUM> may decrease (e.g., become more acute). Further, to lower the ride vehicle <NUM>, the transport hinge <NUM> may be turned by the one or more motors <NUM> in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction to rotate the second rigid arm <NUM> about the axis of the transport hinge <NUM>, which in turn causes movement of the first rigid arm <NUM> about the axis of the second passive hinge <NUM> between the first rigid arm <NUM> and the second rigid arm <NUM>. As the ride vehicle <NUM> is lowered away from the transport platform <NUM> (e.g., referred to herein as an extended movement or condition), the variable angle <NUM> between the distal end <NUM> of the first rigid arm <NUM> and the distal end <NUM> of the second rigid arm <NUM> may increase (e.g., become more obtuse). It should be noted that, while the strong arm assembly <NUM> may be used to raise and lower the ride vehicle <NUM> relative to the transport platform <NUM> as described above, the strong arm assembly <NUM> may also impart a certain amount of lateral or horizontal movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> as the ride vehicle <NUM> is raised and lowered relative to the transport platform <NUM>. Additional features of the strong arm assembly <NUM> and a compensation assembly of the heave system <NUM> will be described in detail below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ride system <NUM> having the overhung ride assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, the transport platform <NUM> of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> is coupled to a track <NUM> via the wheel assemblies <NUM>, which enable movement of the transport platform <NUM> along the track <NUM>. The strong arm assembly <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment includes two separate segments of the second rigid arm <NUM>. For example, the two separate segments of the second rigid arm <NUM> extend to either side of the passive hinge <NUM> between the first rigid arm <NUM> and the second rigid arm <NUM>, and the first rigid arm <NUM> extends to a middle of the passive hinge <NUM>. The two separate segments of the second rigid arm <NUM> may be rigidly coupled to the passive hinge <NUM>, and the first rigid arm <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the passive hinge <NUM>, enabling a change to the variable angle <NUM> between the first rigid arm <NUM> and the second rigid arm <NUM> as the ride vehicle <NUM> is lifted or lowered. Alternatively, the two separate segments of the second rigid arm <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the passive hinge <NUM>, with the first rigid arm <NUM> being rigidly coupled to the passive hinge <NUM>. The stabilizing boom <NUM> extends underneath the first rigid arm <NUM> and supports the first rigid arm <NUM> to enable the above-described rotation (e.g., to support a weight of the first rigid arm <NUM>) and prevent the first rigid arm <NUM> from freely rotating about the second passive hinge <NUM> when the second rigid arm <NUM> is not actuated into rotation.

The heave system <NUM> may also include a compensation assembly <NUM> used to assist in lifting of the ride vehicle <NUM> toward the transport platform <NUM>. The compensation assembly <NUM> may be disposed at or adjacent to the transport platform <NUM>, and may include multiple extendible tubes <NUM> having corresponding reservoirs that store a gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen. Aspects of the extendible tubes <NUM> described herein that are not labeled in <FIG> (e.g., the reservoir and a body of each extendible tube <NUM>) are labeled in <FIG> and will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>. Continuing with <FIG>, first ends <NUM> of the extendible tubes <NUM> may be connected to a stationary anchor <NUM> of the transport platform <NUM>, and second ends <NUM> of the extendible tubes <NUM> may be connected to the second rigid arm <NUM> of the above-described strong arm assembly <NUM> (or to an extension of the transport hinge <NUM> labeled in <FIG>). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vacuum may be present or formed within each extendible tube <NUM>. As the strong arm assembly <NUM> is utilized to lower the ride vehicle <NUM> away from the transport platform <NUM>, the second rigid arm <NUM> (and/or the extension of the transport hinge <NUM> labeled in <FIG>) may move away from the stationary anchor <NUM> of the transport platform <NUM>, pulling the second ends <NUM> of the extendible tubes <NUM> away from the first ends <NUM> of the extendible tubes <NUM>, and causing the extendible tubes <NUM> to extend in length.

As the extendible tubes <NUM> extend in length, the gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, may move from the reservoirs of the extendible tubes <NUM> and into the bodies of the extendible tubes <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gaseous fluid may reside in both the reservoirs and bodies of the extendible tubes <NUM> when the extendible tubes <NUM> are extended. That is, the extendible tubes <NUM> may include variable volumes that increase when the extendible tubes <NUM> extend and decrease when the extendible tubes <NUM> contract. The expanded volume when the extendible tubes <NUM> are extended may increase a pressure differential between the gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, within the extendible tubes <NUM> and an environment or atmosphere surrounding the extendible tubes <NUM>. The pressure differential may generate a fluid force that tends to bias the extendible tubes <NUM> to contract. While the extendible tubes <NUM> described above are described in the context of storing a gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include storage of air or a liquid fluid. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the motor(s) <NUM> (illustrated more clearly in <FIG>) perform work to overcome the fluid force generated by the extendible tubes <NUM> as the ride vehicle <NUM> is lowered, and/or to maintain the ride vehicle <NUM> in a lowered position.

When the motors <NUM> are disabled and/or used to raise the ride vehicle <NUM>, the fluid force generated by the extendible tubes <NUM> may cause the extendible tubes <NUM> labeled in <FIG> to contract. As the fluid force is released and the extendible tubes <NUM> contract, the extendible tubes <NUM> may exert a force against the second rigid arm <NUM> and pull the second rigid arm <NUM> back toward the stationary anchor <NUM> of the transport platform <NUM>. Thus, the extendible tubes <NUM> may assist in lifting the ride vehicle <NUM> toward the transport platform <NUM>, thereby reducing an amount of work required from the motors <NUM>. The features of the heave system <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG>, including the winch assembly <NUM>, the strong arm assembly <NUM>, the motor <NUM>, and the compensation assembly <NUM>, may facilitate controlled lifting and lowering of the ride vehicle <NUM> relative to the transport platform <NUM>. Additional features of the compensation assembly <NUM> are described in detail below.

<FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a portion of the ride system <NUM> having the overhung ride assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, in which a ride vehicle (not shown in the illustrated embodiment) of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> is extended away from the transport platform <NUM> of the overhung ride assembly <NUM>. Although the ride vehicle is not included in the portion of the ride system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> of <FIG> in which the ride vehicle <NUM> of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> is illustrated and extended away from the transport platform <NUM> of the overhung ride assembly <NUM>.

Focusing first on <FIG>, detailed aspects of the compensation assembly <NUM>, described generally above with respect to <FIG>, are illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, each extendible tube <NUM> includes the first end <NUM> that is coupled to the stationary anchor <NUM> of the transport platform <NUM>. The first end <NUM> may include a reservoir <NUM> and a body <NUM> of the extendible tube <NUM>, although other configurations of the reservoir <NUM> and the body <NUM> are possible. A plunger <NUM> of the extendible tube <NUM> may extend into the first end <NUM> of the extendible tube <NUM> and may be coupled to an aspect of the strong arm assembly <NUM> proximate the second end <NUM> of the extendible tube <NUM> or an extension <NUM> of the transport hinge <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> and the body <NUM> may form a sealed chamber. As the transport hinge <NUM> is rotated in a first circumferential direction <NUM> by the motor <NUM> in <FIG>, the transport hinge <NUM> may rotate the second rigid arm <NUM> of the strong arm assembly <NUM> about an axis of the transport hinge <NUM>, as previously described, to lower the ride vehicle away from the transport platform <NUM>. Further, as the transport hinge <NUM> is rotated in the first circumferential direction <NUM> by the motor <NUM> in <FIG>, the extension <NUM> of the transport hinge <NUM> also rotates and pulls wires <NUM> of a pulley system <NUM> of each extendible tube <NUM>.

The pulley system <NUM> may enable the rotational movement of the transport hinge <NUM> and/or second rigid arm <NUM> of the strong arm assembly <NUM> to cause lateral movement of the plunger <NUM>. For example, the wires <NUM> of the pulley system <NUM>, in response to rotational movement of the transport hinge <NUM> in the first circumferential direction <NUM>, may pull the plunger <NUM> away from (and partially out of) the body <NUM> of the extendible tube <NUM> in a lateral direction <NUM>, thereby enabling the gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, stored in the reservoir <NUM> of the extendible tube <NUM> to move into the body <NUM> of the extendible tube <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, may reside in both the reservoir <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the extendible tube <NUM> as the plunger <NUM> is pulled away from (and partially out of) the body <NUM> of the extendible tube <NUM>. As the gaseous fluid moves into the expanded volume (e.g., the body <NUM> of the extendible tube <NUM>), fluid pressure or force is generated by the extendible tube <NUM> (e.g., by way of an increased pressure differential, as previously described). Thus, the motor <NUM> in <FIG> may perform work to force the strong arm assembly <NUM> downwardly and through the fluid force generated by the extendible tube <NUM>. The motor <NUM> in <FIG> may also perform work to hold the strong arm <NUM> in place in the lowered or extended state against the fluid force generated by the extendible tube <NUM>.

When the motor <NUM> in <FIG> is disabled or used to rotate the transport hinge <NUM> in a second circumferential direction <NUM> opposing the first circumferential direction <NUM> to lift the ride vehicle <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) toward the transport platform <NUM>, the fluid force generated by the extendible tubes <NUM> may assist in the lifting of the ride vehicle <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) toward the transport platform <NUM>. For example, the fluid force generated by the extendible tube <NUM> may cause the plunger <NUM> to be retracted back toward and into the body <NUM> (and toward the reservoir <NUM>) of the extendible tube <NUM> as the gaseous fluid moves toward the reservoir <NUM>. As previously described, the pulley system <NUM> may enable the lateral movement of the plunger <NUM> into the body <NUM> of the extendible tube <NUM> to assist the rotational movement of the transport hinge <NUM> in the second circumferential direction <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> of <FIG> in a fully contracted condition, in which the overhung ride assembly <NUM> is contracted such that the ride vehicle <NUM> of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> is adjacent the transport platform <NUM> of the overhung ride assembly <NUM>.

In an effort to clarify certain of the features disposed at the transport platform <NUM> and described above with respect to <FIG>, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a power assembly <NUM> for the strong arm assembly <NUM> and winch assembly <NUM> or assemblies of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, two winch assemblies <NUM> are employed on either side of the power assembly <NUM>. For example, two spools <NUM> with corresponding cables <NUM> are employed. A shaft <NUM> (e.g., of the transport hinge <NUM>) may extend between two motors <NUM> of the power assembly <NUM>, such that the two motors <NUM> are configured to turn the shaft <NUM> of the transport hinge <NUM> about an axis <NUM>. Gear boxes <NUM> of the two motors <NUM> may connect to the shaft <NUM> to enable the above-described rotation. The second rigid arm <NUM>, which may include two segments as described above, is also coupled to the shaft <NUM> of the transport hinge <NUM>. Accordingly, the two motors <NUM> and corresponding gear boxes <NUM> may be configured to turn the shaft <NUM> of the transport hinge <NUM> to drive both the second rigid arm <NUM> and the spools <NUM> into rotation for lifting and/or lowering procedures. However, it should be noted that, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the spools <NUM> may be driven by separate motors than those corresponding to the second rigid arm <NUM> of the strong arm assembly <NUM>. Further, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, each spool <NUM> may be driven by a separate motor.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of an overhung ride assembly <NUM> for a ride system <NUM>, where a ride vehicle <NUM> of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> is extended away from a transport platform <NUM> of the overhung ride assembly <NUM>. The ride system <NUM> also includes a track (not shown), and the overhung ride assembly <NUM> may be positioned underneath the track when the overhung ride assembly <NUM> is in a resting or home position. For example, the transport platform <NUM> of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> includes wheel assemblies <NUM> that may be coupled to the track.

In the illustrated embodiment, a pantograph <NUM> may extend between the transport platform <NUM> and the ride vehicle <NUM>. A motion base platform <NUM> may be coupled between the pantograph <NUM> and the ride vehicle <NUM>, although the pantograph <NUM> may be coupled directly to the ride vehicle <NUM>. The motion base platform <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment may be configured to roll, pitch, or yaw the ride vehicle <NUM> relative to the pantograph <NUM> and the transport platform <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, a winch assembly <NUM> may be used to heave the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., lift and lower the ride vehicle <NUM>) relative to the transport platform <NUM>. The winch assembly <NUM> may include, for example, a cable <NUM> extending between a spool <NUM> and the ride vehicle <NUM> (or the motion base platform <NUM>, or a base <NUM> of the pantograph <NUM>). The spool <NUM> may be rotated in a first circumferential direction to wind the cable <NUM> about the spool <NUM>, which lifts the ride vehicle <NUM> toward the transport platform <NUM>. The spool <NUM> may also rotate in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction to unwind the cable <NUM> from the spool <NUM>, which lowers the ride vehicle <NUM> away from the transport platform <NUM>. During lifting of the ride vehicle <NUM>, the pantograph <NUM>, which includes a jointed mechanical linkage framework, may contract to enable the ride vehicle <NUM> to move toward the transport platform <NUM>. During lowering of the ride vehicle <NUM>, the pantograph <NUM> may extend to enable the ride vehicle <NUM> to move away from the transport platform <NUM>. The spool <NUM> of the winch assembly <NUM> may be driven by a motor <NUM> and corresponding gear box <NUM>. While <FIG> illustrates the overhung ride assembly <NUM> with the ride vehicle <NUM> extended away from the transport platform <NUM>, <FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, in which the overhung ride assembly <NUM> is contracted such that a ride vehicle (not shown in <FIG>) of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> is adjacent to the transport platform <NUM> of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> and the pantograph <NUM> is in a contracted state.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the winch assembly <NUM> for use in the overhung ride assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, the winch assembly <NUM> being configured to lift the ride vehicle <NUM> of the overhung ride assembly <NUM> of <FIG> and to generate power as the ride vehicle <NUM> is lowered. For example, as previously described, the winch assembly <NUM> includes the spool <NUM>, the cable <NUM> wrapped about an axis <NUM> of the spool <NUM>, the gear box <NUM>, and the motor <NUM> configured to drive rotation of the spool <NUM> via the gear box <NUM>. The motor <NUM> and corresponding gear box <NUM> may drive rotation of the spool <NUM> in a first circumferential direction <NUM> to wrap the wind the cable <NUM> about the spool <NUM>. The spool <NUM> may also rotate in a second circumferential direction <NUM> opposite to the first circumferential direction <NUM> to unwind the cable <NUM> from the spool <NUM>. When the cable <NUM> is wound about the spool <NUM> (e.g., to lift the ride vehicle <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>), the motor <NUM> may perform work. However, when the cable <NUM> is unwound from the spool <NUM>, a potential energy generated by an elevated position of the ride vehicle <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is converted to kinetic energy as the ride vehicle <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is lowered.

For example, the motor <NUM> may act as a generator in order to regenerate power via the kinetic energy created during lowering of the ride vehicle <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. Induced currents in the motor <NUM>, which acts as a generator, may be passed through a drive <NUM> and into a bus rail system <NUM> generally used to power the motor <NUM>, such that the bus rail system <NUM> can store the generated power for future use during a future lifting of the ride vehicle <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> or another ride vehicle associated with the system. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the regenerative power features described above in conjunction with the generally rectangular pantograph <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> may be employed with the strong arm assembly <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and having the backhoe configuration.

Technical benefits of embodiments of the present disclosure include reducing a cost of ride system manufacturing (e.g., via reduced number of parts, less expensive parts, simplified configuration) and operation (e.g., via utilization of fluid force generated by the compensation assembly and/or the power regeneration features of the winch assembly) relative to traditional embodiments. Further, technical benefits of embodiments of the present disclosure include improved motion control (e.g., enhanced motion and improved motion stability) of a ride vehicle, thereby improving a guest experience of a guest positioned in the ride vehicle.

Claim 1:
A ride system (<NUM>), comprising:
a track (<NUM>); and
an overhung ride assembly (<NUM>), wherein the overhung ride assembly (<NUM>) comprises:
a transport platform (<NUM>) coupled to the track (<NUM>);
a ride vehicle (<NUM>); and
a heave system (<NUM>) extending between the transport platform (<NUM>) and the ride vehicle (<NUM>) and configured to heave the ride vehicle (<NUM>) relative to the transport platform (<NUM>), wherein the heave system (<NUM>) comprises an extendible tube (<NUM>) defining a variable volume configured to store a gaseous fluid, and wherein the extendible tube (<NUM>) is configured to extend in response to a lowering of the ride vehicle (<NUM>) away from the transport platform (<NUM>) by the heave system (<NUM>) such that the gaseous fluid within the variable volume of the extendible tube (<NUM>) enables a fluid force that biases the extendible tube (<NUM>) toward a contracted configuration to assist the heave system (<NUM>) with a lifting of the ride vehicle (<NUM>) toward the transport platform (<NUM>).