Patent ID: 12233349

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

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.1is a side view of an embodiment of an overhung ride assembly10for a ride system12. The ride system12may also include a track that is illustrated in later drawings (e.g.,FIGS.2and3). The overhung ride assembly10may be positioned underneath (or hang from) the track (e.g., while the overhung ride assembly10is in a resting or home position). In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.1, the overhung ride assembly10of the ride system12includes a transport platform13and a heave system14configured to lift and lower a ride vehicle16of the overhung ride assembly10relative to the transport platform13. The transport platform13may be coupled to the track of the ride system12via wheel assemblies15. The heave system14, as described in detail below, may include several assemblies configured to assist in lifting and lowering of the ride vehicle16relative to the transport platform13. The overhung ride assembly10may also include a motion base platform18between the heave system14and the ride vehicle16. The motion base platform18may include, for example, a Stewart platform or an octopod. In general, the motion base platform18may roll, pitch, and/or yaw the ride vehicle16relative to the heave system14and transport platform13. In an embodiment, the ride system12may not include the motion base platform18, and features of the heave system14may be directly connected to the ride vehicle16.

As previously described, the heave system14may include several assemblies that work in conjunction to lift the ride vehicle16toward the transport platform13and to lower the ride vehicle16away from the transport platform13. For example, the heave system14may include a winch assembly19defined at least in part by one or more cables20extending from the motion base platform18(or directly from the ride vehicle16) to the transport platform13. Although only one cable20is visible in the side view of the overhung ride assembly10inFIG.1, another cable20may be disposed on an opposing side of the overhung ride assembly10. The one or more cables20may be coupled to one or more spools22of the winch assembly19disposed on the transport platform13. It should be noted that a single spool22for multiple cables20may be used, or multiple cable-dedicated spools22may be used. For example, while only one spool22is visible in the side view of the overhung ride assembly10inFIG.1, another spool22may be disposed on an opposing side of the overhung ride assembly10. The spool22in the illustrated embodiment may be turned in a first circumferential direction to unwind the cable20from the spool22and lower the ride vehicle16away from the transport platform13. The spool22may also be turned by a motor24in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction to wind the cable20onto the spool22and raise the ride vehicle16toward the transport platform13. While a collapsible pole26is shown in the illustrated embodiment and may be used to stabilize undesirable movement (e.g., undesirable rolling movement) of the ride vehicle16, the collapsible pole26may not be considered a part of the winch assembly19noted above.

The heave system14of the overhung ride assembly10may also include a strong arm assembly28that extends between the transport platform13and the ride vehicle16, where the strong arm assembly28forms a backhoe configuration. An embodiment of the strong arm assembly28may be described as forming a backhoe configuration because it may resemble excavating equipment or machinery referred to as a backhoe. The strong arm assembly28may also assist in lifting and lowering the ride vehicle16relative to the transport platform13. It should be noted that the strong arm assembly28, 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 assembly28. That is, while the strong arm assembly28is configured to move, each rigid arm of the strong arm assembly28includes 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 assembly28may include a first rigid arm30having a proximal end32connected to the motion base platform18at a first passive hinge35. That is, the proximal end32of the first rigid arm30is proximal to the motion base platform18. However, the proximal end32may alternatively be coupled to the ride vehicle16via the passive hinge35, such that the proximal end32is proximal to the ride vehicle16. The strong arm assembly28may also include a second rigid arm34having a proximal end36connected to the transport platform13at a transport hinge38, where the transport hinge38is actuated (e.g., via the motor24or a separate motor) to impart movement to the strong arm assembly28. That is, the proximal end36of the second rigid arm34is proximal to the transport platform13. The transport hinge38of the strong arm assembly28and the spool22are aligned on an axis in the illustrated embodiment and driven by the motor24, although the transport hinge38and the spool22may not be aligned in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Alignment of the transport hinge38and the spool22is more clearly illustrated, and later described with respect to,FIG.6. A distal end40of the first rigid arm30and a distal end42of the second rigid arm34may be coupled via a second passive hinge44that enables the first rigid arm30and the second rigid arm34to form a variable angle46. The first passive hinge35, the transport hinge38, and the second passive hinge44may be referred to herein as a three-hinge design of the strong arm assembly28. It should be noted that the first passive hinge35and the second passive hinge44may be described as being passive to denote that they are not power driven in an embodiment of the present disclosure, whereas the transport hinge38is power driven (e.g., by the motor24or a separate motor) as described in detail below.

A stabilizing boom48connected to the transport platform13and coupled to the first rigid arm30may facilitate controlled rotation of the first rigid arm30about an axis of the second passive hinge44between the first rigid arm30and the second rigid arm34. For example, the stabilizing boom48may provide resistance against the first rigid arm30and prevent the first rigid arm30from rotating about an axis of the second passive hinge44, unless the second rigid arm34is driven into rotation about an axis of the transport hinge38. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stabilizing boom48may move laterally (e.g., across the transport platform13) as the second rigid arm34is driven into rotation about the axis of the transport hinge38, thus enabling the first rigid arm30to rotate about the axis of the second passive hinge44. Accordingly, the variable angle46between the distal ends40,42of first rigid arm30and the second rigid arm34, coupled via the second passive hinge44, may be decreased (e.g., made more acute) as the ride vehicle16is lifted toward the transport platform13. Further, the variable angle46between the distal ends40,42of the first rigid arm30and the second rigid arm34may be increased (e.g., made more obtuse) as the ride vehicle16is lowered away from the transport platform13.

While the stabilizing boom48may provide resistance against free rotation of the first rigid arm30about the axis of the second passive hinge44, other resistance (e.g., frictional resistance) may also be included to block free rotation of the first rigid arm30about the second passive hinge44and/or about the first passive hinge35. The above-described configuration of the strong arm assembly28, which may employ the first rigid arm30, the second rigid arm34, and the three-hinge design including the first passive hinge35, the transport hinge38, and the second passive hinge44, 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 assembly28are described in detail below.

The proximal end36of the second rigid arm34of the strong arm assembly28, connected to the transport hinge38at the transport platform13, may be rotated about an axis of the transport hinge38in response to the transport hinge38being rotated by the one or more motors24previously described with respect to the one or more spools22(or via one or more separate motors). For example, the second rigid arm34may be rigidly coupled to the transport hinge38and, as the transport hinge38is turned by the one or more motors24, the second rigid arm34may turn with the transport hinge38. Accordingly, to lift the ride vehicle16toward the transport platform13, the transport hinge38may be turned by the one or more motors24in a first circumferential direction to rotate the second rigid arm34about the axis of the transport hinge38, which in turn causes movement of the first rigid arm30about an axis of the second passive hinge44between the first rigid arm30and the second rigid arm34. As the ride vehicle16is lifted toward the transport platform13(e.g., referred to herein as a contracted movement or condition), the variable angle46between the distal end40of the first rigid arm30and the distal end42of the second rigid arm34may decrease (e.g., become more acute). Further, to lower the ride vehicle16, the transport hinge38may be turned by the one or more motors24in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction to rotate the second rigid arm34about the axis of the transport hinge38, which in turn causes movement of the first rigid arm30about the axis of the second passive hinge44between the first rigid arm30and the second rigid arm34. As the ride vehicle16is lowered away from the transport platform13(e.g., referred to herein as an extended movement or condition), the variable angle46between the distal end40of the first rigid arm30and the distal end42of the second rigid arm34may increase (e.g., become more obtuse). It should be noted that, while the strong arm assembly28may be used to raise and lower the ride vehicle16relative to the transport platform13as described above, the strong arm assembly28may also impart a certain amount of lateral or horizontal movement of the ride vehicle16as the ride vehicle16is raised and lowered relative to the transport platform13. Additional features of the strong arm assembly28and a compensation assembly of the heave system14will be described in detail below with reference toFIG.2.

FIG.2is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ride system12having the overhung ride assembly10ofFIG.1. In the illustrated embodiment, the transport platform13of the overhung ride assembly10is coupled to a track60via the wheel assemblies15, which enable movement of the transport platform13along the track60. The strong arm assembly28in the illustrated embodiment includes two separate segments of the second rigid arm34. For example, the two separate segments of the second rigid arm34extend to either side of the passive hinge44between the first rigid arm30and the second rigid arm34, and the first rigid arm30extends to a middle of the passive hinge44. The two separate segments of the second rigid arm34may be rigidly coupled to the passive hinge44, and the first rigid arm30may be rotatably coupled to the passive hinge44, enabling a change to the variable angle46between the first rigid arm30and the second rigid arm34as the ride vehicle16is lifted or lowered. Alternatively, the two separate segments of the second rigid arm34may be rotatably coupled to the passive hinge44, with the first rigid arm30being rigidly coupled to the passive hinge44. The stabilizing boom48extends underneath the first rigid arm30and supports the first rigid arm30to enable the above-described rotation (e.g., to support a weight of the first rigid arm30) and prevent the first rigid arm30from freely rotating about the second passive hinge44when the second rigid arm34is not actuated into rotation.

The heave system14may also include a compensation assembly62used to assist in lifting of the ride vehicle16toward the transport platform13. The compensation assembly62may be disposed at or adjacent to the transport platform13, and may include multiple extendible tubes64having corresponding reservoirs that store a gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen. Aspects of the extendible tubes64described herein that are not labeled inFIG.2(e.g., the reservoir and a body of each extendible tube64) are labeled inFIG.3and will be described in detail with reference toFIG.3. Continuing withFIG.2, first ends66of the extendible tubes64may be connected to a stationary anchor68of the transport platform13, and second ends70of the extendible tubes64may be connected to the second rigid arm34of the above-described strong arm assembly28(or to an extension of the transport hinge38labeled inFIG.1). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vacuum may be present or formed within each extendible tube64. As the strong arm assembly28is utilized to lower the ride vehicle16away from the transport platform13, the second rigid arm34(and/or the extension of the transport hinge38labeled inFIG.1) may move away from the stationary anchor68of the transport platform13, pulling the second ends70of the extendible tubes64away from the first ends66of the extendible tubes64, and causing the extendible tubes64to extend in length.

As the extendible tubes64extend in length, the gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, may move from the reservoirs of the extendible tubes64and into the bodies of the extendible tubes64. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gaseous fluid may reside in both the reservoirs and bodies of the extendible tubes64when the extendible tubes64are extended. That is, the extendible tubes64may include variable volumes that increase when the extendible tubes64extend and decrease when the extendible tubes64contract. The expanded volume when the extendible tubes64are extended may increase a pressure differential between the gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, within the extendible tubes64and an environment or atmosphere surrounding the extendible tubes64. The pressure differential may generate a fluid force that tends to bias the extendible tubes64to contract. While the extendible tubes64described 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)24(illustrated more clearly inFIG.1) perform work to overcome the fluid force generated by the extendible tubes64as the ride vehicle16is lowered, and/or to maintain the ride vehicle16in a lowered position.

When the motors24are disabled and/or used to raise the ride vehicle16, the fluid force generated by the extendible tubes64may cause the extendible tubes64labeled inFIG.2to contract. As the fluid force is released and the extendible tubes64contract, the extendible tubes64may exert a force against the second rigid arm34and pull the second rigid arm34back toward the stationary anchor68of the transport platform13. Thus, the extendible tubes64may assist in lifting the ride vehicle16toward the transport platform13, thereby reducing an amount of work required from the motors24. The features of the heave system14described above with respect toFIGS.1and2, including the winch assembly19, the strong arm assembly28, the motor24, and the compensation assembly62, may facilitate controlled lifting and lowering of the ride vehicle16relative to the transport platform13. Additional features of the compensation assembly62are described in detail below.

FIG.3is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a portion of the ride system12having the overhung ride assembly10ofFIG.1, in which a ride vehicle (not shown in the illustrated embodiment) of the overhung ride assembly10is extended away from the transport platform13of the overhung ride assembly10. Although the ride vehicle is not included in the portion of the ride system12illustrated inFIG.3,FIG.4is a perspective view of an embodiment of the overhung ride assembly10ofFIG.1in which the ride vehicle16of the overhung ride assembly10is illustrated and extended away from the transport platform13of the overhung ride assembly10.

Focusing first onFIG.3, detailed aspects of the compensation assembly62, described generally above with respect toFIG.2, are illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, each extendible tube64includes the first end66that is coupled to the stationary anchor68of the transport platform13. The first end66may include a reservoir80and a body82of the extendible tube64, although other configurations of the reservoir80and the body82are possible. A plunger84of the extendible tube64may extend into the first end66of the extendible tube64and may be coupled to an aspect of the strong arm assembly28proximate the second end70of the extendible tube64or an extension88of the transport hinge38. The reservoir80and the body82may form a sealed chamber. As the transport hinge38is rotated in a first circumferential direction90by the motor24inFIG.3, the transport hinge38may rotate the second rigid arm34of the strong arm assembly28about an axis of the transport hinge38, as previously described, to lower the ride vehicle away from the transport platform13. Further, as the transport hinge38is rotated in the first circumferential direction90by the motor24inFIG.3, the extension88of the transport hinge38also rotates and pulls wires92of a pulley system86of each extendible tube64.

The pulley system86may enable the rotational movement of the transport hinge38and/or second rigid arm34of the strong arm assembly28to cause lateral movement of the plunger84. For example, the wires92of the pulley system86, in response to rotational movement of the transport hinge38in the first circumferential direction90, may pull the plunger84away from (and partially out of) the body82of the extendible tube64in a lateral direction91, thereby enabling the gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, stored in the reservoir80of the extendible tube64to move into the body82of the extendible tube64. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gaseous fluid, such as nitrogen, may reside in both the reservoir80and the body82of the extendible tube64as the plunger84is pulled away from (and partially out of) the body82of the extendible tube64. As the gaseous fluid moves into the expanded volume (e.g., the body82of the extendible tube64), fluid pressure or force is generated by the extendible tube64(e.g., by way of an increased pressure differential, as previously described). Thus, the motor24inFIG.3may perform work to force the strong arm assembly28downwardly and through the fluid force generated by the extendible tube64. The motor24inFIG.3may also perform work to hold the strong arm28in place in the lowered or extended state against the fluid force generated by the extendible tube64.

When the motor24inFIG.3is disabled or used to rotate the transport hinge38in a second circumferential direction94opposing the first circumferential direction90to lift the ride vehicle16(illustrated inFIG.4) toward the transport platform13, the fluid force generated by the extendible tubes64may assist in the lifting of the ride vehicle16(illustrated inFIG.4) toward the transport platform13. For example, the fluid force generated by the extendible tube64may cause the plunger84to be retracted back toward and into the body82(and toward the reservoir80) of the extendible tube64as the gaseous fluid moves toward the reservoir80. As previously described, the pulley system86may enable the lateral movement of the plunger84into the body82of the extendible tube64to assist the rotational movement of the transport hinge38in the second circumferential direction94.FIG.5is a perspective view of an embodiment of the overhung ride assembly10ofFIG.1in a fully contracted condition, in which the overhung ride assembly10is contracted such that the ride vehicle16of the overhung ride assembly10is adjacent the transport platform13of the overhung ride assembly10.

In an effort to clarify certain of the features disposed at the transport platform13and described above with respect toFIGS.1-5,FIG.6is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a power assembly150for the strong arm assembly28and winch assembly19or assemblies of the overhung ride assembly10ofFIG.1. In the illustrated embodiment, two winch assemblies19are employed on either side of the power assembly150. For example, two spools22with corresponding cables20are employed. A shaft152(e.g., of the transport hinge38) may extend between two motors24of the power assembly150, such that the two motors24are configured to turn the shaft152of the transport hinge38about an axis154. Gear boxes153of the two motors24may connect to the shaft152to enable the above-described rotation. The second rigid arm34, which may include two segments as described above, is also coupled to the shaft152of the transport hinge38. Accordingly, the two motors24and corresponding gear boxes153may be configured to turn the shaft152of the transport hinge38to drive both the second rigid arm34and the spools22into rotation for lifting and/or lowering procedures. However, it should be noted that, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the spools22may be driven by separate motors than those corresponding to the second rigid arm34of the strong arm assembly28. Further, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, each spool22may be driven by a separate motor.

FIG.7is a perspective view of an embodiment of an overhung ride assembly210for a ride system212, where a ride vehicle216of the overhung ride assembly210is extended away from a transport platform213of the overhung ride assembly210. The ride system212also includes a track (not shown), and the overhung ride assembly210may be positioned underneath the track when the overhung ride assembly210is in a resting or home position. For example, the transport platform213of the overhung ride assembly210includes wheel assemblies215that may be coupled to the track.

In the illustrated embodiment, a pantograph228may extend between the transport platform213and the ride vehicle216. A motion base platform218may be coupled between the pantograph228and the ride vehicle216, although the pantograph228may be coupled directly to the ride vehicle216. The motion base platform218in the illustrated embodiment may be configured to roll, pitch, or yaw the ride vehicle216relative to the pantograph228and the transport platform213.

In the illustrated embodiment, a winch assembly219may be used to heave the ride vehicle216(e.g., lift and lower the ride vehicle216) relative to the transport platform213. The winch assembly219may include, for example, a cable220extending between a spool222and the ride vehicle216(or the motion base platform218, or a base229of the pantograph228). The spool222may be rotated in a first circumferential direction to wind the cable220about the spool222, which lifts the ride vehicle216toward the transport platform213. The spool222may also rotate in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction to unwind the cable220from the spool222, which lowers the ride vehicle216away from the transport platform213. During lifting of the ride vehicle216, the pantograph228, which includes a jointed mechanical linkage framework, may contract to enable the ride vehicle216to move toward the transport platform213. During lowering of the ride vehicle216, the pantograph228may extend to enable the ride vehicle216to move away from the transport platform213. The spool222of the winch assembly219may be driven by a motor224and corresponding gear box225. WhileFIG.7illustrates the overhung ride assembly210with the ride vehicle216extended away from the transport platform213,FIG.8is a perspective view of an embodiment of the overhung ride assembly210ofFIG.7, in which the overhung ride assembly210is contracted such that a ride vehicle (not shown inFIG.8) of the overhung ride assembly210is adjacent to the transport platform213of the overhung ride assembly210and the pantograph228is in a contracted state.

FIG.9is a perspective view of an embodiment of the winch assembly219for use in the overhung ride assembly210ofFIG.7, the winch assembly219being configured to lift the ride vehicle216of the overhung ride assembly210ofFIG.7and to generate power as the ride vehicle216is lowered. For example, as previously described, the winch assembly219includes the spool222, the cable220wrapped about an axis221of the spool222, the gear box225, and the motor224configured to drive rotation of the spool222via the gear box225. The motor224and corresponding gear box225may drive rotation of the spool222in a first circumferential direction230to wrap the wind the cable220about the spool222. The spool222may also rotate in a second circumferential direction232opposite to the first circumferential direction230to unwind the cable220from the spool222. When the cable220is wound about the spool222(e.g., to lift the ride vehicle216illustrated inFIG.7), the motor224may perform work. However, when the cable220is unwound from the spool222, a potential energy generated by an elevated position of the ride vehicle216illustrated inFIG.7is converted to kinetic energy as the ride vehicle216illustrated inFIG.7is lowered.

For example, the motor224may act as a generator in order to regenerate power via the kinetic energy created during lowering of the ride vehicle216illustrated inFIG.7. Induced currents in the motor224, which acts as a generator, may be passed through a drive250and into a bus rail system252generally used to power the motor224, such that the bus rail system252can store the generated power for future use during a future lifting of the ride vehicle216illustrated inFIG.7or 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 pantograph228illustrated inFIGS.7and8may be employed with the strong arm assembly28illustrated inFIGS.1-6and 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.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).