阅读说明：本技术 运动生成平台组件 (Motion generating platform assembly ) 是由 S·C·勃鲁姆 S·金 于 2018-02-08 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种游乐设施系统包括：基座；游乐设施车辆；平台组件,其定位在基座与游乐设施车辆之间；以及延伸机构,其联接到平台组件并且定位在基座与游乐设施车辆之间。平台组件包括第一平台、第二平台、以及在第一平台与第二平台之间延伸的六个支腿,并且平台组件被构造成致动六个支腿中的每一者以便基于六个支腿中的哪一者被致动使第一平台以不同构造相对于第二平台移动。延伸机构被构造成延伸和收缩,以便使游乐设施车辆分别远离和朝向游乐设施系统的基座移动。(An amusement ride system comprising: a base; an amusement ride vehicle; a platform assembly positioned between the base and the amusement ride vehicle; and an extension mechanism coupled to the platform assembly and positioned between the base and the amusement ride vehicle. The platform assembly includes a first platform, a second platform, and six legs extending between the first platform and the second platform, and the platform assembly is configured to actuate each of the six legs 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 retract to move the ride vehicle away from and toward a base of the ride system, respectively.)

1. An amusement ride system, comprising:

a base;

an amusement ride vehicle;

a platform assembly having a first platform, a second platform, and six legs extending between the first platform and the second platform, wherein the platform assembly is positioned between the base and the amusement ride vehicle, and wherein 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; and

an extension mechanism positioned between the base and the attraction vehicle, coupled to the platform assembly, and configured to extend and retract to move the attraction vehicle away from and toward the base of the attraction system, respectively.

2. The amusement ride system of claim 1 wherein the platform assembly is positioned between the base and the extension mechanism.

3. The amusement ride system of claim 1 wherein the platform assembly is positioned between the amusement ride vehicle and the extension mechanism.

4. The amusement ride system of claim 1 wherein the first platform comprises: a first anchoring location to which a first pair of the six legs are coupled; a second anchoring location to which a second pair of the six legs are coupled; and a third anchoring location to which a third pair of the six legs are coupled;

wherein the second platform comprises: a fourth anchoring location to which a first leg of the second pair of legs and a first leg of the third pair of legs are coupled; a fifth anchoring location to which a first leg of the first pair of legs and a second leg of the third pair of legs are coupled; and a sixth anchoring location to which a second leg of the first pair of legs and a second leg of the second pair of legs are coupled; and is

Wherein the first anchor location is aligned with the fourth anchor location when the six legs comprise equal lengths, the second anchor location is aligned with the fifth anchor location when the six legs comprise equal lengths, and the third anchor location is aligned with the sixth anchor location when the six legs comprise equal lengths.

5. The amusement ride system of claim 1 wherein each of the six legs forms a first angle less than or equal to 45 degrees with a first plane of the first platform and wherein each of the six legs forms a second angle less than or equal to 45 degrees with a second plane of the second platform.

6. The amusement ride system of claim 1 comprising six actuators, wherein each actuator is coupled to or is part of a corresponding one of the six legs, and wherein each actuator is configured to be controlled so as to increase or decrease the length of the corresponding leg.

7. The amusement ride system of claim 1 comprising a plurality of winches configured to extend the six legs, retract the six legs, or both.

8. The amusement ride system of claim 1 wherein the base comprises: a track along which the amusement ride vehicle is configured to translate; or a fixed base on which the amusement ride vehicle rests.

9. The amusement ride system of claim 1 wherein the amusement ride vehicle is suspended below or cantilevered from the base.

10. The amusement ride system of claim 1 wherein the amusement ride vehicle is positioned above the base.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to amusement ride systems and methods having features that enhance a guest's experience.

Background

Various play facilities and exhibits have been created to provide unique interactive, athletic, and visual experiences to patrons. For example, a conventional amusement ride may include vehicles that travel along a track. The track may include portions that induce motion (e.g., turn, descend) on the vehicle or actuate the vehicle. However, conventional amusement ride vehicle actuation (e.g., via curved tracks) can be expensive and can include large amusement ride footprints. Further, conventional ride vehicle actuation (e.g., via curved tracks) may be limited with respect to certain desired motions, and thus may not produce a desired feel for the passengers. Accordingly, improved amusement ride vehicle actuation is desired.

Disclosure of Invention

The following outlines certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

In one embodiment, an amusement ride system includes: a base; an amusement ride vehicle; a platform assembly positioned between the base and the amusement ride vehicle; and an extension mechanism coupled to the platform assembly and positioned between the base and the amusement ride vehicle. The platform assembly includes a first platform, a second platform, and six legs extending between the first platform and the second platform, and the platform assembly is configured to actuate each of the six legs so as to move the first platform relative to the second platform in different configurations based on which of the six legs is actuated. The extension mechanism is configured to extend and retract to move the ride vehicle away from and toward a base of the ride system, respectively.

In another embodiment, an amusement ride system includes a platform assembly, wherein the platform assembly includes a first platform, a second platform, and six legs extending between the first platform and the second platform. The first platform includes: a first anchoring location to which a first leg and a second leg of the six legs are coupled; a second anchoring location to which a third leg and a fourth leg of the six legs are coupled; and a third anchoring location to which a fourth leg and a fifth leg of the six legs are coupled. The second platform includes: a fourth anchoring location to which the third leg and the sixth leg are coupled; a fifth anchoring location to which the second leg and the fifth leg are coupled; and a sixth anchoring location to which the first and fourth legs are coupled. The first anchoring location is aligned with the fourth anchoring location when the six legs are equal in length, the second anchoring location is aligned with the fifth anchoring location when the six legs are equal in length, and the third anchoring location is aligned with the sixth anchoring location when the six legs are equal in length.

In another embodiment, a method of operating an amusement ride vehicle includes: the ride vehicle is supported below the track of the ride system via a plurality of cables. The method further comprises the following steps: the forces in the amusement ride system are monitored via the controller. The method further comprises the following steps: instructions to a plurality of motors corresponding to a plurality of cables via a controller adjust torque outputs of the plurality of motors based on the monitored forces in the attraction system.

Drawings

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an attraction system having a platform assembly, an extension mechanism, and a feedback control feature according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a side view of an embodiment of an amusement ride system including a suspended reaction deck having a platform assembly with an inverted Stewart platform, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a side view of an embodiment of the amusement ride system of FIG. 2 having a suspended reaction deck with an inverted Stewart platform, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of an embodiment of the amusement ride system of FIG. 2 having a suspended reaction deck with an inverted Stewart platform, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a side view of another embodiment of an amusement ride system having a suspended reaction deck with an inverted Stewart platform, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of an embodiment of an inverted Stewart platform according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of an embodiment of the inverted Stewart platform of fig. 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of an embodiment of the inverted Stewart platform of fig. 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of another embodiment of an inverted Stewart platform according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of an embodiment of an actuator utilized in the inverted Stewart platform of fig. 9, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 11 is a schematic illustration of a side view of another embodiment of an amusement ride system having a suspended reaction deck with an inverted Stewart platform, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of a side view of another embodiment of an amusement ride system having a suspended reaction deck with an inverted Stewart platform according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

fig. 13 is a schematic illustration of a side view of another embodiment of an amusement ride system having a suspended reaction deck with an inverted Stewart platform according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process for controlling a suspended reaction deck having a platform assembly with an inverted Stewart platform, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

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

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to amusement park rides and exhibits. In particular, rides and exhibits include motion-based systems and corresponding techniques that may be designed or intended to cause passengers to perceive certain sensations that would otherwise not be possible or would be greatly reduced by conventional ride systems. In the presently disclosed amusement rides and exhibits, the passenger experience can be enhanced by employing certain motion-based systems and techniques. For example, an amusement ride system may include one or more devices that create up to six degrees of freedom to provide passengers with sensations that typically cannot be created from traditional methods (e.g., turning, descending). The device may comprise two platforms coupled via legs extending therebetween. The legs are coupled to specific locations along the two platforms and are angled relative to the two platforms to cause the two platforms to move relative to each other when the legs (or corresponding features) are actuated. One way in which platforms may be used via leg coupling, in accordance with the present disclosure, is referred to herein as an "inverted Stewart platform," which is different from a conventional Stewart platform. A conventional Stewart platform can be described as having opposing platforms connected by legs, where the legs extend in pairs from three extension regions on each of the two opposing platforms. The inverted Stewart platform includes six legs extending between opposing platforms, wherein the six legs extend from several locations along and are oriented between the opposing platforms in a manner substantially different from that of a conventional Stewart platform. The different positions/orientations of the inverted Stewart platform (which will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings), among other things, are configured to enhance the stability of the inverted Stewart platform and corresponding amusement ride components.

In general, a first of the two platforms of the above mentioned inverted Stewart platform may be coupled with (or correspond to) the vehicles of an amusement park ride or exhibit, while a second of the two platforms may be coupled with (or correspond to) the tracks of an amusement park ride (or the base of an exhibit). In some embodiments, the extension mechanism may be disposed between the first platform and the amusement ride vehicle, or between the second platform and the track or base. The legs coupling the first platform and the second platform may be controlled (e.g., retracted, extended, or otherwise actuated) to move the first platform relative to the second platform, thereby causing the amusement ride vehicle coupled to (or corresponding to) the first platform to move with the first platform. In embodiments having the above-described extension mechanism, the extension mechanism can be actuated independently or in conjunction with the above-described legs of the inverted Stewart platform to enhance, complement or interact with the movement and corresponding feel imparted by the inverted Stewart platform.

The presently described embodiments allow for a wide range of motion without the need to use curved tracks. Thus, the footprint of the amusement ride system according to the present embodiment can be reduced. Further, the presently disclosed embodiments may increase the range of motion of the ride vehicle, enabling more finely tuned actuation than conventional ride systems. For example, a wider range of motion may be provided via an inverted Stewart platform, and the inverted Stewart platform may facilitate improved ride stability. Still further, actuation may be imparted to the ride vehicle without the occupants of the ride vehicle seeing the source of the actuation. Thus, the presently disclosed embodiments may enhance the ride experience by immersing passengers in a three-dimensional environment without significant tracks or pedestals. In certain embodiments, the environment of the amusement ride system may include features separate from the vehicle and/or track, where these environmental features may be positioned, oriented, or otherwise located so as to appear as if they themselves impart an actuation to the amusement ride vehicle, which, as described above, actually originates from an inverted Stewart platform and/or extension mechanism. In other words, the presently disclosed embodiments may facilitate actuation of components that are not perceptible to an occupant via the amusement ride vehicle. Furthermore, the present embodiments may allow ride designers to deliver simulated experiences involving displacement, speed, acceleration, and jerk (jerk) while at any portion of the ride track, which may save cost and engineering complexity. Still further, the disclosed embodiments are configured to detect and manage reaction forces associated with movement of the amusement ride vehicle. These and other features will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Further to the above point, the arrangement of the motion control shaft according to the present disclosure provides geometric stability for a given total motion base volume envelope (gross motion base volumetric envelope) due to a sharper actuation angle than conventional approaches. In a preferred embodiment, this corresponds to a greater force component in the direction of lateral movement between the stable motion base mounting planes. Further, the reduced actuation angle may facilitate a smaller platform size, as described in detail below with reference to the figures.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an amusement ride system 10 having a track 12. Track 12 may be a loop such that ride vehicle 14 of ride system 10 begins at one portion of track 12 and eventually returns to the same portion of track 12. The track 12 may comprise a turn, an uphill slope or a downhill slope, or the track (or parts thereof) may extend in a single direction. In certain embodiments, the amusement ride vehicle 14 may travel the duration of the ride vehicle or a portion thereof under (i.e., below) the track 12. The ride vehicle 14 may include a plurality of passengers 16 disposed within the ride vehicle 14. In certain embodiments, the amusement ride vehicle 14 may include an enclosure (e.g., a cabin) to enclose the passengers 16. Passengers 16 may disembark from amusement ride vehicle 14 at a portion (e.g., dock) of track 12. In other embodiments, the track 12 may not be included or the track 12 may not be used as part of an amusement ride.

Additionally, the ride vehicle 14 may also include a platform assembly 18 that induces motion on the ride vehicle 14. In certain embodiments, platform assembly 18 may be coupled directly to track 12 and/or directly to amusement ride vehicle 14. In other embodiments, platform assembly 18 may be indirectly coupled to track 12 and/or indirectly coupled to amusement ride vehicle 14, meaning that intervening components may separate platform assembly 18 from track 12 and/or amusement ride vehicle 14. Platform assembly 18 may induce motion (e.g., roll, pitch, yaw) onto amusement ride vehicle 14 to enhance the experience of passengers 16. In some embodiments, extension mechanism 19 may be disposed between platform assembly 18 and track 12 (as shown), or between platform assembly 18 and amusement ride vehicle 14. The platform assembly 18 and the extension mechanism 19 may be communicatively coupled to a controller 20 that may instruct the platform assembly 18 and/or the extension mechanism 19 to cause the aforementioned movement. By utilizing platform assembly 18 and/or extension mechanism 19 to induce certain motions on amusement ride vehicle 14, features (e.g., shapes) of track 12 that would otherwise be costly and increase the footprint of amusement ride system 10 may be reduced or eliminated.

The controller 20 may be disposed within the attraction system 10 (e.g., in each attraction vehicle 14, or somewhere on the track 12), or may be disposed external to the attraction system 10 (e.g., to remotely operate the attraction system 10). Controller 20 may include a memory 22 having stored instructions for controlling components in attraction system 10, such as platform assembly 18. Additionally, the controller 20 may include a processor 24 configured to execute such instructions. For example, processor 24 may include one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), one or more general purpose processors, or any combinations thereof. Additionally, the memory 22 may include: volatile memory, such as Random Access Memory (RAM); and/or non-volatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM), an optical disk drive, a hard disk drive, or a solid state drive.

The platform assembly 18 may comprise an inverted Stewart platform. An example of an inverted Stewart platform is illustrated in detail in at least fig. 6 to 9, which are described in detail below. Generally, an inverted Stewart platform comprises two platforms between which the legs (e.g., six legs) of the inverted Stewart platform extend. Each platform includes three contact regions (e.g., "anchor locations") at which the legs are coupled. In some embodiments, each contact area (e.g., anchor location) on one of the platforms may include one or more winches configured to receive a leg, or may include an opening through which the leg extends to couple to one or more winches on the other side of the platform.

Since each platform (e.g., first platform) includes three contact regions and six legs extending therefrom, a first pair of legs extends from the first contact region of the first platform, a second pair of legs extends from the second contact region of the first platform, and a third pair of legs extends from the third contact region of the first platform. The six legs are configured to be actuated (e.g., by the aforementioned winches) such that the lengths of the six legs change during operation of the inverted Stewart platform. For example, the legs may be actuated independently, in pairs, or in various arrangements such that different legs include different lengths during certain modes of operation. According to the present disclosure, when all six legs comprise equal lengths, the two platforms are parallel to each other (e.g., the "parallel position" of the inverted Stewart platform). Further, when all six legs comprise equal lengths, the three contact areas of the first platform are circumferentially aligned with the three contact areas of the second platform. In other words, from a point of view directly above or directly below the inverted Stewart platform, the three contact areas of the first platform and the three contact areas of the second platform will be disposed at aligned annular positions. That is, the respective contact areas on the first and second lands line up in this configuration and they are distributed substantially along (or radially inward from) the circumference of each of the first and second lands. Still further, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, when all six legs comprise equal lengths, an angle formed between an individual leg and one of the platforms may be 45 degrees or less. These features enable, among other things, improving the stability of an inverted Stewart platform relative to a conventional platform.

Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment of an amusement ride system 50 according to the present embodiments. The amusement ride system 50 includes an inverted Stewart platform 58 and an extension mechanism 60, which may be collectively or individually referred to as a "suspended reaction deck" (or as part of a "suspended reaction deck"). It should be noted that the extension mechanism 60 and/or the inverted Stewart platform 58 (or other platform components) may be referred to as "suspended reaction decks" because they induce motion on the ride vehicles 54 of the ride system 50 without taking advantage of the curves of the track 52 of the ride system 50, and because the rider(s) may not be aware of the source of the motion. Thus, the suspended reaction deck is configured to impart certain sensations to passengers in the ride vehicle 54 via movement.

As an example, the extension mechanism 60 (or the suspended reaction deck or a portion thereof) may provide additional movement complexity to an amusement ride system that includes a simple track. As a particular example, an amusement ride system having a linear track may be implemented using the extension mechanism 60 to feel as if there is a ramp, valley, and/or curve. Thus, extension mechanism 60 moves amusement ride vehicle 54 without having to utilize a large area of curved track to impart motion. By reducing the curve (and thus the area) of the track 52, the components of the amusement ride system 50 may be able to be positioned in a smaller area while still imparting a feel to the passengers of the amusement ride vehicle 54, which in conventional embodiments requires a larger area. The inverted Stewart platform 58 can also impart motion (e.g., roll, pitch, yaw), which in conventional embodiments can be imparted by rails. It should also be noted that in other embodiments, a different type of platform assembly may be used than the inverted Stewart platform 58 described above. Further, an inverted Stewart platform 58 is schematically illustrated in fig. 2, but more detailed examples are provided in fig. 6-9.

Continuing with the embodiment illustrated in fig. 2, the track 52 is directly coupled to a mount 56 (e.g., a truck). In some embodiments, the mount 56 may use wheels that may be fixed to and roll on the track 52. The mount 56 may be coupled to an inverted Stewart platform 58 via the extension mechanism 60 described above. The extension mechanism 60 may use a scissor lift, an actuator (e.g., hydraulic or pneumatic), or any combination thereof to couple the mount 56 with the inverted Stewart platform 58. Extension mechanism 60 may provide one degree of freedom (e.g., a vertical configuration in direction 53) or more on amusement ride vehicle 14. For example, as amusement ride vehicle 54 travels along track 52, amusement ride vehicle 54 may encounter a segment of track 52 along which it is desired to lift amusement ride vehicle 54. Thus, instead of using the curvature of track 52 in direction 53 to move attraction vehicle 54 in direction 53, extension mechanism 60 may be activated to lift attraction vehicle 54 to the appropriate vertical position. In this manner, extension mechanism 60 may control the position of amusement ride vehicle 54 in direction 53 without establishing a ramp or depression in track 52, thereby saving the cost of manufacturing track 52. Another embodiment of the amusement ride system 50 is illustrated in fig. 3, wherein an inverted Stewart platform 58 is coupled directly to the mount 56 and/or track 52, and an extension mechanism 60 is coupled to the amusement ride vehicle 54 between the amusement ride vehicle 54 and the inverted Stewart platform 58.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of further details of a perspective view of an embodiment of the attraction system 50 of fig. 2. As shown in fig. 4, the extension mechanism 60 is coupled to an upper platform 80 of the inverted Stewart platform 58. The winch 82 may be disposed substantially along (or radially inward from) the outer periphery of the upper platform 80. The inverted Stewart platform 58 includes a set of legs 84 (e.g., six legs) that couple the upper platform 80 with the lower platform 86. In certain embodiments, the leg 84 extending between the two platforms 80, 86 may be a cable or rope of a winch 82 coupled to the upper platform 80. In this manner, the winches 82 may extend and/or retract the corresponding legs 84 to achieve the desired movement. The winch 82 is communicatively coupled to the controller 20, which controls when the legs 84 are extended and/or retracted by instructing actuation of the winch 82. For example, in certain embodiments, controller 20 may be programmed to activate winch 82 to extend and/or retract legs 84 at specific time intervals (e.g., at specific sections along an orbital loop). The controller 20 may control the winches 82 independently, in pairs, or otherwise, such that the legs 84 may be controlled independently, in pairs, or otherwise, respectively. In addition, the controller 20 can monitor the force imparted on the legs 84 of the inverted Stewart platform 58 to ensure that the induced motion remains within desired thresholds. It should be noted that in some embodiments, winches 82 may be coupled to lower platform 86 instead of upper platform 80, or alternatively between upper platform 80 and lower platform 86. In still other embodiments, there may be pairs of winches coupled to one another via a single rope (e.g., cable or rope) to provide redundancy and additional capability (e.g., speed of expansion or retraction).

In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 84 are coupled to the lower platform 86 at attachment points 88 (or attachment areas) via fasteners, hooks, welding, another suitable coupling feature, or any combination thereof. The attachment points 88 securely couple the legs 84 to the lower platform 86. Lower platform 86 is coupled to amusement ride vehicle 54. Thus, when the winches 82 along the top platform 50 are actuated to change the length of the legs 84, the winches 82 pull the lower platform 86 and attached amusement ride vehicle 54 toward the top platform 50 via the legs 84. It should be noted that while the above description refers to three contact regions (e.g., "anchor locations") along each land, each land may actually include six contact regions (e.g., anchor locations) grouped in pairs, with the two contact regions of a given pair being disposed immediately adjacent to one another.

The embodiment of the amusement ride system shown in fig. 2-4 enables an inverted Stewart platform 58 and extension mechanism 60 to travel with the amusement ride vehicle 54. Additionally, the inverted Stewart platform 58 and extension mechanisms 60 may be hidden from view by passengers disposed within the amusement ride vehicle 54 (e.g., based on a limited field of view created by the location of windows 90 disposed on the amusement ride vehicle 54). Thus, a passenger positioned within the amusement ride vehicle 54 may not be able to anticipate when motion may occur. This may induce unexpected motion to enhance the passenger experience. Further, because inverted Stewart platform 58 and extension mechanism 60 travel with amusement ride vehicle 54, motion may be induced at any portion of track 52 and is not limited to elements disposed on track 52. This allows for greater flexibility in creating motion and feel and may also save on the cost of manufacturing the amusement ride system 10, as additional elements that create motion (e.g., additional actuators or track segments) may be replaced by these features. Further, the size of the track 52 can be reduced because the extension mechanism 60 and the inverted Stewart platform 58 are utilized to produce some motion, as opposed to track curvature which would otherwise increase the track footprint. In some embodiments, the illustrated extension mechanism 60 and inverted Stewart platform 58 may be employed in an exhibit that does not include an amusement ride (e.g., the track 52 and mount 56 illustrated in fig. 2 are replaced by a fixed or limited-range base). In each of fig. 2-4, the disclosed inverted Stewart platform, extension mechanism 60, or both, are configured to manage reaction forces associated with movement of the amusement ride vehicle 54 during operation of the amusement ride system 50.

In another embodiment of the attraction system 50, as schematically shown in fig. 4, instead of the extension mechanism 60 of fig. 2-4 (which employs a scissor lift), a cable 110 may be employed. These cables 110 may be part of an actuation system (e.g., configured to extend or retract the cables 110 via a winch), or fixed. In either case, operating modes may occur in which it is desirable to separately control each of the cables 110 and/or each of the legs of the inverted Stewart platform 58 in response to reaction forces associated with movement of the amusement ride vehicle 54. For example, movement of the ride vehicle 54 may be at least partially cycle dependent if there are more passengers positioned at one end of the ride vehicle 54 than at the other end, or if operation of the platform assembly 58 (e.g., an inverted Stewart platform) shifts the weight of the ride vehicle 54 during the course of operation. That is, the reaction forces caused by movement of the amusement ride vehicle 54 may vary from one cycle of operation to another, and individually controlling the legs of the cables 110 and/or platform assembly 58 (e.g., an inverted Stewart platform) in response to the reaction forces may enhance the stability of the amusement ride system 50. In such cases, the control techniques may then be implemented via control feedback in a manner that manages the cycle-dependent reaction forces. For example, the controller 20 may receive sensor feedback from sensors 111 dispersed around the system 50. The sensors 111 may be disposed at the mount 56, on the track 52, at the platform assembly 58, on the amusement ride vehicle 54, or elsewhere. Sensors 111 may include torque sensors or other suitable sensors that detect torque of amusement ride vehicle 54. In some embodiments, the sensors 111 may include optical sensors (or other suitable sensors) that detect the position or orientation of the attraction vehicle 54, which may be indicative of the torque or twist of the attraction vehicle 54. For example, the position or orientation of the attraction vehicle 54 may indicate a force in the system 50.

The controller 20 may analyze sensor feedback from one or more of the sensors 111 and may utilize a torque compensation algorithm to initiate control of the tension in the cable 110 and/or initiate extension/retraction of the legs 84 by a motor (e.g., associated with the winch 82 of fig. 4) or other actuator (e.g., as shown and described with respect to fig. 9 and 10). In some embodiments, each of the sensors 111 may be part of a corresponding motor or other actuator that controls the cable 110 and/or the leg 84 of the platform assembly 58 (e.g., an inverted Stewart platform) such that the motor or other actuator controls the cable 110 and/or the leg 84 at the source of the detected parameter. In so doing, cable 110 and/or leg 84 are prevented from becoming slack. In other words, the torque compensation algorithm may monitor forces in the attraction system 50 to adjust the torque output of the motor or other actuator so that the movement of the control legs 84 and/or cables 110 does not become slack, which enhances the stability of the attraction system 50.

The embodiments illustrated in fig. 2-5 may also enable an improved ability to maintain stability of the ride vehicle 54 when the ride vehicle is experiencing an external disturbance (e.g., via a water jet) that may be employed to guide the ride vehicle 54 along a path. Indeed, as noted above, movement of the attraction vehicle 54 may vary from one operational cycle to another, and may in some cases depend on external disturbances associated or not with the attraction system 50. The implementation of torque, tension, and/or other feedback allows for stability of the ride vehicle 54 even when the position, orientation, and general motion of the ride vehicle 54 dynamically changes during operation or from one operational cycle to another, regardless of whether the motion is caused by features of the ride system 50 or external features interacting with the ride system 50.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an inverted Stewart platform 150 (similar to that illustrated in the previous figures). The inverted Stewart platform 150 includes a first platform 152 (e.g., an upper platform), a second platform 154 (e.g., a lower platform), and six legs 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166 (collectively "legs 84") extending between the upper and lower platforms 152, 154. The six legs 84 may be retractable and extendable independently and/or in conjunction with each other such that one or both of the upper platform 152 and the lower platform 154 may move in any one of six degrees of freedom (i.e., direction 51, direction 53, direction 57, roll 141, pitch 143, and yaw 145). In certain embodiments, lower platform 154 may be coupled to or integral with an amusement ride vehicle in which a plurality of passengers are disposed. Thus, when the six legs 84 are actuated (e.g., retracted/extended), the lower platform 154 and the amusement ride vehicle may move in any one of six degrees of freedom. Further, in certain embodiments, the upper platform 152 may be coupled to or integral with a track of an amusement ride system such that the amusement ride vehicles are located below the track. Thus, as the upper platform 152 slides along the track of the attraction system, the lower platform 154 and the corresponding attraction vehicle move along the same path. In other embodiments, a reverse arrangement may be employed such that the ride vehicle extends above the track and the lower platform 154 is coupled to the ride vehicle.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper platform 152 includes three contact regions 152a, 152b, 152c (e.g., "anchor locations") and the lower platform 154 includes three other contact regions 154a, 154b, 154c (e.g., anchor locations) that are circumferentially spaced apart from one another by substantially equal distances along the perimeter of the respective upper and lower platforms 152, 154 within the respective upper and lower platforms 152, 154. As previously described, the winches may be disposed at the contact regions 152a, 152b, 152c, at the contact regions 154a, 154b, 154c, or at the contact regions 152a, 152b, 152c and at the contact regions 154a, 154b, 154c, and may be configured to extend/retract the legs 84 (e.g., via a motor of the winch or a motor coupled to the winch).

As shown, each contact area 152a, 152b, 152c, 154a, 154b, 154c receives two of the six legs 84. Further, when all six legs 84 are equal in length (e.g., such that the upper and lower platforms 152, 154 are parallel to each other as shown), the three contact areas 152a, 152b, 152c of the upper platform 152 are substantially circumferentially aligned (e.g., aligned in the circumferential direction 159) with the three contact areas 154a, 154b, 154c of the lower platform 154. This may be referred to as the "parallel position" of the inverted Stewart platform 150. Thus, it can be said that in the parallel position, assuming the platforms 152, 154 have the same dimensions, the contact region 152a is aligned generally below the contact region 154a, the contact region 152b is aligned generally below the contact region 154b, and the contact region 152c is aligned generally below the contact region 154 c. Leg 156, which is coupled to contact region 152a, extends to contact region 154b, and leg 158, which is coupled to contact region 152a, extends to contact region 154 c. Leg 160 coupled to contact region 152b extends to contact region 154a, and leg 162 coupled to contact region 152b extends to contact region 154 c. Leg 164 coupled to contact region 152c extends to contact region 154a, and leg 166 coupled to contact region 152c extends to contact region 154 b. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the legs 84 extends from an initial contact area to a contact area of the opposing platform that is not directly above or below the initial contact area (i.e., in the same x, y position).

The above-described configuration of the inverted Stewart platform 150 reduces the angle 155 between each of the legs 84 and each of the upper and lower platforms 152, 154, as compared to conventional embodiments, even when the legs 84 comprise different lengths (e.g., during operation). The reduction of the angle 155 of the legs 84 of the inverted Stewart platform 150 (e.g., relative to conventional embodiments) may enhance the stability of the inverted Stewart platform 150 by creating greater restoring forces in the legs 84. For example, a reduction in angle 155 may increase the overall stiffness of inverted Stewart platform 150 to reduce unwanted movement. Further, while a conventional Stewart platform assembly may include a large platform to provide stability, the reduction of angle 155 described above facilitates stability of smaller platforms. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the lands 152, 154 may not be equal in size, and in those embodiments, the contact regions 152a, 152b, and 152c will still be aligned with the contact regions 154a, 154b, and 154c, respectively, in the circumferential direction 159; however, given the large size of the upper platform 152, the contact areas 152a, 152b, and 152c of the upper platform 152 may not be disposed directly above the contact areas 154a, 154b, 154c of the lower platform 154, but instead may be disposed radially outward therefrom and circumferentially or annularly (e.g., in direction 159) aligned therewith.

As noted above, the arrangement illustrated in fig. 6 allows for a reduction in the angle 155 between any given leg 84 and the corresponding platform 152 or 154 as compared to a conventional Stewart platform. In one embodiment, when all of the legs 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166 are equal in length, the angle 155 formed between each leg 84 and the platform 152, 154 is 45 degrees or less. According to the present embodiment, the disclosed arrangement results in a compact structure that allows for stable movement in multiple degrees of freedom. As noted above, while a conventional Stewart platform assembly may include a large platform in order to provide stability, the reduction of angle 155 described above with respect to the disclosed embodiments facilitates stability of a smaller platform.

In the illustrated embodiment of inverted Stewart platform 150, legs 84 may alternate between being "outer legs" and "inner legs" in order to facilitate consistent motion and force distribution. In other words, if started at contact region 152a on upper platform 152 and moved counterclockwise, leg 156 of contact region 152a ("inner leg") extends toward the inner sides of legs 160 and 164, and leg 158 of contact region 152a ("outer leg") extends toward the outer side of leg 164. Moving next to contact region 152c, leg 164 ("inner leg") of contact region 152c extends between legs 158 and 162, and leg 166 ("outer leg") of contact region 152c extends outside of leg 162. Moving next to contact region 152b, leg 162 ("inner leg") extends between legs 164 and 166, and leg 160 ("outer leg") of contact region 152b extends outside of leg 156. Of course, a similar arrangement may be employed by swapping each of the outer and inner legs, but reversing. In other embodiments, different arrangements may be utilized.

Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the inverted Stewart platform 150 of fig. 6, where the lower platform 152 has a different position/orientation. As shown in fig. 7, the lower platform 154 has been moved such that the contact area 154a is further away from the upper platform 154 in the direction 53 than in the "parallel position" described with respect to fig. 6. To achieve this position, legs 160 and 164 may be extended via winch 180 (and its corresponding motor) to lower contact area 154a in direction 53. Likewise, the legs 158 and 162 may be retracted using the winch 180. If the lengths of legs 158 and 162 are sufficiently retracted, contact region 154c may move closer to upper platform 152 in direction 53 than in the "parallel position" described with respect to FIG. 6. In other words, the legs 84 can be adjusted to achieve the position illustrated and maintain stability in the inverted Stewart platform 150. In this orientation, the inverted Stewart platform 150 can induce a sensation to the passengers by moving the ride vehicle. For example, the amusement ride vehicle may be coupled to lower platform 154, and the positioning illustrated in fig. 7 may cause the amusement ride vehicle to enter an inclined or declined position. Since the inverted Stewart platform 150 comprises a circular arrangement, a similar position can be achieved with respect to other contact areas. Further, repositioning may be indicated in rapid sequential order to enhance perception. Still further, repositioning may be indicated to manage or compensate for the reaction forces exerted on the system by the amusement ride vehicle coupled to the inverted Stewart platform 150. Thus, passengers on the ride vehicle may perceive that the ride vehicle is "flying" or "reacting" to various forces without using track curvature to impart certain forces, and may control the stability of the system in situations where the motion of the ride vehicle deviates from the desired motion.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an inverted Stewart platform 150. As shown in fig. 8, the lower platform 154 is located farther from the upper platform 152 in the direction 53 than the location illustrated in fig. 6. In other words, the distance 171 between the platforms 152, 154 is greater in fig. 8 than in fig. 6. For example, the configuration may be created by extending all of the legs 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166 simultaneously. Distance 171 can change even when inverted Stewart platform 150 is not in the parallel position described above. Of course, in another sequence of operations, the platforms 152, 154 may be drawn together via retraction of the legs 84. In either order, the new position may adjust the height of the ride vehicle (i.e., in direction 53), which may enhance the passenger experience. For example, the ride vehicle may be lowered to access elements outside of the ride vehicle (e.g., such as exhibits or attractions adjacent to the ride vehicle). Further, as the ride vehicle lowers, it may create a sensation (i.e., a "drop" sensation) to the passengers to enhance the ride experience.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the inverted Stewart platform 150 can induce several different motions on the amusement ride vehicle. Thus, the features of the track utilized to induce motion on the ride vehicle may be reduced, which may reduce the size and/or cost of the ride system. As previously described, the inverted Stewart platform 150 and extension mechanism (e.g., extension mechanism 60 of fig. 2-5) can work in combination to simulate a sensation similar or identical to that produced by a track, while maintaining stability. For example, the track may no longer include an inclined ramp because the inverted Stewart platform 150 may enable overturning (and/or vertical lifting of the amusement ride vehicle 54) in conjunction with the vertical motion of the amusement ride vehicle induced by the extension mechanism (e.g., extension mechanism 60 of fig. 2-5). This may generally reduce the cost of manufacturing the track and amusement ride system and may generally reduce the footprint of the track and amusement ride system.

In fig. 6-8, the upper and lower platforms 152, 154 are shown as circular plates, but in another embodiment they may be any suitable shape. Further, the upper and lower platforms 152, 154 may be differently shaped relative to one another. As described above, in one embodiment, upper platform 152 may be coupled with an extension mechanism (e.g., extension mechanism 60 in fig. 2-5) or track (e.g., via an intervening bogie that slides along the track), and lower platform 154 may be coupled with the amusement ride vehicle. In this embodiment, the ride vehicle may be suspended at a track as shown in fig. 2 and 4 (i.e., track 52 and ride vehicle 54 are illustrated).

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a platform assembly 200. The platform assembly 200 may include an upper platform 202 and a lower platform 204. In this embodiment, the legs 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212 may be extended and/or retracted by the actuator 230. Thus, the legs may not be coupled to a winch or may not include a cable or rope, although a winch may be used in conjunction with the actuator 230.

To provide a more detailed view of one of the legs 84, fig. 10 illustrates an embodiment of an actuator 230 that may be used in the platform assembly 200. As shown in the figures, the actuator 230 may include a middle section 232 and two leg sections 234 coupled to both ends of each middle section 232. The leg segment 234 may be metal, carbon fiber, another suitable material, or any combination thereof to allow for a stable coupling with the actuator 230. The intermediate segment 232 may cause the leg segments 234 to retract and extend the intermediate segment 232 to operate the actuator 230 (e.g., to retract or extend the corresponding legs, respectively).

Additional embodiments of the attraction system utilizing the platform assembly and/or the extension mechanism(s) are described below. For example, fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system 250 having a cabin 252 atop a base 254 and atop an intervening platform assembly 256 (e.g., an inverted Stewart platform), wherein the platform assembly 256 is coupled to the cabin 252 and the base 254. In this manner, the cabin 252 is oriented in a different manner relative to the track 254 than is shown in FIG. 2. As previously described, the window 258 may be positioned or disposed on the cabin 252 to enable or prevent certain features from being viewed from within the cabin 252. Base 254 may be a rail or a fixed base associated with an exhibit or show. In some embodiments, the base 254 may be an open path through which the cabin 252 and corresponding inverted Stewart platform 256 may move (e.g., via wheels). It should be noted that in some embodiments, the chamber 252 may be replaced by a show element.

Fig. 12 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the system 300, wherein the chamber 302 of the system 300 is disposed at one side of the base 304 (e.g., in the direction 51). Here, a platform assembly 306 (e.g., an inverted Stewart platform) is positioned a distance apart from the base 304 in the direction 51, and the cabin 302 is further positioned a distance apart from and coupled to the platform assembly 306 in the direction 51. Similar to fig. 11, windows 308 may be disposed on the cabin 302 to enable or prevent certain features from being viewed from within the cabin 302. As previously described, the base 304 may be a rail or a fixed structure. Further, while a cabin 302 is shown in the illustrated embodiment, the cabin 302 may be replaced by a show element in some embodiments.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 13, the system 350 can include a platform component 352 (e.g., an inverted Stewart platform) implemented in the performance presentation. An upper platform 354 of platform assembly 352 may be coupled to stage 356, and a lower platform 358 may be coupled to a stationary element 360 (e.g., the ground or a floor below stage 356). Thus, the stage 356 may be configured to accommodate one or more persons (or show elements/components) and may be configured to move relative to the stationary elements 360. For example, one or more persons may be performing an action and the platform assembly 352 may move the stage 356 to enhance the performance. Similar to the description included above with reference to at least fig. 5, in the systems presented in fig. 11-13, the controller (e.g., controller 20 of fig. 1) may also monitor the forces imparted on the respective amusement ride system (e.g., each of the legs) to ensure stability.

Fig. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a method 400 for controlling an amusement ride system according to the present disclosure. The method 400 includes: a signal (e.g., at a controller) indicative of positioning a platform assembly (or platform thereof) is received (block 402). For example, certain movements of the platform assembly may be desirable in order to cause an amusement ride vehicle coupled to the platform assembly (e.g., a lower platform coupled to the platform assembly) to move (e.g., roll, pitch, yaw, up, or down). It should be noted that the platform assembly may be an inverted Stewart platform assembly, and in some embodiments, the amusement ride system may be a stage or other performance exhibit, with fixed bases instead of tracks.

The method 400 further includes: certain legs of the platform assembly are extended and/or retracted (block 404) via commands of the controller to the motor winches or other actuators to cause the platform assembly (or its platform) to move in accordance with the commands discussed above with respect to block 402. As previously described, movement of the platform assembly may cause movement of the ride vehicle or cabin (or stage, in embodiments related to a show or exhibit) of the system, which may cause a reaction force on a load path (e.g., an extension cable) between the ride vehicle and the track.

The method 400 further includes: a reaction force (or parameter indicative of force) in the attraction system is measured, sensed, or detected (block 406). For example, as previously described, torque sensors, optical sensors, or other sensors may be used to detect forces (or parameters indicative of forces, such as the orientation of the ride vehicle) in the ride system. The controller may receive sensor feedback and determine how best to manage the reaction load/force exerted by the movement of the amusement ride vehicle based on a torque compensation algorithm.

The method 400 further includes: adjustments to the system are determined (block 407) via a controller that analyzes the reaction force via a torque compensation algorithm. Further, the method 400 includes: the legs and/or extension cables of the platform assembly are adjusted (block 408). As previously described, the controller may determine the desired adjustment and instruct the motor or other actuator to adjust the tension in the legs and/or extension cables (e.g., by extending or retracting the legs and/or extension cables), which prevents the legs and/or extension cables from becoming slack.

The above-described systems and methods are configured to enable management of reaction loads on an amusement ride system through movement of the amusement ride vehicle caused by an extension mechanism and/or a platform assembly (e.g., an inverted Stewart platform). The extension mechanism and/or platform assembly causes the vehicle to move without utilizing curved tracks, which would otherwise occupy more space and increase the footprint of the amusement ride system. Feedback control enables the system to monitor the reaction forces caused by the movement of the amusement ride vehicle and adjust the system to maintain stability of the amusement ride system.

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