Amusement Park Elevator Drop Ride System and Associated Methods

摘要

A cable driven elevator system having an elevator platform with an integral motion system is provided using one or multiple actuators. Each actuator includes a support plate attached to the elevator platform, a planetary gearbox engaged with and driven by an electric servo motor, and a drive shaft driven by the servo motor and engaged with a one crank. Connecting rods are connected between the crank and a frame. The frame supports a passenger platform. A control system is operable with each electric servo motor of each actuator for providing a simulated motion to the passenger platform including a heaving (vertical) motion such that the vertical downward acceleration experienced by persons riding the elevator exceeds 1 g, by way of example. The motion system is also capable of directly imparting vibrations to the elevator platform of up to at least 100 Hz without additional vibration generating equipment.

主权项

1. A method for moving a passenger platform in an elevator drop amusement ride, the method comprising:
fixing a plurality of actuators to an elevator platform, wherein each of the plurality of actuators includes at least one planetary gearbox engaged and driven by at least one electric servo motor, and a drive shaft driven by the servo motor for engaging at least one crank; operably connecting each crank to the passenger platform; and controlling each electric servo motor of each actuator for simulating a vertical motion in the passenger platform.