U.S. patent application number 16/668719 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-22 for modular stacked motion simulation system.
The applicant listed for this patent is SimEx Inc.. Invention is credited to Salvatore Agosta, Alexis Gil, Riaz Zahiruddin Kazim, Alexandru Mihai Teodorescu.
Application Number | 20210113932 16/668719 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005505157 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-22 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210113932 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gil; Alexis ; et
al. |
April 22, 2021 |
MODULAR STACKED MOTION SIMULATION SYSTEM
Abstract
A motion platform apparatus has a fixed base and a track that
extends in a forward-rearward direction. A motion platform is
movably mounted on the track and extends between a platform front
end and a platform rear end in the forward-rearward direction. A
seating assembly is mounted on the motion platform. The seating
assembly has at least one user seat that includes a seat base. The
motion platform is movable along the track to position the seating
assembly in a load position and in an in-use position. The load
position of the seating assembly is rearward of the in-use
position. The seating assembly is mounted to the motion platform
underneath the seat base. The front end of each seat base may be
positioned forward of the platform front end. The seating assembly
can be tilted as it moves between the load position and the in-use
position.
Inventors: |
Gil; Alexis; (Etobicoke,
CA) ; Agosta; Salvatore; (Stouffville, CA) ;
Kazim; Riaz Zahiruddin; (Brampton, CA) ; Teodorescu;
Alexandru Mihai; (Toronto, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SimEx Inc. |
Toronto |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005505157 |
Appl. No.: |
16/668719 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G 7/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63G 7/00 20060101
A63G007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 18, 2019 |
CA |
3059189 |
Claims
1. A motion platform apparatus comprising: (a) a fixed base having
a front end and a rear end, the base comprising an upper base
surface and a track, wherein the upper base surface extends between
the front end and the rear end in a forward-rearward direction and
the track extends in the forward-rearward direction; (b) a motion
platform that extends between a platform front end and a platform
rear end in the forward-rearward direction, wherein the motion
platform is movably mounted on the track and the motion platform is
movable along the track in the forward-rearward direction; and (c)
a seating assembly that is mounted on the motion platform, wherein
the seating assembly comprises at least one user seat having a seat
base and a seat back, wherein each seat base extends between a seat
front end and a seat rear end in the forward-rearward direction;
wherein the motion platform is movable along the track to position
the seating assembly in a load position and in an in-use position,
wherein the load position of the seating assembly is rearward of
the in-use position; in the in-use position each seat front end is
forward of the platform front end; and the seating assembly is
mounted to the motion platform and the seating assembly is
adjustable between a load state and a motion state, wherein in the
load state each user seat is positioned in a first orientation, and
in the motion state each user seat is positioned in a second
orientation, wherein in the second orientation each user seat is
tilted rearwardly relative to the first orientation.
2. (canceled)
3. The motion platform apparatus of claim 1, wherein (a) in the
second orientation the seat base is tilted rearwardly with the seat
front end positioned higher than the seat rear end.
4. The motion platform apparatus of claim 1, wherein (a) the
seating assembly is configured to be maintained in the motion state
while the motion platform moves along the track between the load
position and the in-use position.
5. The motion platform apparatus of claim 1, wherein (a) when the
motion platform is in the load position and the seating assembly is
in the load state, the seat front end is positioned at a first
height relative to the motion platform; and (b) when the motion
platform moves along the track, the seat front end is positioned at
a second height relative to the motion platform, wherein the second
height is greater than the first height.
6. The motion platform apparatus of claim 1, wherein: (a) when the
seating assembly is positioned in the in-use position, each seat
front end is forward of the front end of the base.
7. A motion platform apparatus comprising: (a) a fixed base having
a front end and a rear end, the base comprising an upper base
surface and a track, wherein the upper base surface extends between
the front end and the rear end in a forward-rearward direction and
the track extends in the forward-rearward direction; (b) a motion
platform that extends between a platform front end and a platform
rear end in the forward-rearward direction, wherein the motion
platform is movably mounted on the track and the motion platform is
movable along the track in the forward-rearward direction; and (c)
a seating assembly that is mounted on the motion platform, wherein
the seating assembly comprises at least one user seat having a seat
base and a seat back, wherein each seat base extends between a seat
front end and a seat rear end in the forward-rearward direction;
wherein the motion platform is movable along the track to position
the seating assembly in a load position and in an in-use position,
wherein the load position of the seating assembly is rearward of
the in-use position; in the in-use position each seat front end is
forward of the platform front end; and the seating assembly is
mounted to the motion platform by a movable seat support assembly,
and the seat support assembly is operable to move the seating
assembly with at least three degrees of freedom when the seating
assembly is positioned in the in-use position.
8. A motion platform apparatus comprising: (a) a fixed base having
a front end and a rear end, the base comprising an upper base
surface and a track, wherein the upper base surface extends between
the front end and the rear end in a forward-rearward direction and
the track extends in the forward-rearward direction; (b) a motion
platform that extends between a platform front end and a platform
rear end in the forward-rearward direction, wherein the motion
platform is movably mounted on the track and the motion platform is
movable along the track in the forward-rearward direction; and (c)
a seating assembly that is mounted on the motion platform, wherein
the seating assembly comprises at least one user seat having a seat
base and a seat back, wherein each seat base extends between a seat
front end and a seat rear end in the forward-rearward direction;
wherein the motion platform is movable along the track to position
the seating assembly in a load position and in an in-use position,
wherein the load position of the seating assembly is rearward of
the in-use position; and the motion platform apparatus is enclosed
within a motion bay, wherein the motion bay extends between a bay
front end and a bay rear end in the forward-rearward direction, and
a display screen is positioned forward of the bay front end, and
when the seating assembly is positioned in the in-use position,
each seat front end is forward of the bay front end.
9. A motion simulation system comprising at least two motion
platform apparatuses defined in accordance with claim 1, the at
least two motion platform apparatuses comprising a first motion
platform apparatus and a second motion platform apparatus, wherein
(a) the first motion platform apparatus is enclosed within a first
motion bay, wherein the first motion bay extends between a first
bay front end and a first bay rear end in the forward-rearward
direction; (b) the second motion platform apparatus is enclosed
within in a second motion bay, wherein the second motion bay
extends between a second bay front end and a second bay rear end in
the forward-rearward direction; (c) a display screen is positioned
forward of the first bay front end and the second bay front end;
and (d) the first motion bay is positioned underneath the second
motion bay, with the second bay front end forward of the first bay
front end.
10. The motion simulator system of claim 9, wherein (a) the first
motion bay comprises an extension member that extends laterally
across the front end of the base of the first motion bay above the
first motion platform; (b) the extension member comprises a feature
delivery system positioned to face the first motion bay, wherein
the feature delivery system is configured to direct at least one of
a fluid element and a scent element to the first motion bay.
11. The motion simulator system of claim 10, wherein (a) the
extension member extends outwardly from the first motion bay
forward of the second bay front end whereby the extension member is
positioned to catch debris from the second motion bay.
12. A motion platform apparatus comprising: (a) a fixed base having
a front end and a rear end, the base comprising an upper base
surface and a track, wherein the upper base surface extends between
the front end and the rear end in a forward-rearward direction and
the track extends in the forward-rearward direction; (b) a motion
platform that extends between a platform front end and a platform
rear end in the forward-rearward direction, wherein the motion
platform is movably mounted on the track and the motion platform is
movable along the track in the forward-rearward direction; and (c)
a seating assembly that is mounted to the motion platform, wherein
the seating assembly comprises at least one user seat having a seat
base and a seat back, wherein each seat base extends between a seat
front end and a seat rear end in the forward-rearward direction;
wherein the motion platform is movable along the track to position
the seating assembly in a load position and in an in-use position,
wherein the load position of the seating assembly is rearward of
the in-use position; the seating assembly is adjustable between a
load state and a motion state, wherein in the load state each user
seat is positioned in a first orientation, and in the motion state
each user seat is positioned in a second orientation, wherein in
the second orientation each user seat is tilted rearwardly relative
to the first orientation; and the seating assembly is mounted to
the motion platform underneath the seat base.
13. The motion platform apparatus of claim 12, wherein (a) in the
second orientation the seat base is tilted rearwardly with the seat
front end positioned higher than the seat rear end.
14. The motion platform apparatus of claim 13, wherein (a) the
seating assembly is configured to be maintained in the motion state
while the motion platform moves along the track between the load
position and the in-use position.
15. The motion platform apparatus of claim 13, wherein (a) when the
motion platform is in the load position and the seating assembly is
in the load state, the seat front end is positioned at a first
height relative to the motion platform; and (b) when the motion
platform moves along the track, the seat front end is positioned at
a second height relative to the motion platform, wherein the second
height is greater than the first height.
16. The motion platform apparatus of claim 12, wherein: (a) when
the seating assembly is positioned in the in-use position, each
seat front end is forward of the front end of the base.
17. The motion platform apparatus of claim 16, wherein: (a) each
seat front end is forward of the platform front end.
18. The motion platform apparatus of claim 12, wherein: (a) each
seat front end is forward of the platform front end.
19. The motion platform apparatus of claim 12, wherein (a) the
seating assembly is mounted to the motion platform by a movable
seat support assembly; and (b) the seat support assembly is
operable to move the seating assembly with at least three degrees
of freedom when the seating assembly is positioned in the in-use
position.
20. The motion platform apparatus of claim 12, further comprising
(a) the motion platform apparatus is enclosed within a motion bay,
wherein the motion bay extends between a bay front end and a bay
rear end in the forward-rearward direction, and a display screen is
positioned forward of the bay front end; and (b) when the seating
assembly is positioned in the in-use position, each seat front end
is forward of the bay front end.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The specification relates generally to amusement ride
systems, and in particular motion simulator systems for riders
viewing a display screen.
INTRODUCTION
[0002] The following is not an admission that anything discussed
below is part of the prior art or part of the common general
knowledge of a person skilled in the art.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 8,444,496 purports to disclose a lateral
dynamic simulation device includes a positioning platform, a motor
mechanism and a carriage. The positioning platform has an upright
positioned arm. The motor mechanism has multiple degrees of freedom
and comprises a base, a platform and a plurality of stretchable
bars to join the base and the platform by universal joints. The
carriage has a space at the frontal portion for carrying passengers
and a back portion at the rear portion. The base of the motor
mechanism is fixed to the arm of the positioning platform and the
platform of the motor mechanism is fixed to the back portion of the
carriage.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 9,463,391 purports to disclose a motion base,
comprising a pivot structure having a pivot point near the center
of gravity of the pivot structure; a platform support by the pivot
structure, the platform having a generally horizontal position and
a generally vertical position; and, a drive for rotating of the
pivot structure at the pivot point to move the platform from the
generally horizontal position to the generally vertical
position.
SUMMARY
[0005] The following introduction is provided to introduce the
reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The introduction
is not intended to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed
invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or
sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any
part of this document including its claims and figures.
[0006] In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, a motion
simulation system can include a plurality of motion bays and a
display screen. Each motion bay can include one or more movable
rider assemblies configured to support rider accommodations. The
rider assemblies can be configured to provide motion to the rider
accommodations that is synchronized with a display provided on the
display screen. The motion simulator system can independently
control the operation of the motion bays and the rider assemblies
so that only a subset of the motion bays and/or rider assemblies
are actuated at a given time. This may allow the system to continue
operations even when one or more bays are non-operational, e.g.
undergoing maintenance. The motion simulator system can also
operate below capacity while not actuating rider assemblies that do
not currently have riders. This may prevent unnecessary wear on the
rider assemblies and/or motion bays.
[0007] The motion bays can also be arranged in a modular fashion
facing the display screen. Multiple motion bays can be stacked
vertically and/or horizontally. This may allow the motion simulator
system to maximize the space usage within a given venue. This may
also facilitate installation of the motion simulator system within
existing buildings rather than always requiring purpose-built
venues.
[0008] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a motion
simulation system comprising:
[0009] (a) a display screen;
[0010] (b) a plurality of rider motion apparatuses, wherein each
rider motion apparatus is configured to support at least one rider
accommodation, and each rider motion apparatus is positionable in a
ride position with the at least one rider accommodation facing the
display screen;
[0011] (c) a plurality of motion bays, wherein each motion bay
extends between a bay front end that is closer to the display
screen than a bay rear end of that bay in a forward-rearward
direction, and the bay front end of each motion bay is positioned
facing the display, wherein each motion bay encloses a bay set of
rider motion apparatuses that includes at least one of the rider
motion apparatuses from the plurality of rider motion apparatuses;
and
[0012] (d) a controller coupled to the display and to the motion
bays, wherein the controller is configured to provide a motion
simulation experience by: [0013] positioning a set of rider motion
apparatuses in the ride position, wherein the set of rider motion
apparatuses includes at least some of the rider motion apparatuses
from the plurality of rider motion apparatuses; [0014] providing a
visual display on the display screen, wherein the visual display is
visible from each and every rider accommodation when the rider
motion apparatus corresponding to that rider accommodation is
positioned in the ride position; and [0015] controlling motion of
the rider accommodations during the visual display to move the
rider accommodations supported by the set of rider motion
apparatuses in a defined motion sequence, wherein the defined
motion sequence is coordinated with the visual display provided on
the display screen; [0016] wherein [0017] the controller is
configured to actuate a subset of the rider motion apparatuses in
response to determining that at least one of the rider motion
apparatuses is in an inactive state, wherein the subset excludes
the at least one of the rider motion apparatuses in the inactive
state.
[0018] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to
determine that a particular rider motion apparatus is in the
inactive state when the particular rider motion apparatus is at
least one of nonoperational and unoccupied.
[0019] In some embodiments, each rider motion apparatus may be
adjustable between a load position and the ride position, where in
the load position the rider motion apparatus is fully enclosed
within the corresponding motion bay, and in the ride position a
front end of the rider motion apparatus extends outward from the
bay front end; and the controller can be configured to position
only the subset of rider motion apparatuses in the ride
position.
[0020] In some embodiments, each motion bay can include an openable
front door positioned at the bay front end, where the front door is
adjustable between an open position and a closed position, where
when the front door is in the open position the bay front end is
open and the display is visible from an interior of the motion bay,
and when the front door is in the closed position the bay front end
is closed; at least one motion bay is in an inactive bay state in
which all of the rider motion apparatuses in that motion bay are in
the inactive state; and the controller can be configured to adjust
the front door of the motion bays corresponding to the subset of
rider motion apparatuses to the open position and to retain the
front door of any motion bays in the inactive bay state in the
closed position.
[0021] In some embodiments, the plurality of motion bays may
include a plurality of vertically stacked motions bays, where the
plurality of vertically stacked motions bays includes a first
motion bay and a second motion bay, and the first motion bay is
above the second motion bay.
[0022] In some embodiments, each motion bay may extend between a
first lateral bay side and a second lateral bay side in a lateral
direction; and, the plurality of motion bays may include a
plurality of laterally stacked motions bays, where the plurality of
laterally stacked motions bays includes the first motion bay and a
third motion bay, and the first lateral bay side of the first
motion bay is adjacent to the second lateral bay side of the third
motion bay in the lateral direction.
[0023] In some embodiments, each motion bay may extend between a
first lateral bay side and a second lateral bay side in a lateral
direction; and, the plurality of motion bays can include a
plurality of laterally stacked motions bays, where the plurality of
laterally stacked motions bays comprises a first motion bay and a
second motion bay, and the first lateral bay side of the first
motion bay is adjacent to the second lateral bay side of the second
motion bay in the lateral direction.
[0024] In some embodiments, the bay front end of the first motion
bay may be forward of the bay front end of the second motion
bay.
[0025] In some embodiments, the second motion bay may include an
extension member that extends laterally across the bay front end of
the second motion bay above the at least one rider motion apparatus
enclosed by that motion bay; and the extension member extends
outwardly from the bay front end of the second motion bay whereby
the extension member is positioned to catch debris falling from the
second motion bay.
[0026] In some embodiments, each motion bay may include an
extension member that extends laterally across the bay front end of
that motion bay above the at least one rider motion apparatus
enclosed by that motion bay; and the extension member can include a
feature delivery system positioned to face that motion bay, where
the feature delivery system is configured to direct at least one of
a fluid element and a scent element towards the at least one rider
motion apparatus enclosed by that motion bay.
[0027] In some embodiments, each rider accommodation may be
positioned forward of the bay front end of the corresponding motion
bay when the corresponding rider motion apparatus is positioned in
the ride position.
[0028] In some embodiments, the motion simulation system may omit
any visual obstructions between the display and each rider
accommodation in each motion bay when the rider motion apparatus
corresponding to that rider accommodation is positioned in the ride
position.
[0029] In some embodiments, each rider motion apparatus may
include: a fixed base having a front end and a rear end, the base
including an upper base surface and a track, where the upper base
surface extends between the front end and the rear end in a
forward-rearward direction and the track extends in the
forward-rearward direction; a motion platform that extends between
a platform front end and a platform rear end in the
forward-rearward direction, where the motion platform is movably
mounted on the track and the motion platform is movable along the
track in the forward-rearward direction; and a seating assembly
that is mounted on the motion platform, where the seating assembly
includes at least one user seat having a seat base and a seat back,
where each seat base extends between a seat front end and a seat
rear end in the forward-rearward direction, and the at least one
rider accommodation is defined by the at least one user seat.
[0030] In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a
non-transitory computer readable medium having computer-executable
instructions stored thereon for configuring a processor to perform
a method of controlling a motion simulation system comprising a
display screen, a plurality of rider motion apparatuses, wherein
each rider motion apparatus is configured to support at least one
rider accommodation, and each rider motion apparatus is
positionable in a ride position with the at least one rider
accommodation facing the display screen, and a plurality of motion
bays wherein each motion bay encloses a bay set of rider motion
apparatuses that includes at least one of the rider motion
apparatuses from the plurality of rider motion apparatuses, wherein
the method comprises:
[0031] (a) positioning a set of rider motion apparatuses in the
ride position, wherein the set of rider motion apparatuses includes
at least some of the rider motion apparatuses from the plurality of
rider motion apparatuses;
[0032] (b) providing a visual display on the display screen,
wherein the visual display is visible from each and every rider
accommodation when the rider motion apparatus corresponding to that
rider accommodation is positioned in the ride position; and
[0033] (c) controlling motion of the rider accommodations during
the visual display to move the rider accommodations supported by
the set of rider motion apparatuses in a defined motion sequence,
wherein the defined motion sequence is coordinated with the visual
display provided on the display screen;
[0034] (d) determining that at least one of the rider motion
apparatuses is in an inactive state; and
[0035] (e) actuating only a subset of the rider motion apparatuses
in response to determining that the at least one of the rider
motion apparatuses is in the inactive state, wherein the subset
excludes the at least one of the rider motion apparatuses in the
inactive state.
[0036] In some embodiments, the method may include determining that
a particular rider motion apparatus is in the inactive state when
the particular rider motion apparatus is at least one of
nonoperational and unoccupied.
[0037] In some embodiments, each rider motion apparatus may be
adjustable between a load position and the ride position, where in
the load position the rider motion apparatus is fully enclosed
within the corresponding motion bay, and in the ride position a
front end of the rider motion apparatus extends outward from the
bay front end; and the method can include positioning only the
subset of rider motion apparatuses in the ride position.
[0038] In some embodiments, the method may include each motion bay
may include an openable front door positioned at the bay front end,
where the front door is adjustable between an open position and a
closed position, where when the front door is in the open position
the bay front end is open and the display is visible from an
interior of the motion bay, and when the front door is in the
closed position the bay front end is closed; and the method can
include determining that at least one motion bay is in an inactive
bay state in which all of the rider motion apparatuses in that
motion bay are in the inactive bay state; and adjusting the front
door of the motion bays corresponding to the subset of rider motion
apparatuses to the open position and retaining the front door of
any motion bays in the inactive bay state in the closed
position.
[0039] In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, a tolerance
accommodation member is provided that can be used to mount a motion
apparatus to a track. The tolerance accommodation member may have a
first connector that attaches to the motion apparatus and a second
connector that attaches to an actuator that drives the motion
apparatus along the track in a longitudinal direction. An
intermediate connector connects the first and second connectors.
The intermediate connector can be movably mounted to both the first
and second connectors to permit lateral and/or vertical motion
between the first and second connectors.
[0040] The tolerance accommodation member permits a range of
manufacturing tolerances in the track while still enabling the
motion apparatus to be mounted to the track. This may simplify
track manufacturing and installation and reduce installation costs.
The tolerance accommodation member may also allow the motion
apparatus to continue operation with debris in the track or with
slight changes to the track or motion apparatus due to wear.
[0041] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a user
motion apparatus comprising:
[0042] (a) a track;
[0043] (b) a motion assembly movably mounted to the track, the
motion assembly configured to support at least one rider
accommodation;
[0044] (c) a drive member operable to drive the motion assembly
along the track; and
[0045] (d) a tolerance accommodation member comprising a first
connector portion, a second connector portion, and a third
connector portion, wherein the first connector portion is fixedly
mounted to the motion assembly, the second connector portion is
fixedly mounted to the drive member, and the third connector
portion extends between the first connector portion and the second
connector portion;
[0046] wherein
[0047] the third connector portion is movably mounted to a first
end of the first connector portion; and
[0048] the third connector portion is separately movably mounted to
a first end of the second connector portion whereby the first
connector portion and the second connector portion are movable
relative to one another allowing a distance between the first end
of the first connector portion and the first end of the second
connector portion to vary thereby accommodating a range of
manufacturing tolerances in the track.
[0049] In some embodiments, the track may be provided by a support,
the support defines an outer support surface, and the track may
include an open track section that extends through the outer
support surface; and the third connector portion may extend through
the open track section, the third connector portion is mounted to
the motion support on a first side of the outer support surface,
and the third connector portion is mounted to the drive member on a
second side of the outer support surface.
[0050] In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be
movably mounted to the first connector portion by a first movable
coupling; the first movable coupling may permit the third connector
portion to move relative to the first connector portion in a first
direction; the third connector portion may be movably mounted to
the second connector portion by a second movable coupling; the
second movable coupling may permit the third connector portion to
move relative to the second connector portion in a second
direction; and the second direction is perpendicular to the first
direction.
[0051] In some embodiments, the track extends in a forward-rearward
direction; the third connector portion may be movably mounted to
the first connector portion by a first movable coupling; and the
first movable coupling may permit movement in a lateral direction
perpendicular to the forward-rearward direction.
[0052] In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be
movably mounted to the second connector portion by a second movable
coupling; and the second movable coupling may permit the third
connector portion to move relative to the second connector portion
in a vertical direction perpendicular to the forward-rearward
direction.
[0053] In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be
movably mounted to the second connector portion by a second movable
coupling; and the second movable coupling may permit the third
connector portion to move relative to the second connector portion
in a vertical direction.
[0054] In some embodiments, the track extends in a forward-rearward
direction; the third connector portion may be movably mounted to
the first connector portion by a first movable coupling; the first
movable coupling may inhibit the third connector portion from
moving relative to the first connector portion in the
forward-rearward direction; the third connector portion may be
movably mounted to the second connector portion by a second movable
coupling; and the second movable coupling may inhibit the third
connector portion from moving relative to the second connector
portion in the forward-rearward direction.
[0055] In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be
movably mounted to the first connector portion by a first movable
coupling, and the first movable coupling may include a sliding
bushing.
[0056] In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be
movably mounted to the second connector portion by a second movable
coupling, and the second movable coupling may include a sliding
bushing.
[0057] In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include
two track connector assemblies, where each track connector assembly
is mounted to the motion assembly and movably mounted to the
track.
[0058] In some embodiments, the track may be provided by a support,
the support has a front end, a rear end, a first lateral side, and
a second lateral side, and the support extends between the front
end and the rear end in a forward-rearward direction, and between
the first lateral side and the second lateral side in a lateral
direction; the track extends in the forward-rearward direction; and
the tolerance accommodation member and the track connector
assemblies may be spaced apart in the lateral direction with the
tolerance accommodation member positioned at a location between the
two track connector assemblies in the lateral direction.
[0059] In some embodiments, the motion assembly may include a
plurality of rider accommodations.
[0060] In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a
tolerance accommodation member for a user motion apparatus
comprising a track, a motion assembly movably mounted to the track,
and a drive member operable to drive the motion assembly along a
track, wherein the tolerance accommodation member comprises:
[0061] (a) a first connector portion that is fixedly mountable to
the motion assembly;
[0062] (b) a second connector portion that is fixedly mountable to
the drive member; and
[0063] (c) a third connector portion that extends between the first
connector portion and the second connector portion;
[0064] wherein
[0065] the third connector portion is movably mounted to a first
end of the first connector portion; and
[0066] the third connector portion is separately movably mounted to
a first end of the second connector portion whereby the first
connector portion and the second connector portion are movable
relative to one another allowing a distance between the first end
of the first connector portion and the first end of the second
connector portion to vary thereby accommodating a range of
manufacturing tolerances in the track.
[0067] In some embodiments, the track is provided by a support, the
support defines an outer support surface, and the track may include
an open track section that extends through the outer support
surface; and the third connector portion can be shaped to extend
through the open track section with the third connector portion
mounted to the motion assembly on a first side of the outer support
surface and the third connector portion mounted to the drive member
on a second side of the outer support surface.
[0068] In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be
movably mounted to the first connector portion by a first movable
coupling; the first movable coupling may permit the third connector
portion to move relative to the first connector portion in a first
direction; the third connector portion may be movably mounted to
the second connector portion by a second movable coupling; the
second movable coupling may permit the third connector portion to
move relative to the second connector portion in a second
direction; and the second direction is perpendicular to the first
direction.
[0069] In some embodiments, the track extends in a forward-rearward
direction; the third connector portion may be movably mounted to
the first connector portion by a first movable coupling; and the
first movable coupling can be configured to permit movement in a
lateral direction perpendicular to the forward-rearward direction
when the tolerance accommodation member is installed with the first
connector portion fixedly mounted to the motion assembly.
[0070] In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be
movably mounted to the second connector portion by a second movable
coupling; and the second movable coupling may permit the third
connector portion to move relative to the second connector portion
in a vertical direction perpendicular to the forward-rearward
direction.
[0071] In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be
movably mounted to the second connector portion by a second movable
coupling; and the second movable coupling may be configured to
permit the third connector portion to move relative to the second
connector portion in a vertical direction when the tolerance
accommodation member is installed with the second connector portion
fixedly mounted to the motion actuator.
[0072] In some embodiments, the track extends in a forward-rearward
direction; the third connector portion may be movably mounted to
the first connector portion by a first movable coupling; the first
movable coupling may be configured to inhibit the third connector
portion from moving relative to the first connector portion in the
forward-rearward direction when the tolerance accommodation member
is installed with the first connector portion fixedly mounted to
the motion assembly; the third connector portion may be movably
mounted to the second connector portion by a second movable
coupling; and the second movable coupling may be configured to
inhibit the third connector portion from moving relative to the
second connector portion in the forward-rearward direction when the
tolerance accommodation member is installed with the second
connector portion fixedly mounted to the motion actuator.
[0073] In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be
movably mounted to the first connector portion by a first movable
coupling, and the first movable coupling can include a sliding
bushing.
[0074] In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be
movably mounted to the second connector portion by a second movable
coupling, and the second movable coupling can include a sliding
bushing.
[0075] In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, a track
mounting assembly is provided to mount a motion assembly on a
track. The track mounting apparatus allows the motion assembly to
be moved along the track. The track mounting apparatus includes a
first track member connected to the motion assembly and a captive
arm connected to the motion assembly. The first track member is
mounted on the surface of the track. The first track member
includes a coupling section that extends at least partially through
the track. The captive arm extends through the track and engages
the coupling section at an engagement height. The captive arm may
be adjustably mounted to the motion assembly to allow the
engagement height to be adjusted on installation and re-adjusted
for wear or changes in the track and/or motion platform. This may
facilitate installation and extend the usable life of the track and
motion assembly.
[0076] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a user
motion apparatus comprising:
[0077] a track having a front end and a rear end, and an outer
track surface;
[0078] a motion assembly configured to support at least one rider
accommodation;
[0079] a mounting assembly configured to movably mount the motion
assembly to the outer track surface with the motion assembly
movable along the track, the mounting assembly comprising:
[0080] a first track member connected to the motion assembly,
wherein the first track member is movably mounted to the outer
track surface, and the first track member includes a coupling
section that extends through the outer track surface; and
[0081] a captive arm having a first arm portion connected to the
motion assembly and a second arm portion that extends through the
outer track surface to an engagement height, wherein the second arm
portion is configured to engage the coupling section of the first
track member at the engagement height, wherein the second arm
portion is configured to maintain engagement with the coupling
section of the first track member at the engagement height as the
first track member moves along the track whereby the first track
member and second track member cooperate to maintain the motion
assembly on the track.
[0082] In some embodiments, the first arm portion may be connected
to the motion assembly by an adjustable connector assembly, and the
adjustable connector assembly is usable to adjust the engagement
height of the second arm portion.
[0083] In some embodiments, the adjustable connector assembly may
include a pivot connector connecting the first arm portion and the
motion assembly, and the first arm portion may be pivotable about
the pivot connector to adjust the engagement height of the second
arm portion.
[0084] In some embodiments, the adjustable connector assembly may
include a pivot limiting member, the pivot limiting member defining
a pivot range, and the first arm portion can be prevented from
pivoting outside of the pivot range.
[0085] In some embodiments, the adjustable connector assembly may
include an adjustment limiting member that defines an adjustment
range that limits the range of the engagement height.
[0086] In some embodiments, the second arm portion may include a
wheel shaped to engage the coupling section of the first track
member.
[0087] In some embodiments, the first track member may include a
roller.
[0088] In some embodiments, the roller may include a flanged wheel;
the flanged wheel may include a wheel section and a flange section;
the wheel section may be connected to the motion assembly and
mounted to the track on the outer track surface; and the flanged
section may extend through the track and defines the coupling
section.
[0089] In some embodiments, the second arm portion may include a
wheel shaped to engage the flanged section.
[0090] In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a
mounting assembly for a user motion apparatus comprising a track
having an outer track surface and a motion assembly configured to
support at least one rider accommodation, the mounting assembly
comprising:
[0091] a first track member connectable to the motion assembly,
wherein the first track member is movably mountable to the outer
track surface, and the first track member includes a coupling
section shaped to extend through the outer track surface when the
first track member is mounted to the outer track surface; and
[0092] a captive arm having a first arm portion connectable to the
motion assembly and a second arm portion shaped to extend through
the outer track surface to an engagement height when the first arm
portion is connected to the motion assembly, wherein the second arm
portion is configured to engage the coupling section of the first
track member at the engagement height, wherein the second arm
portion is configured to maintain engagement with the coupling
section of the first track member at the engagement height as the
first track member moves along the track whereby the first track
member and second track member cooperate to maintain the motion
assembly on the track.
[0093] In some embodiments, the mounting assembly may also include
an adjustable connector assembly usable to connect the first arm
portion to the motion assembly, where the adjustable connector
assembly is usable to adjust the engagement height when the first
arm portion is connected to the motion assembly.
[0094] In some embodiments, the adjustable connector assembly may
include a pivot connector, and the first arm portion may be
pivotable about the pivot connector to adjust the engagement height
of the second arm portion.
[0095] In some embodiments, the adjustable connector assembly may
include a pivot limiting member, the pivot limiting member defining
a pivot range, and the first arm portion may be prevented from
pivoting outside of the pivot range.
[0096] In some embodiments, the adjustable connector assembly may
include an adjustment limiting member that defines an adjustment
range that limits the range of the engagement height.
[0097] In some embodiments, the second arm portion may include a
wheel shaped to engage the coupling section of the first track
member.
[0098] In some embodiments, the first track member may include a
roller.
[0099] In some embodiments, the roller may include a flanged wheel;
the flanged wheel may include a wheel section and a flange section;
the wheel section may be connectable to the motion assembly and
mountable to the track on the outer track surface; and the flanged
section may extend through the track when the wheel section is
mounted to the track on the outer track surface, the flanged
section defining the coupling section of the first track
member.
[0100] In some embodiments, the second arm portion may include a
wheel shaped to engage the flanged section.
[0101] In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, a user
motion apparatus includes a motion assembly that operates in a load
position and an in-use position. The user motion apparatus includes
a locking system that secures the motion assembly in each of the
load position and the in-use position. The locking system includes
separate lock units for the load position and the in-use
position.
[0102] The motion assembly may be driven between the load position
and in-use position by a drive member. The load position lock may
include a drive member brake that prevents the drive member from
moving. The in-use position lock unit may include a mechanical lock
that secures the motion assembly in position directly. The
mechanical lock unit can be structured to handle dynamic loading
while in the ride position to reduce the impact of load forces due
to motion of the motion assembly. This may allow the user motion
apparatus to disengage the drive member motion and avoid
transferring load forces from motion of the motion assembly to the
motor while in the in-use position.
[0103] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a user
motion apparatus comprising:
[0104] (a) a track extending between a front track end and a rear
track end in a forward-rearward direction;
[0105] (b) a motion assembly movably mounted to the track, wherein
the motion assembly is configured to support at least one rider
accommodation, and wherein the motion assembly is movable along the
track between a load position and an in-use position and the load
position is rearward of the in-use position;
[0106] (c) a first lock unit operable to secure the motion assembly
in the load position wherein the first lock unit holds the motion
assembly in the load position when the first lock unit is engaged,
and when the first lock unit is released the motion assembly is
movable to the in-use position;
[0107] (d) a second lock unit operable to secure the motion
assembly in the in-use position wherein the second lock unit holds
the motion assembly in the in-use position when the second lock
unit is engaged, and when the second lock unit is released the
motion assembly is movable to the load position.
[0108] In some embodiments, the second lock unit may include a
mechanical lock positioned to automatically engage the motion
assembly when the motion assembly is moved to the in-use
position.
[0109] In some embodiments, the track may be provided by a support,
the mechanical lock may include a latch mounted to the support and
an engagement arm extending from the motion assembly, where the
engagement arm is received by the latch member when the motion
assembly is moved to the in-use position.
[0110] In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include a
drive member that is movable along the track; where the drive
member can be drivingly connected to the motion assembly and the
drive member is operable to drive the motion assembly along the
track between the load position and the in-use position; and the
first lock unit may be adjustable between a locked stated and an
unlocked state, in the locked state the first lock unit may prevent
the drive member from moving along the track, and in the unlocked
state the drive member may be movable along the track.
[0111] In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include a
drive member that is movable along the track; where the drive
member can be drivingly connected to the motion assembly and the
drive member is operable to drive the motion assembly along the
track between the load position and the in-use position; and the
first lock unit may be adjustable between a locked stated and an
unlocked state, in the locked state the first lock unit may prevent
the drive member from moving along the track, and in the unlocked
state the drive member may be movable along the track.
[0112] In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include a
rear stop member positioned to engage the motion assembly when the
motion assembly is moved to the load position, where the rear stop
member prevents the motion assembly from travelling rearward of the
load position.
[0113] In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include a
damping member positioned to engage the motion assembly when the
motion assembly is moved to the in-use position, where the damping
member slows the motion assembly as it reaches the in-use position
and prevents the motion assembly from travelling forward of the
in-use position.
[0114] In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include a
front stop member positioned to engage the motion assembly when the
motion assembly is moved to the in-use position, where the front
stop member prevents the motion assembly from travelling forward of
the load position.
[0115] In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include a
position sensor positioned proximate the in-use position, where the
position sensor is operable to determine whether the motion
assembly is positioned in the in-use position.
[0116] In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include a
position sensor positioned proximate the in-use position, where the
position sensor is operable to determine whether the motion
assembly is positioned in the in-use position.
[0117] In some embodiments, when the motion assembly is positioned
in the in-use position, the second lock unit may be adjustable
between a locked state and an unlocked state, in the locked state
the second lock unit may secure the motion assembly in the in-use
position and prevent the motion assembly from travelling rearward
along the track, and in the unlocked state the motion assembly may
be movable rearward along the track; the second lock unit may be
biased to the locked state whereby when the motion assembly is
moved to the in-use position, the second lock unit automatically
secures the motion assembly in the load position; and the second
lock unit may be adjustable to the unlocked state in response to a
release signal from a remote release override switch.
[0118] In some embodiments, the second lock unit may include a
mechanical lock positioned to automatically engage the motion
assembly when the motion assembly is moved to the in-use
position.
[0119] In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a
method of controlling a motion assembly configured to support at
least one rider accommodation comprising:
[0120] (a) positioning the motion assembly in a load position along
a track, wherein the track extends between a front end and a rear
end in a forward-rearward direction;
[0121] (b) securing the motion assembly in the load position using
a first lock unit, wherein the first lock unit holds the motion
assembly in the load position when the first lock unit is
engaged;
[0122] (c) releasing the first lock unit;
[0123] (d) moving the motion assembly along the track from the load
position to an in-use position; and
[0124] (e) securing the motion assembly in the in-use position
using a second lock unit, wherein in operation the second lock unit
holds the motion assembly in the in-use position when the second
lock unit is engaged.
[0125] In some embodiments, the second lock unit may include a
mechanical lock, and the method may include securing the motion
assembly in the in-use position by automatically engaging the
motion assembly with the mechanical lock as the motion assembly is
moved to the in-use position.
[0126] In some embodiments, the method may include driving the
motion assembly along the track using a drive member; and securing
the motion assembly in the load position by preventing the drive
member from moving along the track using the first lock unit.
[0127] In some embodiments, the method may include driving the
motion assembly along the track using a drive member; and securing
the motion assembly in the load position by preventing the drive
member from moving along the track using the first lock unit.
[0128] In some embodiments, the method may include damping the
forward motion of the motion assembly as the motion assembly
reaches the in-use position.
[0129] In some embodiments, the method may include releasing the
second lock unit; and returning the motion assembly to the load
position along the track.
[0130] In some embodiments, the method may include transmitting a
release signal to the second lock unit from a remote control unit;
and releasing the second lock unit in response to the release
signal.
[0131] In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle
safety device includes a momentum lock actuator. The momentum lock
actuator can deactivate the momentum lock on the seatbelt realer to
permit the seatbelt to move freely on the seatbelt realer. This may
facilitate rapid loading and unloading of the vehicle, by allowing
users to easily extend and retract the seatbelt during loading. The
vehicle safety device also includes a momentum lock sensor that
monitors whether the momentum lock is activated or deactivated. The
momentum lock sensor can be used to ensure that the vehicle does
not operate while the momentum lock is deactivated.
[0132] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a vehicle
safety device comprising:
[0133] (a) a seat belt mounted to a seat belt reel, wherein the
seat belt is extendable from and retractable by the seat belt
reel;
[0134] (b) a receiver configured to secure the seat belt;
[0135] (c) a lock unit movable between a locked position and an
unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the lock unit
inhibits the seat belt from being extended from the seat belt reel,
and in the unlocked position the seat belt is freely movable on the
seat belt reel;
[0136] (d) a lock control unit operable to move the lock unit from
the locked position to the unlocked position; and
[0137] (e) a lock position sensor operable to monitor the position
of the lock unit.
[0138] In some embodiments, the lock unit may include a lock member
configured to lockingly engage the seat belt, where in the locked
position the lock member may engage the seat belt and inhibit
motion of the seat belt from the seat belt reel; and the lock
control unit may include a release member that is operable to drive
the lock member from the locked position to the unlocked
position.
[0139] In some embodiments, the lock control unit may include a
solenoid, and the solenoid may be configured to control the
operation of the release member.
[0140] In some embodiments, the lock position sensor may include a
solenoid monitoring sensor, and the lock position sensor may be
operable to determine the position of the lock unit based on the
state of the solenoid.
[0141] In some embodiments, the lock control unit may be remotely
connected to a vehicle controller, where the vehicle controller is
operable to control motion of a vehicle on which the vehicle safety
device is installed; and operation of the lock control unit may be
controlled by signals from the vehicle controller.
[0142] In some embodiments, the lock control unit may be configured
to receive a load signal from the vehicle controller, the load
signal indicating that user loading is occurring; and the lock
control unit may be configured to adjust the lock unit to the
unlocked position in response to the load signal.
[0143] In some embodiments, the lock position sensor may be
remotely connected to the vehicle controller; the lock position
sensor may be configured to transmit a lock position signal to the
vehicle controller indicating whether the lock unit is in the
locked position or the unlocked position; and the vehicle
controller may be configured to prevent operation of the vehicle in
response to determining that the lock position signal indicates
that the lock unit is in the unlocked position.
[0144] In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a
retractor for a vehicle safety device, the retractor
comprising:
[0145] (a) a seat belt mounted to a seatbelt real, wherein the seat
belt is extendable from and retractable by the seat belt reel;
[0146] (b) a lock unit movable between a locked position and an
unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the lock unit
inhibits the seat belt from being extended from the seat belt reel,
and in the unlocked position the seat belt is freely movable on the
seat belt reel;
[0147] (c) a lock control unit operable to move the lock unit from
the locked position to the unlocked position; and
[0148] (d) a lock position sensor operable to monitor the position
of the lock unit.
[0149] In some embodiments, the lock unit may include a lock member
configured to lockingly engage the seat belt, where in the locked
position the lock member may engage the seat belt and inhibit
motion of the seat belt from the seat belt reel; and the lock
control unit may include a release member that is operable to drive
the lock member from the locked position to the unlocked
position.
[0150] In some embodiments, the lock control unit may include a
solenoid, and the solenoid may be configured to control the
operation of the release member.
[0151] In some embodiments, the lock position sensor may include a
solenoid monitoring sensor, and the lock position sensor may be
operable to determine the position of the lock unit based on the
state of the solenoid.
[0152] In some embodiments, the lock control unit may be remotely
connected to a vehicle controller, where the vehicle controller is
operable to control motion of a vehicle on which the vehicle safety
device is installed; and operation of the lock control unit may be
controlled by signals from the vehicle controller.
[0153] In some embodiments, the lock control unit may be configured
to receive a load signal from the vehicle controller, the load
signal indicating that user loading is occurring; and the lock
control unit may be configured to adjust the lock unit to the
unlocked position in response to the load signal.
[0154] In some embodiments, the lock position sensor may be
remotely connected to the vehicle controller; the lock position
sensor may be configured to transmit a lock position signal to the
vehicle controller indicating whether the lock unit is in the
locked position or the unlocked position; and the vehicle
controller may be configured to prevent operation of the vehicle in
response to determining that the lock position signal indicates
that the lock unit is in the unlocked position.
[0155] In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a
method of controlling the operation of a user vehicle, wherein the
user vehicle comprises at least one seat, and each seat comprises a
vehicle safety device that includes a seat belt mounted to a seat
belt reel, the method comprising:
[0156] (a) identifying a vehicle activation condition, the vehicle
activation condition indicating that the user vehicle is to be
moved;
[0157] (b) transmitting an activation signal to a lock control
unit, wherein the lock control unit is configured to control the
operation of a seat belt lock, wherein the lock control unit is
configured to adjust the seat belt lock to a locked position in
response to the vehicle activation signal, wherein in the locked
position the seat belt lock inhibits the seat belt from moving on
the seat belt reel;
[0158] (c) monitoring a position of the seat belt lock unit;
[0159] (d) transmitting the monitored position of the seat belt
lock unit to a vehicle controller; and
[0160] (e) preventing the user vehicle from moving in response to
the monitored position indicating that the seat belt lock unit is
in an unlocked position.
[0161] In some embodiments, the method may include determining that
the user vehicle is in a load position; transmitting a lock
deactivation signal to the lock control unit in response to
determining that the user vehicle is in the load position; in
response to the lock deactivation signal adjusting, by the lock
control unit, the seat belt lock to the unlocked position, wherein
in the unlocked position the seat belt is freely movable on the
seat belt reel.
[0162] In some embodiments, the lock control unit may include a
release member usable to adjust the position of the seat belt lock
unit; and the position of the seat belt lock unit may be monitored
by monitoring the release member.
[0163] In some embodiments, the method may include determining that
the seat belt lock is in the locked position; and moving the user
vehicle along a track from a load position to an in-use
position.
[0164] In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, a motion
platform apparatus includes a motion platform that supports a
seating assembly. The motion platform is movable along a track
between a loading position and an in-use position. The seating
assembly can be adjusted between a load position in which the front
of each seat is lowered to facilitate loading and a motion position
in which the front of each seat is raised. The seating assembly can
be adjusted to the motion position prior to moving the motion
platform along the track. This may prevent users from dragging
their feet along the track as the motion platform moves between the
loading position and the in-use position.
[0165] The seating assembly may also be mounted so that when the
motion platform is in the ride position, the front end of each seat
is positioned forward of the front end of the platform and/or
track. This may help prevent users from contacting the track or
motion platform as the seating assembly moves during a motion
simulation experience.
[0166] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a motion
platform apparatus comprising:
[0167] (a) a fixed base having a front end and a rear end, the base
comprising an upper base surface and a track, wherein the upper
base surface extends between the front end and the rear end in a
forward-rearward direction and the track extends in the
forward-rearward direction;
[0168] (b) a motion platform that extends between a platform front
end and a platform rear end in the forward-rearward direction,
wherein the motion platform is movably mounted on the track and the
motion platform is movable along the track in the forward-rearward
direction; and
[0169] (c) a seating assembly that is mounted on the motion
platform, wherein the seating assembly comprises at least one user
seat having a seat base and a seat back, wherein each seat base
extends between a seat front end and a seat rear end in the
forward-rearward direction;
[0170] wherein
[0171] the motion platform is movable along the track to position
the seating assembly in a load position and in an in-use position,
wherein the load position of the seating assembly is rearward of
the in-use position;
[0172] each seat front end is forward of the platform front end;
and
[0173] the seating assembly is mounted to the motion platform
underneath the seat base.
[0174] In some embodiments, the seating assembly may be adjustable
between a load state and a motion state, where in the load state
each user seat is positioned in a first orientation, and in the
motion state each user seat is positioned in a second orientation,
where in the second orientation each user seat is tilted rearwardly
relative to the first orientation.
[0175] In some embodiments, in the second orientation the seat base
may be tilted rearwardly with the seat front end positioned higher
than the seat rear end.
[0176] In some embodiments, the seating assembly may be configured
to be maintained in the motion state while the motion platform
moves along the track between the load position and the in-use
position.
[0177] In some embodiments, when the motion platform is in the load
position and the seating assembly is in the load state, the seat
front end may be positioned at a first height relative to the
motion platform; and when the motion platform moves along the
track, the seat front end may be positioned at a second height
relative to the motion platform, where the second height is greater
than the first height.
[0178] In some embodiments, when the seating assembly is positioned
in the in-use position, each seat front end may be forward of the
front end of the base.
[0179] In some embodiments, the seating assembly may be mounted to
the motion platform by a movable seat support assembly; and the
seat support assembly may be operable to move the seating assembly
with at least three degrees of freedom when the seating assembly is
positioned in the in-use position.
[0180] In some embodiments, the motion platform apparatus may be
enclosed within a motion bay, where the motion bay extends between
a bay front end and a bay rear end in the forward-rearward
direction, and a display screen may be positioned forward of the
bay front end; and when the seating assembly is positioned in the
in-use position, each seat front end may be forward of the bay
front end.
[0181] In some embodiments, a motion simulation system may include
at least two motion platform apparatuses, the at least two motion
platform apparatuses including a first motion platform apparatus
and a second motion platform apparatus, where the first motion
platform apparatus may be enclosed within a first motion bay, where
the first motion bay extends between a first bay front end and a
first bay rear end in the forward-rearward direction; the second
motion platform apparatus may be enclosed within in a second motion
bay, wherein the second motion bay extends between a second bay
front end and a second bay rear end in the forward-rearward
direction; a display screen may be positioned forward of the first
bay front end and the second bay front end; and the first motion
bay may be positioned underneath the second motion bay, with the
second bay front end forward of the first bay front end.
[0182] In some embodiments, the first motion bay may include an
extension member that extends laterally across the front end of the
base of the first motion bay above the first motion platform; the
extension member may include a feature delivery system positioned
to face the first motion bay, where the feature delivery system is
configured to direct at least one of a fluid element and a scent
element to the first motion bay.
[0183] In some embodiments, the extension member may extend
outwardly from the first motion bay forward of the second bay front
end whereby the extension member is positioned to catch debris from
the second motion bay.
[0184] In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a
motion platform apparatus comprising:
[0185] (a) a fixed base having a front end and a rear end, the base
comprising an upper base surface and a track, wherein the upper
base surface extends between the front end and the rear end in a
forward-rearward direction and the track extends in the
forward-rearward direction;
[0186] (b) a motion platform that extends between a platform front
end and a platform rear end in the forward-rearward direction,
wherein the motion platform is movably mounted on the track and the
motion platform is movable along the track in the forward-rearward
direction; and
[0187] (c) a seating assembly that is mounted to the motion
platform, wherein the seating assembly comprises at least one user
seat having a seat base and a seat back, wherein each seat base
extends between a seat front end and a seat rear end in the
forward-rearward direction;
[0188] wherein
[0189] the motion platform is movable along the track to position
the seating assembly in a load position and in an in-use position,
wherein the load position of the seating assembly is rearward of
the in-use position;
[0190] the seating assembly is adjustable between a load state and
a motion state, wherein in the load state each user seat is
positioned in a first orientation, and in the motion state each
user seat is positioned in a second orientation, wherein in the
second orientation each user seat is tilted rearwardly relative to
the first orientation; and
[0191] the seating assembly is mounted to the motion platform
underneath the seat base.
[0192] In some embodiments, in the second orientation the seat base
may be tilted rearwardly with the seat front end positioned higher
than the seat rear end.
[0193] In some embodiments, the seating assembly may be configured
to be maintained in the motion state while the motion platform
moves along the track between the load position and the in-use
position.
[0194] In some embodiments, when the motion platform is in the load
position and the seating assembly is in the load state, the seat
front end may be positioned at a first height relative to the
motion platform; and when the motion platform moves along the
track, the seat front end may be positioned at a second height
relative to the motion platform, where the second height is greater
than the first height.
[0195] In some embodiments, when the seating assembly is positioned
in the in-use position, each seat front end may be forward of the
front end of the base.
[0196] In some embodiments, each seat front end may be forward of
the platform front end.
[0197] In some embodiments, the seating assembly may be mounted to
the motion platform by a movable seat support assembly; and the
seat support assembly may be operable to move the seating assembly
with at least three degrees of freedom when the seating assembly is
positioned in the in-use position.
[0198] In some embodiments, the motion platform apparatus may be
enclosed within a motion bay, where the motion bay extends between
a bay front end and a bay rear end in the forward-rearward
direction, and a display screen may be positioned forward of the
bay front end; and when the seating assembly is positioned in the
in-use position, each seat front end may be forward of the bay
front end
[0199] In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, a user
motion apparatus is positioned within a motion bay. The motion
apparatus can move between a load position and a ride position. The
motion bay includes a retractable bay wall that is movable between
a load position and a motion position. In the load position, the
bay wall is retracted to provide access to the motion assembly from
the entranceway of the motion bay. In the motion position, the bay
wall provides a continuous wall surface along the side of the
motion assembly. The continuous wall section may avoid changes in
surface textures and pinch points adjacent to the motion assembly
as it moves between the load position and the in-use position,
which may prevent user injuries. The movable bay wall may thus
permit the motion assembly to occupy a greater portion of the
motion bay while providing a safe rider experience.
[0200] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a motion
platform system comprising:
[0201] (a) a motion bay having a bay front end, a bay rear end, a
first lateral bay side, and a second lateral bay side opposed to
the first lateral bay side, wherein the motion bay extends between
the bay front end and the bay rear end in a forward-rearward
direction;
[0202] (b) a motion platform that is moveably mounted within the
motion bay, wherein the motion platform has a platform front end, a
platform rear end, a first lateral platform side and a second
lateral platform side, wherein the motion platform extends between
the platform front end and the platform rear end in the
forward-rearward direction, and the motion platform supports at
least one rider accommodation;
[0203] (c) an entranceway formed in the first lateral side of the
motion bay, the entranceway sized to permit riders to enter and
exit the motion bay through the entranceway; and
[0204] (d) a bay wall that is movably mounted on the first lateral
bay side, wherein the bay wall is movable between a wall load
position and a wall motion position;
[0205] wherein
[0206] the motion platform is movable along a platform motion path
between a load position and an in-use position, wherein the
platform motion path extends in the forward-rearward direction, the
in-use position is proximate the bay front end, and the load
position is rearward of the in-use position;
[0207] the entranceway is adjacent to a portion of the platform
motion path;
[0208] in the wall motion position, the bay wall defines a
continuous wall section adjacent to the first lateral platform side
throughout the platform motion path, wherein the continuous wall
section separates the motion platform from the entranceway; and
[0209] in the wall load position, the bay wall is receded to
provide access from the entranceway to the motion platform.
[0210] In some embodiments, the bay wall may be adjustable between
the wall load position and the wall motion position when the motion
platform is in the load position; and the bay wall may be
positioned in the wall motion position prior to the motion platform
being moved to the in-use position.
[0211] In some embodiments, the motion platform may only be movable
between the load position and the in-use position when the bay wall
is positioned in the wall motion position.
[0212] In some embodiments, the entranceway may be located
proximate the bay front end; and the wall load position may be
rearward of the wall motion position.
[0213] In some embodiments, when the bay wall is positioned in the
wall motion position, the bay wall may define a continuous wall
section extending from the load position of the seating assembly to
the bay front end.
[0214] In some embodiments, the motion platform system may include
a retractable front door, where the front door is adjustable
between an open position in which the bay front end is open and a
closed position in which the bay front end is closed by the front
door.
[0215] In some embodiments, the bay wall and the retractable front
door may share a track section.
[0216] In some embodiments, the motion platform system may include
a wall position sensor operable to monitor a position of the bay
wall; and a door control unit in communication with the wall
position sensor, where the door control unit may be configured to
prevent the front door from opening when the bay wall is in the
wall load position.
[0217] In some embodiments, the motion platform system may include:
a front door position sensor operable to monitor a position of the
front door; and a wall control unit in communication with the front
door position sensor, where the wall control unit may be configured
to prevent the bay wall from moving to the wall load position
unless the front door is in the closed position.
[0218] In some embodiments, the motion platform system may include
a wall position sensor operable to monitor a position of the bay
wall; and a control unit in communication with the position sensor,
where the control unit may be configured to prevent the motion
platform from moving to the in-use position unless the bay wall is
in the wall motion position.
[0219] In some embodiments, the bay wall may be spaced apart from
the first lateral platform side of the motion platform by less than
18 inches when the bay wall is in the wall load position.
[0220] In some embodiments, the bay wall may be spaced apart from
the first lateral platform side of the motion platform by less than
12 inches when the bay wall is in the wall load position.
[0221] Also in accordance with this aspect, there is provided a
user motion system comprising: [0222] (a) a motion bay having a bay
front end, a bay rear end, a first lateral bay side, and a second
lateral bay side opposed to the first lateral bay side, wherein the
motion bay extends between the bay front end and the bay rear end
in a forward-rearward direction; [0223] (b) a motion assembly that
is moveably mounted within the motion bay, wherein the motion
assembly has an assembly front end, an assembly rear end, a first
lateral assembly side and a second lateral assembly side, wherein
the motion assembly extends between the assembly front end and the
assembly rear end in the forward-rearward direction, and the motion
assembly supports at least one rider accommodation; [0224] (c) an
entranceway formed in the first lateral side of the motion bay, the
entranceway sized to permit riders to enter and exit the motion bay
through the entranceway; and [0225] (d) a bay wall that is movably
mounted on the first lateral bay side, wherein the bay wall is
movable between a wall load position and a wall motion position;
[0226] wherein [0227] the motion assembly is movable along an
assembly motion path between a load position and an in-use
position, wherein the assembly motion path extends in the
forward-rearward direction, the in-use position is proximate the
bay front end, and the load position is rearward of the in-use
position; [0228] the entranceway is adjacent to a portion of the
assembly motion path; [0229] in the wall motion position, the bay
wall defines a continuous wall section adjacent to the first
lateral assembly side, wherein the continuous wall section
separates the motion assembly from the entranceway; and [0230] in
the wall load position, the bay wall is receded to provide access
from the entranceway to the motion assembly.
[0231] In some embodiments, the bay wall may be adjustable between
the wall load position and the wall motion position when the motion
assembly is in the load position; and the bay wall may be
positioned in the wall motion position prior to the motion assembly
being moved to the in-use position.
[0232] In some embodiments, the motion assembly may only be movable
between the load position and the in-use position when the bay wall
is positioned in the wall motion position.
[0233] In some embodiments, the entranceway may be located
proximate the bay front end; and the wall load position may be
rearward of the wall motion position.
[0234] In some embodiments, when the bay wall is positioned in the
wall motion position, the bay wall may define a continuous wall
section extending from the load position of the motion assembly to
the bay front end.
[0235] In some embodiments, the user motion system may include a
retractable front door, where the front door is adjustable between
an open position in which the bay front end is open and a closed
position in which the bay front end is closed by the front
door.
[0236] In some embodiments, the bay wall and the retractable front
door may share a track section.
[0237] In some embodiments, the user motion system may include a
wall position sensor operable to monitor a position of the bay
wall; and a door control unit in communication with the wall
position sensor, where the door control unit is configured to
prevent the front door from opening when the bay wall is in the
wall load position.
[0238] In some embodiments, the user motion system may include a
front door position sensor operable to monitor a position of the
front door; and a wall control unit in communication with the front
door position sensor, where the wall control unit is configured to
prevent the bay wall from moving to the wall load position unless
the front door is in the closed position.
[0239] In some embodiments, the user motion system may include a
wall position sensor operable to monitor a position of the bay
wall; and a control unit in communication with the position sensor,
where the control unit is configured to prevent the motion assembly
from moving to the in-use position unless the bay wall is in the
wall motion position.
[0240] In some embodiments, the bay wall may be spaced apart from
the first lateral assembly side of the motion assembly by less than
18 inches when the bay wall is in the wall load position.
[0241] In some embodiments, the bay wall may be spaced apart from
the first lateral assembly side of the motion assembly by less than
12 inches when the bay wall is in the wall load position.
[0242] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that
an apparatus, system or method disclosed herein may embody any one
or more of the features contained herein and that the features may
be used in any particular combination or sub-combination.
[0243] These and other aspects and features of various embodiments
will be described in greater detail below.
DRAWINGS
[0244] For a better understanding of the described embodiments and
to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference
will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0245] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example motion
simulator installation in accordance with an embodiment;
[0246] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an example seating
installation that may be used with the motion simulator
installation of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment;
[0247] FIG. 3 is a front view of the example seating installation
of FIG. 2;
[0248] FIG. 4 is a side view of the example seating installation of
FIG. 2;
[0249] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an example motion
platform system that may be used with the motion simulator
installation of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment;
[0250] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the example motion
platform system of FIG. 5 with a front door in a closed position in
accordance with an embodiment;
[0251] FIG. 7 is a front view of the example motion platform system
of FIG. 5 with the front door in an open position in accordance
with an embodiment;
[0252] FIG. 8 is a top view of the example motion platform system
of FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment;
[0253] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the example motion platform
system of FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment;
[0254] FIG. 10 is a front view of an example motion platform
apparatus in accordance with an embodiment;
[0255] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the example motion platform
apparatus of FIG. 10;
[0256] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example mounting unit
for a seating assembly that may be used with the motion platform
apparatus of FIG. 10;
[0257] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example tolerance
accommodation member in accordance with an embodiment;
[0258] FIG. 14 is a top view of the example tolerance accommodation
member of FIG. 13;
[0259] FIG. 15 is side view of the example tolerance accommodation
member of FIG. 13;
[0260] FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the example tolerance
accommodation member of FIG. 13 along line 16-16 in FIG. 15;
[0261] FIG. 17 is an isolated top view of the example motion
platform apparatus of FIG. 10 showing the example tolerance
accommodation member of FIG. 13 in an installed position accordance
with an embodiment;
[0262] FIG. 18 is a perspective sectional view of the example
motion platform apparatus of FIG. 10 showing the example tolerance
accommodation member of FIG. 13 in the installed position
accordance with an embodiment;
[0263] FIG. 19 is a sectional side view of the example motion
platform apparatus of FIG. 10 showing the example tolerance
accommodation member of FIG. 13 in the installed position
accordance with an embodiment;
[0264] FIG. 20 is side sectional view of the example motion
platform apparatus of FIG. 10 along line 20-20 in FIG. 10 in
accordance with an embodiment;
[0265] FIG. 21 is an isolation view of region 21' in FIG. 20
showing an example mounting assembly in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0266] FIG. 22 is an isolated top view of the example motion
platform apparatus of FIG. 10 in accordance with an embodiment;
[0267] FIG. 23 is an isolated perspective top view of the example
motion platform apparatus of FIG. 10 showing an example mounting
assembly in accordance with an embodiment;
[0268] FIG. 24 is side sectional view of the example motion
platform apparatus of FIG. 10 along line 20-20 in FIG. 10 showing
the seating assembly in a ride position in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0269] FIG. 25 is a side sectional view of an example lock unit
that may be used with the example motion platform apparatus of FIG.
10 in accordance with an embodiment;
[0270] FIG. 26 is an opposite side section view of the example lock
unit of FIG. 25;
[0271] FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of the example lock unit
of FIG. 25;
[0272] FIG. 28 is a perspective isolation view of the example lock
unit of FIG. 25 and an example damping member that may be used with
the example motion platform apparatus of FIG. 10 in accordance with
an embodiment;
[0273] FIG. 29 is a side sectional view of an example positioning
member that may be used with the example motion platform apparatus
of FIG. 10 in accordance with an embodiment;
[0274] FIG. 30 is a bottom side perspective view of another example
positioning member that may be used with the example motion
platform apparatus of FIG. 10 in accordance with an embodiment;
[0275] FIG. 31 is a side view of the example positioning member of
FIG. 30;
[0276] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a seatbelt receiver
assembly that may be used with the motion platform apparatus of
FIG. 10 with the seatbelt in an engaged position in accordance with
an embodiment;
[0277] FIG. 33 is a side perspective view of a seat belt realer
assembly that may be used with the seatbelt receiver assembly of
FIG. 32 in accordance with an embodiment;
[0278] FIG. 34 is a top rear perspective view of the seatbelt
realer assembly of FIG. 33 with a realer lock unit in a disengaged
position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0279] FIG. 35 is a top rear perspective view of the seatbelt
realer assembly of FIG. 33 with the realer lock unit in an engaged
position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0280] FIG. 36 is a side view of the example motion platform
apparatus of FIG. 10 with a seating assembly in a load state in
accordance with an embodiment;
[0281] FIG. 37 is a side view of the example motion platform
apparatus of FIG. 10 with the seating assembly in a motion state in
accordance with an embodiment;
[0282] FIG. 38 is a rear perspective view of a seating assembly and
bay wall that may be used with the example motion platform system
of FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment;
[0283] FIG. 39 is a top front perspective view of the seating
assembly and bay wall of FIG. 38 with a movable bay wall in a
motion position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0284] FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of the seating assembly
and bay wall of FIG. 38 with the movable bay wall in the motion
position;
[0285] FIG. 41 is a top front perspective view of the seating
assembly and bay wall of FIG. 38 with a movable bay wall in a load
position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0286] FIG. 42 is a front perspective view of the seating assembly
and bay wall of FIG. 38 with the movable bay wall in the load
position;
[0287] FIG. 43 is a top view of the seating assembly and bay wall
of FIG. 38 with the movable bay wall in the load position;
[0288] FIG. 44 is a top view of the seating assembly and bay wall
of FIG. 38 with the movable bay wall in the load position and a
track support assembly omitted in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0289] FIG. 45 is a top view of the seating assembly and bay wall
of FIG. 38 with the movable bay wall in the motion position and a
track support assembly omitted in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0290] FIG. 46 is a top view of the seating assembly and bay wall
of FIG. 38 with the movable bay wall in the motion position;
[0291] FIG. 47 is a side perspective view of the bay wall and track
support assembly of FIG. 38 with the movable bay wall in the load
position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0292] FIG. 48 is a side view of the bay wall of FIG. 38 with the
movable bay wall in the load position and a fixed wall section
omitted in accordance with an embodiment;
[0293] FIG. 49 is a perspective view of an example wall mounting
assembly that may be used with the bay wall of FIG. 48 in
accordance with an embodiment;
[0294] FIG. 50 is a front sectional view of the wall mounting
assembly of FIG. 49; and
[0295] FIG. 51 is a rear perspective view of a door mounting
assembly that may be used with the motion platform system of FIG. 5
in accordance with an embodiment.
[0296] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various
examples of systems, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of
the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope
of what is taught in any way.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0297] Various apparatuses, systems, and methods are described
below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed
invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed
invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and
methods that differ from those described below. The claimed
inventions are not limited to apparatuses, systems, and methods
having all of the features of any one apparatuses, systems, and
methods described below or to features common to multiple or all of
the apparatuses, systems, or methods described below. It is
possible that an apparatuses, systems, or methods described below
is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention
disclosed in an apparatus, system, or method described below that
is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of
another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent
application, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do
not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such
invention by its disclosure in this document.
[0298] The terms "an embodiment," "embodiment," "embodiments," "the
embodiment," "the embodiments," "one or more embodiments," "some
embodiments," and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all)
embodiments of the present invention(s)," unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0299] The terms "including," "comprising" and variations thereof
mean "including but not limited to," unless expressly specified
otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the
items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.
The terms "a," "an" and "the" mean "one or more," unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0300] As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said
to be "coupled", "connected", "attached", or "fastened" where the
parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly
(i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a link
occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are
said to be "directly coupled", "directly connected", "directly
attached", or "directly fastened" where the parts are connected in
physical contact with each other. As used herein, two or more parts
are said to be "rigidly coupled", "rigidly connected", "rigidly
attached", or "rigidly fastened" where the parts are coupled so as
to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to
each other. None of the terms "coupled", "connected", "attached",
and "fastened" distinguish the manner in which two or more parts
are joined together.
[0301] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and
clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference
numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate
corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example
embodiments described herein may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,
procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as
not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the
description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the
example embodiments described herein.
Modular Stacked Motion Simulator System
[0302] Referring to FIGS. 1-51, shown there is an example motion
simulator system 100. Motion simulator system 100 is an example of
a motion simulator system that can be deployed in a modular manner.
The components of motion simulator system 100 may facilitate
installation in venues of varying size, including retro-fit
installations in existing venues as well as installations within
purpose-built venues.
[0303] Motion simulator system 100 can include a display 120 and at
least one motion assembly positioned to face the display. The
motion assembly can support at least one rider accommodation 290
for a user of the motion simulator system 100. The motion assembly
can be configured to provide a motion simulation experience to a
user positioned in the rider accommodation 290 that is coordinated
with a visual display provided by display 120.
[0304] The motion simulator system 100 may also include additional
output components, such as one or more speakers to provide audio
output. In some cases, motion simulator system 100 can include
additional effect components to provide effects such as wind
effects, misting effects, and odor effect. The components of the
motion simulator system 100 can be controller to provide a
coordinated/synchronized motion simulation experience to a user
positioned in a rider accommodation 290.
[0305] In the example illustrated, the motion simulator system 100
can include at least one motion compartment or pod or bay 110. Each
motion bay 110 can be positioned to face the display 120.
[0306] As shown in FIG. 4, the motion simulator system 100 has a
front end 102, rear end 104, upper or top end 106, and lower or
bottom end 108. The display 120 can be positioned at the front end
102 with the one or more motion bays 110 positioned towards the
rear end 104.
[0307] In the example illustrated, motion simulator system 100 can
provide users with a motion simulation experience through a
combination of movable rider accommodations positioned within the
motion bays 110 and a coordinated display provided on display
120.
[0308] Each motion bay 110 has a front end 112, rear end 114, upper
or top end 116, and lower or bottom end 118. Each motion bay 110
can be arranged with the front end 112 facing the display 120. The
front end 112 of each motion bay 110 may be open or openable to
allow users to view the display 120.
[0309] As shown in FIG. 1, the display 120 may be provided as a
domed or rounded display screen. This may increase the field of
vision displayed to a user as the seating assembly 300 moves.
Alternately, display 120 may be provided as a flat display screen
that may accommodate smaller venues and lower costs for the motion
simulator system 100.
[0310] The motion simulator system 100 can include an output
display system operable to provide a high-definition visual display
on the display screen 120. For example, the motion simulator system
100 may include a projection system that operates to project a
display onto a screen provided by display 120. The projection
system may include one or more projectors.
[0311] For example, multiple high lumens 4K digital projectors may
be used to project a visual display onto a domed screen provided by
the display 120. The projectors may be calibrated to provide a
consistent, high-quality image on the display 120. For instance, an
auto calibration system may be used to coordinate and align the
output from each projector.
[0312] The motion simulator system can also include an audio output
system. The audio output system may be configured based on the
particular geometry of the motion simulator system 100 and the
arrangement of motion bays 110. The audio output system can include
a plurality of speakers arranged around the motion simulator system
to provide surround sound to riders positioned in the rider
accommodations 290.
[0313] In general, motion simulator system 100 can include one or
more motion platform apparatus 200 facing the display 120. Each
motion platform apparatus 200 can include at least one rider
accommodation 290.
[0314] The rider accommodations 290 can be movably mounted when
positioned facing the display 120. A movable mounting unit may be
used to movably mount the rider accommodations 290. The movable
mounting unit can be configured to allow the rider accommodations
290 to move with multiple degrees of freedom when in a ride
position. This may provide users with a motion simulation
experience that can be synchronized with images displayed on the
display 120.
[0315] For example, the rider accommodations 290 may be supported
from below using a mounting unit that includes a multi-degree of
freedom motion system 700. Alternately, the rider accommodations
290 may be supported from the rear and/or above, e.g. using a
mounting unit that includes a rear or overhead suspension support
system.
[0316] As shown, the motion simulator system 100 can include a
plurality of motion platform apparatuses 200, including motion
platform apparatuses 200a-200d. Each motion platform apparatus 200
can include at least one rider accommodation 290. Each rider
accommodation 290 is configured to accommodate a user or rider of
the motion platform. The motion platform apparatus 200 can be
configured to support one or more users during a motion simulator
experience.
[0317] As illustrated, each motion platform apparatus 200 includes
a seating assembly 300. The seating assembly 300 can provide rider
accommodations 290 in the form of one or more seats 350. Each seat
350 can include a seat base 352 upon which a rider can be seated
when using the motion simulator system 100. Alternately, rider
accommodations 290 that accommodate riders in an upright position
and/or supported by a harness or other support may be used.
[0318] The seating assemblies 300 can be positioned in an in-use
position (see e.g. FIG. 24) facing the display 120. Users seated in
the seating assemblies 300 can then view the display 120. The
in-use position may define a ride position for the motion simulator
system 100. The ride position for each seating assembly 300 can be
defined so that the display 120 is visible from each rider
accommodation 290 within the motion simulator system.
[0319] As shown in the example of FIGS. 1-4, the motion simulator
system 100 can include a plurality of motion bays 110a-110e. The
display 120 can be positioned forward of the front end 112 of each
motion bay 110a-110f. Each motion bay 110a-110f can in turn include
one or more motion platform apparatus 200.
[0320] In the example illustrated, each motion bay 110a-110f
includes two motion platform apparatuses 200. Alternately, each
motion bay 110 may include greater or fewer motion platform
apparatuses 200. Alternately or in addition, the motion bays 110
may not all contain the same number of motion platform apparatuses
200.
[0321] For example, different motion bays 110 may contain different
numbers of motion platform apparatuses 200 within the same motion
simulator system 100. This may allow the motion simulator system
100 to maximize seating capacity of any given venue within which
motion simulator system 100 is located. This may also allow a venue
to contain multiple motion simulator systems of differing size. The
size of display 120 may also vary based on the venue size and/or
the number of motion assemblies positioned facing the display
120.
[0322] As illustrated, the motion bays 110 can be shaped to permit
a modular assembly of the motion simulator system 100. The motion
bays 110 within the motion simulator system 100 can be arranged
based on the size of the venue and/or the shape and size of the
display 120 to maximize rider capacity while providing a consistent
rider experience in viewing display 120.
[0323] Each motion bay 110 can include a generally rectangular
outer perimeter. This may facilitate vertical and/or horizontal
stacking of motion bays 110. Accordingly, particular configuration
of the motion simulator system 110 may be defined based on the
particular installation demands of a given motion simulator
system.
[0324] In the example illustrated, the motion simulator system 100
includes six motion bays 110. Each motion bay 110 includes a pair
of motion platform apparatuses 200 and each motion platform
apparatus 200 supports a seating assembly 300 that includes five
seats 350. The example motion simulator system 100 thus provides a
total capacity of sixty riders facing the display 120 for a motion
simulation experience.
[0325] The example motion simulator system 100 illustrated includes
a stacked arrangement (a vertical stack) of motion bays 110a-110c
and 110d-110f. In the example illustrated, motion simulator system
100 includes three vertical levels of motion bays with each
vertical level including a pair of horizontally adjacent motion
bays. A top level includes adjacent motion bays 110a and 110d, an
intermediate level includes adjacent motion bays 110b and 110e, and
a lower level includes adjacent motion bays 110c and 110f.
[0326] The example motion simulator system 100 illustrated also
includes a plurality of horizontal or lateral stacks of motion bays
110a and 110d, 110b and 110e, and 110c and 110f. As shown, the
motions bays 110 positioned within each horizontal stack are
positioned laterally adjacent to one another.
[0327] As shown, motion bay 110b is positioned underneath motion
bay 110a and motion bay 110c is positioned underneath motion bay
110b. Similarly, motion bay 110f is positioned underneath motion
bay 110e, which in turn is positioned under motion bay 110d. The
vertical stacks 110a-110c and 110d-110f can positioned laterally
adjacent to one another, facing the same display 120, as shown in
FIG. 1.
[0328] In the example illustrated, a first motion bay 110b extends
between a bay front end 112b and a bay rear end 114b in a
forward-rearward direction 113. Motion bay 110b encloses a pair of
motion platform apparatuses 200c and 200d.
[0329] Similarly, a second motion bay 110a extends between a bay
front end 112a and a bay rear end 114a in the forward-rearward
direction 113. The motion bay 110a also encloses a pair of motion
platform apparatuses 200a and 200b. The second bay front end is
positioned forward 112a of the first bay front end 112b. With the
domed screen 120 in motion simulator system 100, this arrangement
of motion bays 110 may provide a more consistent visual experience
to riders in each of the motion bays 110, as the view of the lower
portion of display 120 is unobscured by riders below.
[0330] As the seating assemblies 300 are moved to the ride
position, the front end 356 of each seat 350 may extend forward of
the front end 112 of the corresponding motion bay 110. Users
positioned beyond the front end 112 of the motion bay 110 and may
drop articles and debris towards the motion bays below.
[0331] Each motion bay 110 can include an upper canopy or extension
member 130 near the front end 112. The canopy 130 may prevent
debris from upper motion bays falling onto riders seated in the
motion bays below.
[0332] For example, canopy or extension member 130b can extend
laterally across the front end 112 of the motion bay 110b below and
forward of the base 410 of the motion bay 110a above. The extension
member 130b can extend outwardly from the motion bay 110b forward
of the second bay front end 112a. Accordingly, extension member
130b may positioned to catch debris from the motion bay 110a.
[0333] In the example illustrated, extension member 130 may include
a top surface 132 configured to inhibit debris from an upper motion
bay (e.g. motion bay 110a) from hitting riders in a low motion bay
(e.g. motion bay 110b). For example, the top surface 132 may define
a debris catchment region 136 and/or trough shaped to capture
debris falling from above motions bays (see e.g. FIGS. 2 and 4).
Alternately or in addition, the top surface 132 may be shaped or
angled to deflect debris forward of the front end 112 of the below
motion bays 110, so that falling debris avoids riders positioned
below.
[0334] Optionally, the motion simulator system 100 may also include
additional effect elements 134 such as fluid elements (e.g. water
mist or wind) and/or odor/scent elements. The motion simulator
system 100 may be configured to deliver the additional effects to
riders positioned in the rider accommodation as part of the motion
simulation experience.
[0335] In some examples, the additional effect elements 134 may
include a fluid delivery element operable to deliver a mist or
spray of water to riders positioned in the rider accommodations.
The fluid delivery element may include at least one misting nozzle
configured to direct a highly atomized spray of water towards the
riders positioned in the rider accommodations.
[0336] For example, a motion bay 110 can include a fluid delivery
element for each seat 350 positioned within that motion bay 110.
Alternately or in addition, a combined fluid delivery system may be
positioned to spray water on each seating assembly 300 or on all of
the motion platform apparatuses 200 positioned within a motion bay
110.
[0337] The fluid delivery element can include a valve that can be
operated to control the delivery of water to the riders. The
operation of the fluid delivery element can be coordinate with the
motion simulation experience (e.g. with the motion of the rider
accommodations 290 and the display shown on screen 120).
[0338] Alternately or in addition, the additional effect elements
134 may include a fluid delivery element operable to deliver a flow
of air towards the riders. For example, the fluid delivery element
may provide a flow of air configured to simulate wind flowing
towards the riders. For example, the flow of air can be directed
towards the riders with airflow rates between about 100 and 300
ft./min within a defined region of the rider accommodations in
which users are expected to be positioned. In some examples, the
flow of air can be directed towards the riders with airflow rates
between about 150 and 250 ft./min.
[0339] The fluid delivery element may include one or more fans. The
fans may be operable to direct a flow of air towards the rider
accommodations. The fans may include a plurality of operational
speeds. The operational speed of the fans may be controlled to
provide variable airflow rate to the rider accommodations.
[0340] In some examples, the fans may direct air towards an output
plenum. The output plenum can include a plurality of airflow
outlets. Each airflow outlet can be positioned facing one of the
rider accommodations. Optionally, each airflow outlet may include
adjustable vanes that can be controlled to balance airflow through
the outlets.
[0341] In some examples, the additional effect elements 134 may
include a scent delivery element operable to deliver one or more
scents to the riders positioned in the rider accommodations. For
example, motion simulator system may include a scent cabinet
configured to generate one or more scents. The scent cabinet can be
fluidly coupled to the motion bays 110.
[0342] The operation of a scent delivery element may be coordinated
with the operation of an airflow delivery element. For example,
fans may be used to distribute the scents towards the rider
accommodations. This may facilitate rapid delivery and dissipation
of scents within the motion bays 110.
[0343] The additional effect elements 134 may be mounted within
each bay 110 to face the rider accommodations 290. For example, the
effect elements 134 may be mounted to the upper end or lower end of
each motion bay 110. The additional effect elements 134 may be
hidden or obscured from each riders view so that effect elements
134 do not interfere with the display shown on screen 120.
[0344] For example, extension member 130 may include a feature
delivery system 134. Feature delivery system 134 can be positioned
to face the interior of the corresponding motion bay 110. The
feature delivery system 134 can be configured to direct at least
one of a fluid element and a scent element to the first motion bay
110. For example, the feature delivery system 134 can include one
or more fluid delivery elements and/or scent delivery elements.
[0345] Motion simulator system 100 can also include one or more
controller components. The controller components may be implemented
using one or more processors, such as general-purpose
microprocessors, field programmable gate arrays, application
specific integrated circuits, microcontrollers, or other suitable
computer processors.
[0346] The particular number and arrangement of controller within
the motion simulator system 100 may vary. For example, a central
controller may be configured to control the operation of the entire
motion simulator system 100. Alternately or in addition, the motion
simulator system 100 may include a bay controller for each motion
bay 110. Alternately or in addition, the motion simulator system
100 may include a motion controller assembly for each motion
platform apparatus 200.
[0347] For example, a vehicle controller may be configured to
control operation of the motion platform apparatuses 200.
Optionally, a single vehicle controller may be configured to
control operation of all of the motion platform apparatuses 200
within system 100. Alternately, a separate vehicle controller may
be provided for each motion bay 110. Alternately or in addition, a
separate vehicle controller may be provided for each motion
platform apparatus 200. For simplicity, operation of various
controller components such as the vehicle controller will be
described herein. However, it should be appreciated that various
different arrangements of control components may be used to
implement the control operations described herein.
[0348] In some examples, the control components may include an
operator control console. The operator control console may be used
by an operator of motion simulator system 100 to control the
operation of the overall motion simulation experience provided by
motion simulator system 100. The operator control console may
provide user input controls usable to control the operation of
motion simulation experience. Alternately or in addition, the
operator control console may provide user input controls usable to
control maintenance and configuration settings of the motion
simulator system 100.
[0349] In some examples, the control components may include a
plurality of operator control consoles. For example, the motion
simulator system may include a central operator control console.
The central operator control console may be positioned within a
master control region of the venue. The central operator control
console may provide user inputs usable to control the overall
operation of the motion simulator system 100.
[0350] Alternately or in addition, the motion simulator system may
include a plurality of bay level control consoles. The motion
simulator system 100 may include one bay level control console for
each vertical row of motion bays 110. For instance, motion
simulator 100 may include three bay level control consoles. The bay
level control consoles may provide user inputs usable to control
the operation of the equipment (e.g. motion platform apparatuses
200, walls 850, doors 900, effect elements 134 etc.) provided by
the motion bays 110 on the corresponding row.
[0351] Alternately or in addition, the motion simulator system may
include a plurality of bay control consoles. The motion simulator
system 100 may include one bay control console for each motion bay
110. The bay control consoles may be positioned within a control
unit 150 positioned within each motion bay 110 (see e.g. FIG. 41).
For instance, motion simulator 100 may include six bay control
consoles. The bay control consoles may provide user inputs usable
to control the operation of the equipment (e.g. motion platform
apparatuses 200, walls 850, doors 900, effect elements 134 etc.)
provided by the corresponding motion bay 110.
[0352] Each motion bay 110 can be configured as an essentially
self-contained rider motion system. Each motion bay 110 can include
control elements usable to control the operation of the rider
assemblies positioned therein (e.g. motion platform 400, seating
assembly 300, seat support assembly 700) as well as other
operational elements associated with the motion bay 110 (e.g.
additional effect elements 134, movable bay wall 850, openable
front door 900 etc.). The operation of each motion bay 110 can also
be coordinated with the visual display shown on screen 120--e.g.
through the bay control elements and/or a central controller.
Furthermore, the operation of the motion bays 110 can be
synchronized with operation of the other motion bays 110 to provide
a consistent and coordinated motion simulation experience.
[0353] In some examples, the motion bays 110 may be configured to
operate independently from one another. That is, in some examples
operation of any given motion bay 110 does not depend on the
operation of any other motion bays. The operation of the motion
bays 110 may be controlled independently, but in a coordinated
manner, in order to provide a consistent motion simulation
experience across the different motion bays 110.
[0354] For example, the motion simulator system 100 may be
configured to continue operation even with one or more motion bays
110 inoperable. When one of the motion bays 110 ceases operation
(e.g. due to maintenance or failure), the remaining motion bays 110
can continue operating within the motion simulator system 100. This
may increase the operational uptime of the motion simulator system
100. This may also facilitate maintenance of the motion bays 110,
as maintenance to individual bays may be performed while the other
bays continue to operate.
[0355] The motion simulator system 100 may be configured to control
the operations of the motions bays 110 so that only motions bays
110 in which riders are positioned are activated. This may avoid
unnecessary wear on motion bays 110 that are not providing riders
with a motion simulation experience. This may also allow
maintenance to continue on non-operational motion bays 110 while
other motion bays 110 continue operation.
[0356] In some cases, only those motion platform apparatuses 200 in
which users are positioned may be actuated. For example, where a
motion bay 110 includes multiple motion assemblies but riders are
not positioned in one of those motion assemblies, the motion
simulator system 100 may only actuate the motion assemblies having
riders. This may avoid unnecessary wear on motion assemblies that
are not being used by riders.
[0357] In some examples, the motion simulator system 100 can
determine that at least one of the rider motion apparatuses (e.g.
one of the motion platform apparatuses 200) is in an inactive
state. For example, the motion simulator system 100 may determine
that a rider motion apparatus is in an inactive state when that
rider motion apparatus is unoccupied and/or nonoperational. The
motion simulator system 100 may actuate only a subset of the rider
motion apparatuses in response to determining that the at least one
of the rider motion apparatuses is in the inactive state. The
subset of rider motion apparatuses that are actuated can exclude
the rider motion apparatuses in the inactive state. The motion
simulator system 100 may then provide the motion simulation
experience to the subset of rider motion apparatuses 200 without
providing the motion simulation experience to the inactive rider
motion apparatus 200. In some examples, the motion simulator system
100 may leave the excluded rider motion apparatuses stationary
during the motion simulator experience.
[0358] For example, the motion simulator system 100 may only
position the active rider motion apparatuses in the ride position.
The inactive rider motion apparatuses may be retained in the load
position. This may allow maintenance to be performed on
non-operational rider motion apparatuses (e.g. motion platforms
400) and/or avoid unnecessary wear on the motion platforms 400 and
related components of motion bay 110.
[0359] The motion simulator system 100 may also omit operation of
various motion bay elements when the rider apparatuses within a
given motion bay 110 are non-operational. For example, the front
door 900 may not be adjusted (e.g. opened) for each motion bay 110
that does not have an active rider motion apparatus. Alternately or
in addition, the movable bay wall section 854 may not be adjusted
(e.g. closed) for each motion bay 110 that does not have an active
rider motion apparatus.
[0360] The control elements used in motion simulator system can be
configured using one or more control and/or operational programs or
applications. The programs can include computer-executable
instructions that can be executed by a processor to perform the
operations described herein. For example, least some of the
programs associated with the systems and methods of the embodiments
described herein may be capable of being distributed in a computer
program product comprising a computer readable medium that bears
computer usable instructions for one or more processors. The medium
may be provided in various forms, including non-transitory forms
such as, but not limited to, one or more diskettes, compact disks,
tapes, chips, and magnetic and electronic storage. In alternative
embodiments, the medium may be transitory in nature such as, but
not limited to, wire-line transmissions, satellite transmissions,
internet transmissions (e.g. downloads), media, digital and analog
signals, and the like. The computer useable instructions may also
be in various formats, including compiled and non-compiled
code.
Motion Platform Apparatus
[0361] The following is a description of a motion platform
apparatus that may be used by itself in any motion simulator system
or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or
features disclosed including the tolerance accommodation member,
the track mounting assembly, the platform positioning system, the
vehicle safety device, and the movable bay wall.
[0362] In accordance with this aspect, a motion platform apparatus
may be movable between a loading position and a ride position. The
motion platform apparatus can include a seating assembly upon which
users can be seated during a motion simulator experience. In the
loading position, the seating assembly can be arranged to
facilitate loading and unloading of users. In the ride position,
the motion platform apparatus can support the seating assembly in a
ride position that may minimize the potential for user injury
during a motion simulation experience. The seating assembly can
also be adjusted to a seating assembly motion position to minimize
or prevent rider injury as the motion platform apparatus moves
between the loading position and the ride position.
[0363] In the example illustrated (see e.g. FIGS. 5-9), motion
platform apparatus 200 includes a motion platform 400 has a
platform front end 402 and an opposed platform rear end 404. As
illustrated, the motion platform 400 extends between the platform
front end 402 and the platform rear end 404 in the forward-rearward
direction 113 (see e.g. FIG. 8). The motion platform 400 also
extends between opposing lateral sides 403 and 405.
[0364] Motion platform 400 can be mounted on a base 410. Base 410
has a front end 412 and an opposed rear end 414. As shown in FIGS.
8 and 9, the base 410 has an inner lateral side 415 and an outer
lateral side 413. The base 410 also extends between the opposing
lateral sides 413 and 415.
[0365] In some examples, the base 410 may be integrated into the
floor of a motion bay 110. This may avoid changes in height
underfoot as rider load and unload from the motion platform 400.
Alternately, the base 410 may be supported on top of the floor of
the motion bay 110.
[0366] The base 410 defines an upper base surface 440. The upper
base surface 440 generally extends from the front end 412 to the
rear end 414 in a forward-rearward direction 113. The upper base
surface 440 also generally extends between the opposing lateral
sides 413 and 415 in a lateral direction 115 (see e.g. FIG. 8).
[0367] The base 410 can define a track 450. As shown in the example
illustrated, the track 450 extends in the forward-rearward
direction 113. The track 450 extends between a track front end 451
and a track rear end 453 (see e.g. FIG. 8).
[0368] The motion platform 400 can be movably mounted to the base
410 along the track 450. The motion platform 400 can move along the
track in the forward-rearward direction 113. The track 450 can
define a platform motion path that extends generally between the
track front end 451 and track rear end 453.
[0369] The base 410 can define a support frame for the motion
platform 400 (see e.g. FIG. 9). The support frame can be configured
to support motion platform 400 and enable the motion platform 400
to move along the track.
[0370] The base 410 can include a drive member 420. The drive
member 420 can drive the motion platform 400 along the track. For
example, the drive member 420 may be provided by a linear belt
actuator that is driven using a servomotor. The linear belt
actuator can be connected to the motion platform 400.
[0371] The support frame can also define a plurality of track
sections 452, 454, and 456 that define the track 450 (see e.g.
FIGS. 8 and 11). The motion platform 400 can be mounted to travel
along the track sections 452, 454, and 456. Some of the track
sections 452 and 454 may define openings in the base surface
440.
[0372] Optionally, the support frame can be connected within the
motion bay 110 with floor panels 457 (see e.g. FIG. 11). The floor
panels 457 may be integrated with the base surface 440 to provide a
substantially uninterrupted walking surface within the motion bay
110. The track sections 452, 454, and 456 can be integrated with
the floor panels 457 so that the track 450 is flush with the base
surface 440. This may prevent riders from tripping over the track
support rails 456 and/or open track sections 452/454.
[0373] The width of the open track sections 452/454 can be defined
to minimize the possibility of user's tripping. For example, the
width of the open track sections 452/454 may be limited to about
1/2 inch, 3/4 inch or 1 inch.
[0374] One or more track mounting assemblies, such as assemblies
430 and 500, may be used to mount the motion platform 400 to the
track 450 (see e.g. FIG. 11). In some cases, the track mounting
assemblies can mount the motion platform 400 directly to the track
450, e.g. using wheels or rollers movable along the track 450. For
example, track connector assemblies, such as track connector
assemblies 500 described herein below, may be used to mount the
motion platform to the track 450.
[0375] Alternately or in addition, the track mounting assemblies
can mount the motion platform 450 to support components provided by
the base 410, such as a drive member 420. The support components
may, in turn, be configured to operate in conjunction with the
track 450 e.g. by driving motion platform 400 along the track 450.
For example, tolerance accommodation member(s) 430 may provide a
track mounting assembly to mount the motion platform 400 to the
drive member 420.
[0376] Alternately or in addition, the track mounting assemblies
can include additional wheels/rollers 540 configured to be mounted
to track support rails 456. The rollers 540 may provide additional
support for motion platform 400 as it travels along the track 450.
For example, the rollers 540 may be manufactured using nylon and/or
polyurethane caster wheels.
[0377] The motion platform 400 can support a seating assembly 300
that includes one or more user seats 350. In the example
illustrated, each seating assembly 300 includes five seats 350,
although different numbers of seats may be provided by a seating
assembly 300.
[0378] Each seat 350 may provide a user accommodation 290 for a
user of the motion platform apparatus 200. Each seat 350 can
include have a seat base 352 upon which users can be seated during
operation of motion platform apparatus 200. Each seat base 352 can
extend between a seat front end 356 and a seat rear end 358 in the
forward-rearward direction 113. The seats 350 may also include a
seat back 354 to provide further support to riders of the motion
platform apparatus 200. The seat base 352 and/or seat backs 354 can
include a mesh covering to provide a comfortable seating surface
for the riders.
[0379] In the example illustrated, each seat 350 can include a
vehicle safety device such as a seatbelt 610 (see e.g. FIGS. 10 and
20). The vehicle safety device can be configured to retain a rider
in the rider accommodation during motion of the platform 400 and/or
seating assembly 350.
[0380] Each seat 350 can also include handles 613. Users can grip
handles 613 for comfort and support during motion of the platform
400 and/or seating assembly 350.
[0381] In the example illustrated, the seating assembly 300 does
not include footrests. Omitting footrests may provide users with a
more immersive motion simulation experience. This may also avoid
users hitting their feet or legs against the footrests during the
motion simulation experience.
[0382] Alternately, footrests may be provided. This may provide
users with a feeling of greater security in the seating assembly
300. This may also help prevent users from dragging their feet
while the motion platform 400 is moved between the load and in-use
positions.
[0383] In the example illustrated, the seating assembly 300 is
mounted to the motion platform 400 underneath the seat base 352.
This may simplify manufacturing and installation of the motion
platform apparatus 200.
[0384] Alternately, the seating assembly 300 may be mounted to a
motion platform using a rear or overhead seat support assembly. The
seat support assembly can be configured to support and move the
seats 350 during the motion simulation experience.
[0385] As shown, the front end 356 of each seat base 352 can be
positioned forward of the platform front end 402. As a result, the
platform 400 may not underlie a user's feet while they are seated
within the seats 350.
[0386] As shown, the seating assembly 300 is mounted to the motion
platform 400 by a seat support assembly 700 (see e.g. FIG. 12). As
shown, the seat support assembly 700 can support the seat assembly
300 from below the seat base 352. This may facilitate installation
and manufacturing of the motion platform apparatus 200.
[0387] Using a support assembly 700 that supports the seating
assemblies 300 from below may help reduce the overall size of the
motion platform apparatus 200. This may facilitate installation of
the motion simulator system within venues of limited scope, as well
as facilitate modular assembly of multiple motion platform
apparatuses 200 into a combined motion simulation system.
[0388] The seat support assembly 700 may be configured to provide
motion for the seating assembly 300 while the seating assembly 300
is positioned in an in-use position. The motion provided by the
seat support assembly 700 may be coordinated/synchronized with
visual effects provided by display 120. The motion and visual
effects may also be coordinated with additional effects, such as
odor effects, wind effects, or water effects.
[0389] The seat support assembly 700 may be configured to move the
seating assembly 300 with at least three degrees of freedom. For
example, the seat support assembly 700 may be configured to provide
a heave motion, a pitch motion, and a roll motion for the seating
assembly. The seat support assembly 700 can be configured to
perform a motion profile or motion sequence that is coordinated
with the images displayed on screen 120.
[0390] In providing a motion simulation experience, the motion
simulator system 100 may position a set of seating assemblies 300
in the ride position. The motion simulator system 100 can then
provide a visual display on the display screen 120. The ride
position of the seating assemblies 300 can be defined so that the
visual display is visible from each and every rider accommodation
positioned in the ride position. The motion simulator system 100
can then control the motion of the rider accommodations 290 (e.g.
by controlling seat support assembly 700) during the visual display
to move the rider accommodations in a defined motion sequence
coordinated with the visual display provided on the display screen
120.
[0391] The seat support assembly 700 may be configured to provide a
defined range of motion for each degree of freedom. The seat
support assembly 700 may be configured to provide a heave motion
with a range of about +/-25 mm, +/-50 mm, or +/-75 mm in some
examples. The seat support assembly 700 may be configured to
provide a pitch motion with a range of about +/-5 degrees, +/-10
degrees, +/-15 degrees or +/-20 degrees in some examples. The seat
support assembly 700 may be configured to provide a roll motion
with a range of about +/-2.5 degrees, +/-5 degrees, +/-7.5 degrees
or +/-10 degrees in some examples.
[0392] The seat support assembly 700 may be configured to provide a
defined speed or force of motion for each degree of freedom. The
seat support assembly 700 may be configured to provide a heave
motion with a maximum force of about 0.25 g, 0.5 g, or 0.75 g in
some examples. The seat support assembly 700 may be configured to
provide a pitch motion with a maximum acceleration of about 100
degrees/s.sup.2, 200 degrees/s.sup.2, or 300 degrees/s.sup.2 in
some examples. The seat support assembly 700 may be configured to
provide a roll acceleration with a maximum acceleration of about
100 degrees/s.sup.2, 200 degrees/s.sup.2, or 300 degrees/s.sup.2 in
some examples.
[0393] The seat support assembly 700 can be enclosed within a
support housing 710. In the example illustrated, the support
housing 710 included corrugated bellows 711. This may allow the
housing 710 to move along with the motion provided by seat support
assembly 700.
[0394] Seat support assembly 700 may be mounted to motion platform
400 proximate to the front end 402 of the motion platform 400. This
may ensure that seating assembly 300 can be positioned proximate
the front end 402.
[0395] The motion platform 400 may be moved along the track 450
between a loading position (see e.g. FIG. 5) and an in-use or ride
position (see e.g. FIG. 24). The loading position of the motion
platform 400 can be rearward of the ride position. Users may embark
and disembark from the front of the seating assembly 300.
[0396] The drive member 420 can be configured to drive the motion
platform 400 along track 450 between the load position and the
in-use position. The distance separating the load position and the
in-use position may vary depending on the installation. For
example, the distance between the load position and the in-use
position may be about 5 feet, 6 feet, 7 feet, 8 feet, 9 feet, 10
feet, 11 feet, or 12 feet.
[0397] The speed of the drive member 420 can be controlled to
provide a desired travel time between the load and ride positions.
For example, drive member 420 can be controlled to provide a travel
time of about 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8
seconds, 9 seconds, or 10 seconds. In some examples, the travel
time may be adjusted depending on the particular motion simulation
experience (e.g. increasing travel time to build up rider
anticipation).
[0398] The drive member 420 can also be controlled to gradually
accelerate and decelerate the motion platform 400 as it travels
between the load position and the ride position. For instance, the
drive member 420 can be controlled to limit the acceleration of the
motion platform 400. This may ensure that riders have a smooth
transition between the load and ride positions. For example, the
drive member 420 can be controlled to ensure that the force of
acceleration of the motion platform 400 does not exceed 0.1 g, 0.2
g or 0.3 g.
[0399] The motion platform apparatus 200 can include a platform
position sensor that monitors a position of the drive member 420.
The position of drive member 420 (e.g. the position of the linear
actuator) may be monitored to determine the current position of the
platform 400.
[0400] The motion platform 400 can be coupled to control components
of the motion simulator system 100 using wired and/or wireless
connections. For example, cabling 438 may be provided to provide
electrical and control connectivity between the motion platform 400
and various power and control elements of the motion simulator
system 100. As shown for example in FIGS. 8, 9, 11, 22, and 24, the
cabling 438 may be provided in an extendible harness. The harness
may allow the cabling 438 to extend forward as the motion platform
is moved to the ride position (see e.g. FIG. 24) and to retract as
the motion platform 400 returns to the load position (see e.g.
FIGS. 8 and 11). The base 410 may include a recess 438 within which
the cabling 438 can be receded when the motion platform 400 returns
to the load position. This may ensure that cabling 438 is not
exposed when riders are loading onto or unloading from the motion
platform 400.
[0401] The motion simulator system 100 can be configured to
position he motion platform 400 in the ride position prior to
enabling the seat support assembly 700 to provide the motion for
the motion simulation experience. Alternately or in addition, in
some examples the seat support assembly 700 may be configured
adjust the position (e.g. height/pitch) of the seats 350 while the
motion platform 400 is in the load position. This may help
facilitate loading/unloading of the seats 350.
[0402] In the example of motion platform apparatus 200, the base
410 can be fixed in position. That is, the base 410 and upper base
surface 440 may not move within a motion bay 110. Users may walk
along the upper base surface 440 when the motion platform 400 is in
the load position in order to reach the seating assembly provided
on motion platform 400. Having the base 410 upon which users walk
be fixed in position may help maintain a more consistent upper base
surface 440, by avoiding changes in surface textures that may occur
when the surface moves. This may reduce the possibility of users
tripping as they load or unload.
[0403] Optionally, motion platform 400 can also include brushes or
sweeps positioned to contact the upper base surface 400. The
brushes may be used to move debris from the upper base surface 440
as the motion platform 400 travels along the track 450. This may
help prevent debris from interfering with the track mounting
assemblies. For example, the brushes may be positioned at one or
both of the front end 402 and rear end 404 of the motion platform
400.
[0404] When the motion platform 400 (and seating assembly 300) is
positioned in the in-use position, each seat front end 356 can be
positioned forward of the front end 412 of the base 410 as shown in
FIG. 24. For example, the front end 356 of each seat 350 may be
cantilevered forward of the platform front end 402 by a pre-defined
distance. Optionally, the platform front end 402 may also be
positioned forward of the base front end 412. This may ensure that
no surface is present under a user's feet when the motion platform
400 is in the ride position.
[0405] In the example illustrated the seating assembly 300 provided
on motion platform 400 includes only a single row of seats 350.
This ensures that the feet of every user of the motion platform
apparatus 200 are dangling when in the ride position. This provides
each user with a consistent and consistently safe motion simulation
experience.
[0406] As explained above, each motion platform apparatus 200 may
be enclosed within a motion bay 110. Each motion bay 110 can
include an open bay front end 112 facing a display screen 120
positioned forward of the bay front end 112. When the seating
assembly 300 is positioned in the in-use position, each seat front
end 356 may be positioned forward of the bay front end 112.
[0407] As the seating assemblies 300 may position users forward of
the front end 112 of each motion bay 110 in the ride position,
debris from above motion bays 110 may fall towards lower motion
bays. The extension member 130 provided by each motion bay 110 may
include a top surface 132 configured to inhibit debris from an
upper motion bay (e.g. motion bay 110a) from hitting riders in a
lower motion bay (e.g. motion bay 110b).
[0408] As the motion platform 400 moves between the load position
and the ride position, the upper base surface 440 may be positioned
below the users' feet. As a result, a user's feet may drag along
the floor or be caught in the track sections 452 and 454 while the
motion platform 400 is in motion. Accordingly, the motion platform
apparatus 200 may be configured to position the seating assembly in
a motion state to minimize the possibility of users dragging their
feet as the motion platform 400 adjusts between the load position
and the ride position.
[0409] The seating assembly 300 may be adjustable between a load
state (see e.g. FIG. 36) and a motion state (see e.g. FIG. 37). The
motion platform apparatus 200 may be configured to maintain the
seating assembly 300 in the motion state while the motion platform
400 moves along the track 450 between the load position and the
in-use position. The motion state may be configured to minimize
dragging of users' feet while the motion platform 400 is in
motion.
[0410] Optionally, the seating assembly 300 can include seat
position sensors. The seat position sensors may be configured to
determine when the seating assembly 300 is positioned in the load
state and the motion state. The seat position sensors may be
communicatively coupled to control components of the motion
simulator system 100. The control components may use the feedback
from the seat position sensors to assist in controlling motion of
the motion platform 400.
[0411] In the motion state, the front end 356 of each seat base 352
may be raised so that each user's feet are further from the upper
base surface. For example, when the seating assembly 300 is in the
load state, the seat front end 356 may be positioned at a first
height h.sub.356l relative to the motion platform 400 (see e.g.
FIG. 36). When the seating assembly 300 is in the motion state, the
seat front end 356 may be positioned at a second height h.sub.356m
relative to the motion platform 400 (see e.g. FIG. 37). The second
height h.sub.356m can be selected to be greater than the first
height h.sub.356l. Thus, as the motion platform 400 moves along the
track 450, the seat front end 356 can be positioned at the greater
second height h.sub.356m relative to the motion platform 400.
[0412] For example, in the load state, the user seats 350 may be
positioned in a first orientation, while in the motion state each
user seat 350 is positioned in a second orientation different from
the first orientation. Each user seat 350 may be tilted rearwardly
in the second orientation relative to the first orientation as in
the example illustrated. In the second orientation, the front end
356 of each seat base 352 may be positioned higher than the rear
end 358. By tilting each user seat 350 rearwardly, the seat front
356 of each seat base 352 may be raised. This may also encourage
riders to maintain their legs at an angled position so their feet
are further from the upper base surface 440.
[0413] In some cases, the base 352 of each seat 350 may be raised
in the motion state as compared to the load state. The seat front
end 356 of each seat base 352 can thus be removed to a greater
distance from the upper base surface 440 while in the motion state.
For example, seat support assembly 700 may include hydraulic or
pneumatic actuators operable to raise the height of each seat base
352 while in the motion state.
[0414] The first height h.sub.356l may be selected to permit a wide
range of users to access the seats 350. For example, the first
height h.sub.356l may be defined in a range between about 16 inches
to 24 inches. In some cases, the first height h.sub.356l may be
defined in a range between about 18 inches to 22 inches. In some
cases, the first height h.sub.356l may be defined to be about 18
inches, or 19 inches, or 20 inches, or 21 inches, or 22 inches.
[0415] The second height h.sub.356m may be selected so that the
majority of users accessing the seats 350 are unlikely to drag
their feet as the seating assembly 300 moves between the ride
position and the load position. For example, the second height
h.sub.356m may be defined in a range between about 24 inches to 30
inches. In some cases, the second height h.sub.356m may be defined
in a range between about 26 inches to 29 inches. In some cases, the
second height h.sub.356m may be defined in a range between about 27
inches to 28 inches. In some cases, the second height h.sub.356m
may be defined to be about 25 inches, or 26 inches, or 27 inches,
or 28 inches, or 29 inches, or 30 inches.
[0416] Optionally, the seating assembly 300 may remain in the
motion state while the motion simulation experience is ongoing.
Alternately, however, the seating assembly need not remain in the
motion state during the motion simulation experience. Accordingly,
the seating assembly 300 may be movable through a greater range of
motion, including positions where the front end 356 is below the
second height h.sub.356m. In some cases, the seating assembly 300
may be movable to position where the front end 356 is below the
first height h.sub.356l. For instance, since the seat front ends
356 may be positioned forward of the base front end 412, the risk
of user's hitting their feet on the upper base surface 440 may no
longer be present during the motion simulation experience.
Tolerance Accommodation Member
[0417] The following is a description of a tolerance accommodation
member that may be used by itself in any motion simulator system or
in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or
features disclosed including the motion platform apparatus, the
track mounting assembly, the platform positioning system, the
vehicle safety device, and the movable bay wall.
[0418] In accordance with this aspect, a tolerance accommodation
member is provided that can be used to couple a motion apparatus to
a track. The tolerance accommodation member can be configured to
couple the motion apparatus to the track while allowing for track
variance and facilitating manufacturing and installation of motion
platform apparatus.
[0419] The tolerance accommodation member can include a plurality
of connector sections. A first connector section can be fixedly
connected to the motion apparatus while a second connector section
is fixedly connected to a drive member used to drive the motion
apparatus along the track. The first and second connector sections
can move relative to one another to accommodate variations in
manufacturing and installation of the track and/or motion platform.
The connector sections may also permit continued use of the track
and motion platform through changes in the track and/or motion
platform due to wear and/or degradation.
[0420] For simplicity, various features of the example tolerance
accommodation member described herein are described in relation to
the motion platform apparatus 200. However, it will be appreciated
that these features can also be used in respect of other motion
assemblies, such as rear-mounted or suspension-type motion
assemblies.
[0421] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13-19, a tolerance accommodation
member 430 can be used to movably mount motion platform 400 to
track 450. Motion platform 400 may be connected to a drive member
420 by the tolerance accommodation member 430. The drive member 420
operates to drive the motion platform 400 along the track 450. In
the example illustrated, drive member 420 can move the motion
platform 400 between a load position and an in-use position.
[0422] The tolerance accommodation member 430 can mount the motion
platform 400 to the drive member 420 and thereby permit the drive
member 420 to drive motion of the platform 400 along track 450. The
tolerance accommodation member 430 can be configured to transfer
drive forces from the drive member 420 to the motion platform 400
to drive the motion platform 400 along the track 450. The tolerance
accommodation member 430 may be configured to reduce or prevent
other load transfer between the drive member 420 and motion
platform 400 apart from drive forces in the forward/rearward
direction 113.
[0423] The tolerance accommodation member 430 can also be
configured to accommodate a range of manufacturing tolerances in
the track 450. The tolerance accommodation member 430 may thus
permit a limited range of motion between the motion platform 400
and the drive member 420 in order to accommodate track variance.
The tolerance accommodation member 430 may also permit the motion
platform 400 to continue moving along the track 450 even in the
presence of debris (e.g. coins) that may fall into the open track
section 454 or onto the upper base surface 440.
[0424] The tolerance accommodation member 430 can include a
plurality of connector sections or portions. A first connector
portion 432 can be fixedly mountable to the motion platform 400.
One or more fasteners 460 can be used to fixedly mount the
connector portion 432 to the motion platform 400. For instance,
bolt fasteners 460 can be used as in the example illustrated,
although other fasteners (e.g. screws, rivets) may be used in
alternate embodiments.
[0425] A second connector portion 434 can be fixedly mountable to
the drive member 420. One or more fasteners 462 can fixedly mount
the connector portion 434 to the drive member 420. For instance,
bolt fasteners 462 can be used as in the example illustrated,
although other fasteners (e.g. screws, rivets) may be used in
alternate embodiments.
[0426] The tolerance accommodation member 430 can be configured to
permit the first connector portion 432 and the second connector
portion 434 to movable relative to one another. This may allow a
distance between the first end 433 of the first connector portion
432 and the first end 435 of the second connector portion 434 to
vary. This relative motion may accommodate a range of manufacturing
tolerances in the track 450.
[0427] In the example illustrated, a third connector portion 436
extends between the first connector portion 432 and the second
connector portion 434. The third connector portion 436 can be
movably mounted to the first end 433 of the first connector portion
432 and separately movably mounted to a first end 435 of the second
connector portion 434. The movable mounting of the third connector
portion 436 can allow for the relative motion of the first
connector portion 432 and the second connector portion 434.
[0428] The third connector portion 436 can be configured to extend
from a location above the upper surface 440 of the base 410 to a
location below the upper base surface 440. The third connector
portion 436 can be mounted to the motion platform on a first side
442 of the upper base surface 440. The third connector portion 436
can be mounted to the drive member 420 on a second side 444 of the
upper base surface 440.
[0429] The third connector portion 436 may extend through the track
450 to connect the motion platform 400 to the drive member 420. For
example, the track 450 can include an open track section 454 (see
e.g. FIGS. 11 and 18). The third connector portion 436 may extend
through the open track section 454. The open track section 454 and
third connector portion 436 may be shaped respectively in order to
permit the open track section 454 to guide forward/rearward
movement of the third connector portion 436 as the motion platform
400 moves along the track 450.
[0430] As shown in the example illustrated, a movable coupling 470
is used to connect the third connector portion 436 to the first
connector portion 432. A movable coupling 472 is also used to
connect the third connector portion 436 to the second connector
portion 434.
[0431] In some examples, the third connector portion 436 may
include multiple connector sections 437/439. The first connector
section 437 and movable coupling 470 can define the movable
mounting to the first connector portion 432. The second connector
section 439 and movable coupling 472 can define the movable
mounting to the second connector portion 434.
[0432] The movable coupling 470 can be configured to permit the
third connector portion 436 to move relative to the first connector
portion 432 in a first direction 471 (see e.g. FIGS. 16 and 17).
When the first connector portion 432 is fixedly mounted to the
motion platform 400, the first direction 471 can be aligned as a
lateral direction perpendicular to the forward-rearward direction
113 (see e.g. FIG. 17). The movable coupling 470 may thus permit
relative lateral movement between the third connector portion 436
and the first connector portion 432 (and, in turn, the motion
platform 400).
[0433] The movable coupling 470 can be configured to permit a
lateral translation of the third connector portion 436 relative to
the first connector portion 432. The movable coupling 470 may also
inhibit other relative motion between the third connector portion
436 and the first connector portion 432. This may help avoid any
twisting or pitching of the motion platform 400.
[0434] For example, the movable coupling 470 may be configured to
inhibit relative motion between the third connector portion 436 and
the first connector portion 432 in the forward-rearward direction
113. The movable coupling 470 may also be configured to inhibit
relative motion between the third connector portion 436 and the
first connector portion 432 in a vertical direction 473.
[0435] In the example illustrated, the movable coupling 470
includes a pair of sliding bushings 476. The sliding bushings 476
can permit the third connector portion 436 to slide (translate)
relative to the first connector portion 432 in the lateral
direction 471. The bushings 476 can also inhibit or prevent
relative motion between the third connector portion 436 and the
first connector portion 432 in directions other than the lateral
direction 471.
[0436] As shown in the example illustrated, a movable coupling 472
is used to connect the third connector portion 436 to the second
connector portion 434. The movable coupling 472 can be configured
to permit the third connector portion 436 to move relative to the
first connector portion 434 in a second direction 473 (see e.g.
FIGS. 16 and 19). The second direction 473 of motion permitted by
movable coupling 472 can be perpendicular to the first direction
471 of motion permitted by movable coupling 470.
[0437] When the second connector portion 434 is fixedly mounted to
the drive member 420, the second direction 473 can be aligned as a
vertical direction perpendicular to the forward-rearward direction
113 (see e.g. FIG. 19). The movable coupling 472 may thus permit
relative lateral movement between the third connector portion 436
and the second connector portion 434 (and, in turn, the drive
member 420).
[0438] The movable coupling 472 can be configured to permit a
vertical translation of the third connector portion 436 relative to
the second connector portion 434. The movable coupling 472 may also
inhibit other relative motion between the third connector portion
436 and the second connector portion 432. This may help avoid any
twisting or pitching of the motion platform 400.
[0439] For example, the movable coupling 473 may be configured to
inhibit relative motion between the third connector portion 436 and
the second connector portion 434 in the forward-rearward direction
113. The movable coupling 472 may also be configured to inhibit
relative motion between the third connector portion 436 and the
second connector portion 434 in the lateral direction 471.
[0440] In the example illustrated, the movable coupling 472
includes a pair of sliding bushings 478. The sliding bushings 478
can permit the third connector portion 436 to slide (translate)
relative to the second connector portion 434 in the vertical
direction 473. The bushings 478 can also inhibit or prevent
relative motion between the third connector portion 436 and the
second connector portion 434 in directions other than the vertical
direction 473.
[0441] In some examples, the tolerance accommodation member 430 may
not be the sole mounting element used to mount the motion platform
400 to the track 450. The motion platform apparatus 200 may include
further track mounting assemblies in addition to the tolerance
accommodation member 430. For example, the motion platform
apparatus 200 may also include a plurality of track connector
assemblies 500 (see e.g. FIG. 11). Each track connector assembly
500 may be mounted to the motion platform 400 and movably mounted
to the track 450.
[0442] In some cases, a pair of track connector assemblies may be
mounted to the motion platform 400 and the track 450 as in the
example illustrated. The tolerance accommodation member 430 and the
track connector assemblies can be spaced apart in the lateral
direction 115.
[0443] As shown, the tolerance accommodation member 430 can be
positioned between the two track connector assemblies 500 in the
lateral direction 115. For instance, the tolerance accommodation
member 430 may be positioned centrally below the motion platform
400 with the track connector assemblies 500 positioned laterally
outward towards each lateral side 405 and 407. This may help
maintain the motion platform 400 in alignment along the track 450
as it moves between the loading position and the ride position.
Track Mounting Assembly
[0444] The following is a description of a track mounting assembly
that may be used by itself in any motion simulator system or in any
combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features
disclosed including the motion platform apparatus, the tolerance
accommodation member, the platform positioning system, the vehicle
safety device, and the movable bay wall.
[0445] In accordance with this aspect, a track mounting assembly
that can be used to mount a motion assembly to a track. The track
mounting assembly can include a pair of track members mounted to
the motion assembly. The track members engage one another about the
track to maintain the motion assembly mounted to the track.
[0446] For simplicity, various features of the example track
mounting assembly described herein are described in relation to the
motion platform apparatus 200. However, it will be appreciated that
these features can also be used in respect of other motion
assemblies, such as rear-mounted or suspension-type motion
assemblies.
[0447] In some examples, the motion platform 400 can be mounted to
the track 450 using a mounting assembly 500 (see e.g. FIGS. 20-23
and 30-31). In the example illustrated, the motion platform 400 may
be mounted to the track using a forward mounting assembly 500f
proximate the front end 402 of the motion platform 400 and a rear
mounting assembly 500r proximate the rear end 404.
[0448] A mounting assembly 500 can include a first track member 510
and a second track member 520. Both the first track member 510 and
the second track member 520 can be connected to the motion platform
400. The first track member 510 may be fixedly mounted to the
motion platform 400. The second track member 520 can also be
fixedly mounted to the motion platform 400.
[0449] The mounting assembly 500 can movably mount the motion
platform 400 on a track surface, such as surface 440 of the track
450. The first track member 510 and second track member 520 can
cooperate to mount the motion platform 400 with the platform 400
being movable along the track 450.
[0450] The first track member 510 may be movably mountable on a
first surface of the track 450. For instance, the track member 510
can be mounted on the upper track surface 440 as in the example
illustrated. The first track member 510 may be movable along the
track surface 440 to allow the motion platform 400 to travel along
the track 450.
[0451] For example, the first track member 510 can include a
rotatable mounting element such as a roller 514. The rotatable
mounting element can be configured to roll along the surface of the
track 450. Alternately, the first track member 510 may include a
translatable mounting element configured to translate or slide
along the surface of the track 450.
[0452] The first track member 510 can include a coupling section
512 that extends through the surface of the track 450 when first
track member 410 is mounted to the track 450. For instance, the
coupling section 512 may extend below the upper track surface 440
as in the example shown. The coupling section 512 can be configured
to engage the second track member 520 in order to secure the motion
platform 400 to the track 450.
[0453] For example, the rotatable or translatable coupling element
may include a flanged section that extends below the track surface
440. In the example illustrated, roller 514 is provided by a
flanged wheel 516.
[0454] The flanged wheel 515 can include a wheel section 515. The
wheel section 515 can to roll along the surface of the track 450
when the first track member 510 is mounted to the track 450. The
wheel section 515 can be connected to the motion platform 400 by
rotatable connector 519. The rotatable connector 519 can permit
rotational motion of the roller 514. The rotatable connector 519
may also be configured to prevent or inhibit other motion (e.g.
lateral, vertical, and forward/rearward) of the roller 514 relative
to the motion platform 400.
[0455] The flanged wheel 515 can also include a flange section 517.
The flange section 517 can extend radially outwardly from the
perimeter of the wheel section 515. The flange 517, or at least a
portion thereof, can extend through the track 450. In the example
illustrated, the flanged section 517 extends downward through the
track 450 (through open section 452) when the wheel section 515 is
mounted to the track 450 on the upper base surface 440. The flange
section 517 may define the coupling section of the first track
member 510.
[0456] The second track member 520 may be configured as a captive
arm member. The second track member 520 can include a first arm
portion 522 that is connectable to the motion platform 400. The
first arm portion 522 can be connected to the motion platform 400
in a fixed position.
[0457] The second track member 520 can also include a second arm
portion 524. The second arm portion 524 can be arranged to extend
below the upper track surface 440 when the second track member 520
is installed. The second track member 520 can be positioned to
extend the second arm portion 524 to an engagement height where the
second arm portion 524 can engage the coupling section 512.
[0458] The second arm portion 524 and coupling section 512 can
engage one another at the engagement height. For example, the
second arm portion 524 and coupling section 512 may be matingly
engageable. The engagement between the second arm portion 524 and
coupling section 512 can secure the motion platform 400 to track
450. The second arm portion 524 can be configured to maintain
engagement with the coupling section 512 as the first track member
510 moves along the track 450. The first track member 510 and
second track member 520 may thus cooperate to maintain the motion
platform 400 on the track 450.
[0459] In the example illustrated, the second arm portion 520
includes a wheel 526. As the first track member 510 moves along the
track 450, the wheel 526 may roll along the underside of the track
450. The wheel 526 may maintain engagement with the coupling
section 512 as it rolls.
[0460] The wheel 526 can be shaped to engage the coupling section
512 of the first track member 510. For example, the wheel 526 may
include a groove shaped to engage the flanged section 517. The
wheel 526 may include outer wheel sections with a groove or recess
therebetween shaped to receive and engage flanged section 517. The
wheel 526 and flanged section 517 may maintain their engagement as
both wheel 526 and roller 514 roll along the track 450.
[0461] The height at which the coupling section 512 engages the
second arm portion 524 may vary due to minor differences in
components of the motion platform apparatus 200 (e.g. motion
platform 400, track 450, etc.) that arise during manufacturing
and/or installation. Accordingly, the second track member 520 may
be secured to the motion platform 400 using an adjustable connector
assembly 530. The adjustable connector assembly 530 can be used to
adjust the engagement height at which the second arm portion 524
engages the coupling section 512.
[0462] The adjustable connector assembly 530 can be adjusted during
installation to engage the second arm portion 524 with the coupling
section 512. The connector assembly 530 can then retain the second
arm portion 524 in a fixed position relative to the motion platform
400. The adjustable connector assembly 530 may also permit
subsequent re-adjustment of the engagement height, e.g. to account
for changes due to use and/or wear of the motion platform apparatus
200.
[0463] As shown in FIG. 31, the first arm portion 510 is connected
to the motion platform 400 by an adjustable connector assembly 530.
The adjustable connector assembly 530 is usable to adjust the
engagement height of the second arm portion 524.
[0464] For example, the adjustable connector assembly 530 can
include a pivot connector 532. The pivot connector 532 may
pivotably connect the first arm portion 522 to the motion platform
400. The first arm portion 522 can pivot about the pivot connector
532 to adjust the engagement height of the second arm portion
524.
[0465] The adjustable connector assembly 530 may also include an
adjustment limiting member 534. The adjustment limiting member 534
may define an adjustment range for the first arm portion 510. The
adjustment range may in effect limit the range of the engagement
height. For example, the adjustment limiting member 534 may be a
pivot limiting member as shown in FIG. 21. The pivot limiting
member can define a pivot range and the first arm portion 522 can
be prevented from pivoting outside of the pivot range. In the
example illustrated, the adjustment limiting member 534 may be
defined by a fastener 537 that is receivable within a slot 525. The
slot 535 may define the range of motion within which the
corresponding fastener 537 is permitted to move.
[0466] The adjustable connector assembly 530 also includes an
adjustment member 536. The adjustment member 536 is usable to
adjust the position of the connector assembly 530. In the example
illustrates, the adjustment member 536 is provided as an adjustment
screw. The screw can be adjusted (e.g. tightened or loosened) to
adjust the connection between the second arm portion 520 and the
motion platform 400. This, in turn, causes the arm 520 to pivot
about pivot connection 532, and thereby adjust the engagement
height.
[0467] The adjustment member 536 can also be secured in position.
This may define the engagement height for the second arm portion
524 at a fixed location. For instance, the adjustment screw may be
fixed at a defined height to maintain the engagement height at a
fixed position.
Platform Positioning System
[0468] The following is a description of a positioning system that
may be used by itself in any motion simulator system or in any
combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features
disclosed including the motion platform apparatus, the tolerance
accommodation member, the track mounting assembly, the vehicle
safety device and the movable bay wall.
[0469] In accordance with this aspect, a positioning system can
include a first lock unit that secures a ride accommodation
assembly in a ride position and a second separate lock unit that
secures the ride accommodation assembly in a loading position. The
load position lock may include a drive member lock that prevents
the assembly drive member from moving when the load position lock
is activated. The ride position lock may include a mechanical lock
that secures the ride accommodation assembly in place. This may
allow the drive member to be deactivated while the assembly is in
the ride position, which may prevent load transfer to the drive
member during a motion simulation experience.
[0470] The positioning system can also include additional
positioning members. The positioning members can be arranged to
ensure that the ride accommodation assembly is maintained within a
define motion path. The positioning members can prevent the ride
accommodation assembly from travelling beyond the desired ride
and/or loading positions.
[0471] The positioning system can also include assembly monitoring
sensors. The monitoring sensors can be arranged to detect the
position of the ride accommodation assembly. The monitoring sensors
can be used to determine whether the ride accommodation assembly is
positioned in the loading position, ride position, or another
position. The monitoring sensors may be used by a vehicle
controller to ensure that the ride accommodation assembly is in the
correct position prior to performing certain actions such as
activating a motion simulation experience, or deactivating user
seatbelts.
[0472] For simplicity, various features of the example positioning
system described herein are described in relation to the motion
platform apparatus 200. However, it will be appreciated that these
features can also be used in respect of other motion assemblies,
such as rear-mounted or suspension-type motion assemblies.
[0473] A motion platform apparatus can include a ride accommodation
assembly that is movably mounted to a track. The ride accommodation
assembly can move along the track between a loading position and an
in-use or ride position. In the loading position, users can embark
and disembark from the ride accommodation assembly. In the in-use
position, the ride accommodation assembly can be moved in
accordance with a motion simulation experience.
[0474] As illustrated, motion platform apparatus 200 can include a
ride accommodation assembly in the form of a seating assembly 300.
The seating assembly 300 can be movably mounted to track 450. As
shown, the seating assembly 300 is movably mounted to track 450 by
a motion platform 400. The motion platform 400 can move along the
track 450 between a load position and an in-use position. In the
example illustrated, the load position is rearward of the in-use
position.
[0475] In operation, the motion platform apparatus 200 can be moved
between the loading position and the in-use position. When the
motion platform apparatus 200 is undergoing passenger loading or
unloading, the motion platform 400 can be secured in the loading
position. When the motion platform apparatus 200 is providing a
motion simulation experience, the motion platform 400 can be
secured in the motion position.
[0476] The motion platform apparatus 200 can include a platform
positioning system usable to maintain the motion platform 400 in
the loading position and/or the in-use position. The platform
positioning system can include one or more locks usable to secure
the motion platform 400 in the loading position and/or the in-use
position. The platform positioning system can also include motion
limiting members usable to prevent the motion platform 400 from
travelling along the track 450 beyond the in-use position or
loading position.
[0477] The motion platform apparatus 200 can include a first lock
unit operable to secure the motion platform 400 in the load
position. The first lock unit can be adjusted between an engaged or
locked position and a disengaged or unlocked position. When the
motion platform 400 is in the load position and the first lock unit
is engaged, the first lock unit can secure the motion platform 400
in the load position. When the first lock unit is released, the
motion platform 400 may be moved to the in-use position.
[0478] The motion platform apparatus 200 can also include a second
lock unit 550. The second lock unit 550 can secure the motion
platform 400 in the in-use position. When the motion platform 400
is in the in-use position and the second lock unit 550 is engaged,
the second lock unit 550 can secure the motion platform 400 in the
in-use position. When the second lock unit 550 is released, the
motion platform 400 may be returned to the load position.
[0479] The second lock unit 550 may be a separate lock from the
first lock unit used to secure the motion platform 400 in the load
position. The second lock unit 550 may be configured to minimize
load transfer from the motion platform 400 when the seating
assembly undergoes a motion simulation experience.
[0480] Alternately, the first lock unit may be used to secure the
motion platform 400 in both the load and in-use position. This may
simplify the control and manufacturing of the locking system for
motion platform apparatus 200.
[0481] Alternately or in addition, both the first lock unit and
second lock unit 550 may be used to secure the motion platform 400
in the in-use position. This may provide a redundant locking system
to ensure that the motion platform 400 remains in the in-use
position during a motion simulation experience.
[0482] The motion platform apparatus 200 can include an actuator or
drive member 420. The drive member 420 can be drivingly connected
to the motion platform 400. The drive member 420 can operate to
drive the motion platform 400 along the track 450 between the load
position and the in-use position.
[0483] The first lock unit may be configured to manage operation of
the drive member 420. The first lock unit may be configured to
prevent the drive member 420 from moving along the track 450 when
in the engaged position. In its locked state the first lock unit
can prevent the drive member 420 from moving along the track 450.
In its unlocked state, the first lock unit may no longer prevent
the drive member 420 from moving along the track 450. The first
lock unit may be configured as a type of motor or engine brake that
can operate to prevent the drive member 420 from driving motion of
the motion platform 400.
[0484] The first lock unit may be engaged when the motion platform
400 is positioned in a load position. The motion platform apparatus
200 can include a vehicle controller operable to control and
monitor operations of the motion platform apparatus 200. The
vehicle controller can determine that the motion platform position
400 is positioned in the load position and engage the first lock
unit while users are undergoing loading or unloading. The first
lock unit may prevent the drive member 420 from receiving power to
drive the motion platform 400 when in the locked state. This may
ensure that the motion platform 400 does not provide unwanted
motion while loading.
[0485] Once loading is completed, the first lock unit may be
released (e.g. adjusted to the disengaged or unlocked state). For
example, the vehicle controller may transmit an unlock signal to
the first lock unit. The drive member 420 may then be operated to
move the motion platform 400 to the in-use position along the track
450. When the motion platform 400 reaches the in-use position, the
second lock unit 550 can hold the motion platform 400 in the in-use
position.
[0486] In the example illustrated, the second lock unit 550 can
include a mechanical lock 552. The mechanical lock 552 can be
positioned to engage the motion platform 400 when the motion
platform 400 is positioned in the in-use position. The mechanical
lock 552 can include corresponding engagement members connected to
the motion platform 400 and to the base 410. The engagement members
may lockingly engage one another to secure the motion platform 400
to the base 410.
[0487] For example, the mechanical lock 552 may include a latch 554
and a corresponding engagement arm 556. The engagement arm 556 can
be received by the latch member 554 when the motion platform 400 is
moved to the in-use position. The latch member 554 may secure the
engagement arm 556 in position, thereby preventing the motion
platform 400 from travelling along the track 450.
[0488] In the example illustrated, the latch 554 is mounted to base
410 and the engagement arm 556 extends from the motion platform
400. Alternately, the latch 554 may be mounted to the motion
platform 400 with the corresponding engagement arm 556 provided by
the base 410.
[0489] In the example illustrated, the mechanical lock 552 is
positioned to automatically engage the motion platform 400 when the
motion platform 400 is moved to the in-use position. The mechanical
lock 552 may define a rotary lock unit that is configured to engage
the motion platform 400 as it reaches the in-use position.
[0490] In the example illustrated, the engagement arm 556 is
mounted on an extension portion 401 of the motion platform 400. The
extension portion 401 extends below the upper surface 440 of the
base 410 (see e.g. FIGS. 25 and 26). As the motion platform 400
moves to the in-use position, the engagement arm 556 engages with
the latch 554 and causes the latch 554. The engagement arm 556 is
then received within the lock recess 555 and the latch 554 returns
to its extended position, securing the engagement arm 556 within
the recess 555.
[0491] When the motion platform 400 is positioned in the in-use
position, with the second lock unit 550 engaged, the motion
platform 400 can be retained in the in-use position during a motion
simulation experience. The second lock unit 550 can hold the motion
platform 400 in position while the seating assembly 300 is moved in
the motion simulation experience. The mechanical lock 552 may be
configured to handle the dynamic loading caused by the motion of
the seating assembly 300.
[0492] When the motion platform 400 reaches the in-use position,
the drive member 420 may then be deactivated (e.g. power to the
drive member 420 may be disconnected). This may reduce or prevent
the transfer of load forces from the motion simulation experience
to the drive member 420, which may help reduce wear and damage to
the drive member 420.
[0493] The second lock unit 550 can be adjusted between a locked
state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the second lock
unit 550 secures the motion platform 400 in the in-use position and
prevents the motion platform 400 from travelling rearward along the
track 450. In the unlocked state, the motion platform 400 is
movable rearward along the track 450. To allow the motion platform
400 to be returned to the load position, the second lock unit 550
can be released. The motion platform 400 can then be returned to
the load position, e.g. by re-activating the drive member 420 and
driving motion platform 400 along the track 450.
[0494] The second lock unit 550 can be biased to the locked state.
As shown, latch 554 is biased to an extended position enclosing the
lock recess 555. The second lock unit 550 can be adjusted to the
unlocked state in response to a release signal. For example, a
remote release override switch may be connected to the second lock
unit 550. The remote release override switch can be coupled to the
second lock unit 550 by release cabling 568. The remote release
override switch may provide a release signal to disengage the
second lock unit 550. For example, the vehicle controller may
control the operation of the remote release override switch to
disengage the second lock unit 550.
[0495] In some examples, the motion platform apparatus may include
ride position lock units positioned to engage the motion platform
400 proximate both lateral sides 403 and 405. For example, the
motion platform apparatus 200 may include a pair of lock units 550
for each motion platform 400 (see e.g. FIG. 9). The lock units 550
can be positioned proximate the lateral sides 413 and 415 of the
base 410.
[0496] In the example shown, the lock units 550 can be positioned
proximate each of the outer track section 452. The lock units 550
may be configured to engage extensions 401 of the motion platform
400 extending through the outer track sections 452.
[0497] Arranging the ride position locks 550 to engage the outer
sides 403/405 of the motion platform 400 may help stabilize the
motion platform 400 during a motion simulation experience. For
example, positioning ride position locks 550 that engage the motion
platform 400 laterally outward from the center of the motion
platform may provide greater stability when there is an unbalanced
load of users of the seating assembly 300.
[0498] Alternately or in addition, a lock unit may be positioned to
engage the motion platform 400 centrally. For example, a lock unit
550 may be positioned proximate the central open section 454 of the
track 450.
[0499] The motion platform apparatus 200 can also include
additional positioning elements that can maintain the motion
platform 400 within the platform motion path. The positioning
elements may be configured to ensure that motion platform 400 does
not travel beyond the track front end 451 or track rear end
453.
[0500] In some examples, the motion platform apparatus 200 can
include a forward positioning member or stop member 564 (see e.g.
FIG. 29). The stop member 564 can be positioned to engage the
motion platform 400 as the motion platform is moved to the in-use
position. The stop member 564 can be configured to prevent the
motion platform 400 from travelling forward of the in-use position.
In the example illustrated, the front stop member 564 can be
positioned to engage the second arm portion 524 of a forward
connector assembly.
[0501] The motion platform apparatus 200 may also include one or
more damping members 566. A damping member 566 can be positioned to
engage the motion platform 400 when the motion platform 400 is
moved to the in-use position or the load position. The damping
member 566 can be configured to slow the motion platform 400 as it
reaches the respective position and prevent further motion of the
motion platform. This may provide a smoother stopping action for
the motion platform 400.
[0502] In the example illustrated, a damping member 566 is
positioned proximate the load position (see e.g. FIGS. 26 and 28).
The damping member 566 can engage an extension portion 401 of the
motion platform 400 as the motion platform 400 nears the in-use
position (see e.g. FIG. 26). This may provide a smoother stopping
action for the motion platform, providing users with a more
comfortable experience.
[0503] Alternately or in addition, a damping member 566 may be
positioned proximate the load position. The load position damper
may similarly be configured to slow the motion of the motion
platform as it is moved to the load position.
[0504] In some examples, the motion platform apparatus 200 can
include a rear positioning member or stop member 570 (see e.g.
FIGS. 30 and 31). The stop member 570 can be positioned to engage
the motion platform 400 as the motion platform is moved to the load
position. The stop member 570 can be configured to prevent the
motion platform 400 from travelling rearward of the load position.
In the example illustrated, the rear stop member 570 can be
positioned to engage the second arm portion 524 of a rear connector
assembly 500r.
[0505] The motion platform apparatus 200 can also include one or
more position sensors operable to detect a position of the motion
platform 400. The vehicle controller may monitor the position
sensors to determine when the motion platform 400 is positioned in
the load position and/or the in-use position. The vehicle
controller may also monitor the position sensors to detect when the
motion platform 400 is in intermediate positions while travelling
between the load position and in-use position. The vehicle
controller can use the platform position signals to control the
operation of various components of the motion platform apparatus
200, such as the drive member 420, vehicle safety device 600,
movable wall 850, front door 900, display 120 etc.
[0506] In some examples, the motion platform apparatus 200 can
include a ride position sensor 580 (see e.g. FIGS. 9 and 26-27). In
the example illustrated, the ride position sensor 580 is positioned
proximate the in-use position of the motion platform 400. The ride
position sensor 580 can be configured to determine whether the
motion platform 400 is positioned in the in-use position. For
example, the ride position sensor 580 may be an optical sensor
usable to detect the presence or absence of the motion platform
extension 401. Detection of the motion platform extension 401 can
indicate that the motion platform 400 is positioned in the in-use
position. Alternately, other types of position sensors may be used,
such as magnetic sensors for example.
[0507] In some examples, the motion platform apparatus 200 can
include one or more load position sensors 422 (see e.g. FIGS. 8 and
9). In the example illustrated, the load position sensors 422 are
positioned proximate the load position of the motion platform 400.
The load position sensors 422 can be configured to determine
whether the motion platform 400 is positioned in the load position.
For example, the load position sensors 422 may be an optical sensor
usable to detect the presence or absence of the motion platform 400
(see e.g. FIG. 8). Detection of the motion platform 400 can
indicate that the motion platform 400 is positioned in the load
position. Alternately, other types of position sensors may be used,
such as magnetic sensors for example.
[0508] The motion platform apparatus 200 can also include one or
more intermediate position sensors 424 and 426. The intermediate
position sensors 424 and 426 can be used to detect the location of
the motion platform as it travels between the in-use position and
the load position. Detection of the motion platform by the
intermediate position sensors 424 and 426 may be used to control
various components of the motion platform apparatus 200.
[0509] For example, the vehicle controller may open the front door
900 in response to detecting that the motion platform has reached
the intermediate position sensors 424/426 while travelling from the
load position to the in-use position. Similarly, the vehicle
controller may close the front door 900 in response to detecting
that the motion platform has reached the intermediate position
sensors 424/426 while travelling from the in-use position to the
load position. This may ensure that the front bay door 900 is
closed whenever user loading is occurring.
Vehicle Safety Device
[0510] The following is a description of a vehicle safety device
that may be used by itself in any motion simulator system or in any
combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features
disclosed including the motion platform apparatus, the tolerance
accommodation member, the track mounting assembly, the platform
positioning system, and the movable bay wall.
[0511] In accordance with this aspect of the disclosure, a vehicle
safety device includes a seat belt that is mounted on a seat belt
reel. The vehicle safety device includes a momentum lock that
prevents the seat belt from being rapidly extended. The vehicle
safety device also includes a momentum lock control unit that can
be used to deactivate the momentum lock. This may facilitate rapid
loading and unloading of the motion platform apparatus, by allowing
users to extend their seat belt quickly for fastening or
unfastening. The vehicle safety device also includes a momentum
lock position sensor that monitors whether the momentum lock is
activated. The vehicle controller can prevent operation of the
motion platform apparatus while the momentum lock is deactivated,
to prevent he seat belt from being freely extendible while a motion
simulation experience is ongoing.
[0512] For simplicity, various features of the example vehicle
safety device described herein are described in relation to the
motion platform apparatus 200. However, it will be appreciated that
these features can also be used in respect of other vehicles and
motion assemblies, such as rear-mounted or suspension-type motion
assemblies.
[0513] As shown in FIGS. 32-35, a vehicle safety device can include
a seat belt 610 that is matingly engageable with a receiver 630.
The seat belt can include a harness or restraint section 612 and an
engagement section 614. The receiver 630 can be configured to
engage with the engagement section 614 of the seat belt 610.
[0514] A user may draw the seat belt 610 across their body with the
restraint section 612 positioned in front of their body. The
engagement section 614 can then be inserted into the receiver 630.
The engagement section 614 can matingly engage receiver 630 to
secure the seat belt 610 to the receiver 630. The restraint section
612 can then secure the user within the seat 350.
[0515] The vehicle safety device may include a seat belt lock
sensor. The seat belt lock sensor may be configured to detect an
engaged position of the seat belt engagement section 614. For
example, the receiver 630 may include an optical engagement
position sensor (e.g. a proximity switch). The engagement position
sensor may be used to detect the locking engagement of the
engagement section 614 and the receiver 630. Alternately, other
sensors such as a toggle switch may be used as the engagement
sensor.
[0516] The operation of the seat belt 610 can be controlled by a
retractor unit 600. The retractor unit 600 can include a seat belt
reel 620. The seat belt 610 can be mounted to seat belt reel 620.
The seat belt 610, and in particular restraint section 612, can be
extended from and retracted by the seat belt reel 620.
[0517] The retractor 600 can include a lock unit 650. The lock unit
650 may be adjusted between a locked position (see e.g. FIG. 35)
and an unlocked position (see e.g. FIG. 34). In the locked
position, the lock unit 650 can inhibit the seat belt 610 from
being extended from the seat belt reel 620. This may prevent the
seat belt restraint section 612 from loosening rapidly in response
to motion of the seating assembly 630 in order to prevent injuries
that may result, e.g. whiplash or contusions caused by unrestrained
motion. In the unlocked position, the seat belt 610 may be freely
movable on the seat belt reel 620. This may facilitate rapid
loading and unloading of users from the seating assembly 300, by
allowing the users to extend the seat belt easily when seating
themselves and buckling or unbuckling the engagement section
614.
[0518] The lock unit 650 can include a lock member 652. The lock
member 652 can be configured to lockingly engage the seat belt 610
on the seat belt reel 620. When the lock unit 650 is adjusted to
the locked position, the lock member 652 can engage the seat belt
610 and inhibit motion of the seat belt 610 from the seat belt reel
620. As shown in FIG. 35, the lock member 652 can apply force to
the restraint section 612 that is mounted on reel 620 to prevent or
inhibit motion of the portion of the restraint section 612 that is
currently wound about the reel 620.
[0519] The retractor 600 can also include a lock control unit 660.
The lock control unit 660 can operate to move the lock unit 650
between the locked position and the unlocked position. In some
examples, the lock unit 650 may be biased to the locked position.
The lock control unit 660 may be configured to deactivate/unlock
the lock unit 650.
[0520] In the example illustrated, the lock control unit 660
includes a release member 662. The release member 662 is operable
to drive the lock member 652 from the locked position to the
unlocked position.
[0521] In some examples, the lock control unit 660 can include a
solenoid 664. The solenoid can be configured to control the
operation of the release member 662.
[0522] The lock control unit 660 can also include a lock position
sensor 670. The lock position sensor 670 can be configured to
monitor the position of the lock unit 660. The lock position sensor
670 can be configured to detect whether the lock unit 660 is in the
locked position. For example, the lock position sensor 670 may be
an optical sensor or mechanical sensor operable to detect the
position of the release member 662 and/or lock member 652.
[0523] Alternately, the lock position sensor 670 can include a
solenoid monitoring sensor 672 as in the example illustrated (see
e.g. FIG. 33). The lock position sensor 670 may determine the
position of the lock unit 600 based on the state of the solenoid
664, as detected by sensor 672. For example, solenoid monitor
sensor 672 may be an optical sensor positioned facing solenoid
664.
[0524] The lock control unit 660 can be remotely connected to a
vehicle controller, e.g. wirelessly or through a wired connection.
The vehicle controller may control the operation of a vehicle, such
as motion platform apparatus 200, on which the vehicle safety
device is installed. The vehicle controller can be configured to
transmit control signals to lock control unit 660 to control
operation of the lock control unit 660.
[0525] The vehicle controller can also communicate with the lock
position sensor 670. The lock position sensor 670 can be configured
to transmit a lock position signal to the vehicle controller. The
lock position signal can indicate whether the lock unit 660 of the
corresponding safety device is in the locked position or the
unlocked position. The vehicle controller can be configured to
prevent operation of the vehicle in response to determining that
the lock position signal indicates that the lock unit 660 is in the
unlocked position. In some examples, the vehicle controller may
prevent operation of the vehicle if the lock unit 660 of any
vehicle safety devices provided on the seating assembly 300 are in
the unlocked position.
[0526] In some examples, the vehicle controller may be configured
to identify a vehicle load condition. The vehicle load condition
may indicate that users are loading onto or unloading from the
vehicle. For example, a vehicle load condition may be identified
based on a simulation operator providing an input indicating that
loading/unloading of the seating assembly 300 is underway.
[0527] The vehicle controller may then transmit a load signal to
the lock control unit 660. The lock control unit 660 can be
configured to adjust the lock unit 650 to the unlocked position in
response to the load signal. This may facilitate more rapid
loading/unloading of the vehicle.
[0528] The vehicle controller may be configured to identify a
vehicle activation condition. The vehicle activation condition may
indicate that the user vehicle is to be moved. For example, a
vehicle activation condition may be identified based on a
simulation operator providing an input indicating that loading of
the seating assembly 300 is complete.
[0529] The vehicle controller may then transmit a vehicle
activation signal to the lock control unit 660. The lock control
unit 660 can be configured to adjust the lock unit 650 to the
locked position in response to the vehicle activation signal. This
may prevent undesired extension of the restraint 612 during
operation of the vehicle.
[0530] The vehicle controller may be configured to monitor the lock
units 650 of each safety device provided on the vehicle. For
example, the lock position sensor 670 may continually monitor the
position of the seat belt lock unit 650 (e.g. by monitoring a
position of the lock member 652, release member 662, or solenoid
664). The lock position sensor 670 can transmit the monitored
position of the seat belt lock unit to the vehicle controller. The
vehicle controller can prevent the user vehicle from moving in
response to the monitored position indicating that at least one of
the seat belt lock units 650 is in an unlocked position.
[0531] The seating assembly 300 may also include seat occupancy
sensors. The seat occupancy sensors can be configured to identify
which of the seats 350 are occupied in a given motion simulation
experience. For example, optic sensors and/or pressure sensors may
be used to detect seat occupancy.
[0532] The vehicle controller may use the feedback from the seat
occupancy sensors to ensure that the seat belt lock unit 650 for
each occupied seat 350 is locked prior to operating the vehicle.
This may allow the vehicle controller to activate the vehicle even
if some of the seat belt lock units 650 are deactivated, so long as
those seats are unoccupied.
[0533] When the vehicle controller determines that each of the seat
belt lock units 650 is in the locked position, the vehicle
controller may then initiate movement of the vehicle from the load
position to the in-use position. The lock control unit 660 can be
configured to maintain the lock unit 650 in the locked position, or
otherwise to not adjust the lock units 650 to the unlocked
position, while the motion platform remains in the in-use
position.
[0534] The vehicle controller may subsequently determine that the
user vehicle has returned to the load position. The vehicle
controller may then transmit a lock deactivation signal to the lock
control unit 660 in response to determining that the user vehicle
is in the load position. The lock control unit 660 may then adjust
the lock unit 650 to the unlocked position in response to the lock
deactivation signal, allowing the seat belt 610 to move freely on
the seat belt reel 620. This may promote faster unloading, as input
from an operator may not be required to deactivate the lock unit
650.
Movable Bay Wall
[0535] The following is a description of a movable bay wall that
may be used by itself in any motion simulator system or in any
combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features
disclosed including the motion platform apparatus, the tolerance
accommodation member, the track mounting assembly, the platform
positioning system, and the vehicle safety device.
[0536] In accordance with this aspect, a user motion apparatus is
positioned within a motion bay. The motion bay includes an
entranceway that provides users with access to the user motion
apparatus. The motion bay can also include a movable wall section.
The movable wall section can be moved to cover the entranceway
before the motion apparatus is moved between a load position and a
ride position. This movable wall section may provide a smooth wall
adjacent to the motion assembly that may reduce or avoid pinch
points near to the motion assembly. This may reduce the chance of
user injury due to hair or limbs being caught as the motion
assembly is moved to the ride position. This may also permit the
size of the motion bay to be reduced, by allowing the motion
assembly to be positioned closer to the outer bay walls.
[0537] For simplicity, various features of the example movable bay
wall described herein are described in relation to the motion
platform apparatus 200. However, it will be appreciated that these
features can also be used in respect of other motion assemblies,
such as rear-mounted or suspension-type motion assemblies.
[0538] A motion bay 100 can enclose one or more motion assemblies
that are used to support rider accommodations. As shown in FIGS.
38-51, each motion bays 110 one or more motion platform apparatuses
200 each having a motion platform 400 that supports a seating
assembly 300. The seating assembly 300 can include seats for one or
more riders of the motion platform apparatus 200.
[0539] The motion bay 110 can extend between a bay front end 112
and a bay rear end 114 in a forward-rearward direction 114. The
motion bay 110 can also extend between a first lateral bay side 117
and a second lateral bay side 119.
[0540] The motion platform 400 can be contained within the
enclosure defined by the motion bay 110. The motion platform 400
also has a platform front end 402, a platform rear end 404, a first
lateral platform side 403 and a second lateral platform side
405.
[0541] The motion bay 110 can include an entranceway 800. The
entranceway 800 can be formed in a lateral side 119 of the motion
bay 110. The entranceway 800 can be sized to permit riders to enter
and exit the motion bay through the entranceway 800.
[0542] Optionally, the motion bay 110 may include entranceways 800a
and 800b formed on both lateral sides 117 and 119 (see e.g. FIG.
39). This may facilitate rapid loading and unloading of the seating
assemblies 300. For example, dual entranceways 800 may facilitate
loading through a first entranceway 800a and unloading through a
second entranceway 800b. This may facilitate a flow of riders
through multiple sessions of a motion simulation experience.
Alternately or in addition, dual entranceways 800 may facilitate
loading of motion bays 100 having multiple motion platform
apparatuses 200.
[0543] The motion platform 400 can move along a platform motion
path between an in-use position proximate the bay front end 112 and
a load position rearward of the in-use position. For example, track
450 can define a platform motion path that extends generally
between the track front end 451 and track rear end 453. The
entranceway 800 can be positioned to be adjacent to a portion of
the platform motion path. For example, the entranceway 800 may be
located proximate the bay front end 412 as illustrated.
[0544] The motion bay 110 can include a bay wall 850 on the lateral
bay side 119. The bay wall 850 can include a movable wall section
852 that is movably mounted on the lateral bay side 119 of motion
bay 110 and a fixed wall section 854. The movable wall section 852
can be moved between a wall load position (see e.g. FIGS. 38,
41-45) and a wall motion position (see e.g. FIGS. 39, 40 and
46).
[0545] In the wall motion position, the movable wall section 852
defines a continuous wall section 858 adjacent to the first lateral
platform side 403. The continuous wall section 858 can separate the
motion platform 400 from the entranceway 800. The continuous wall
section 858 can be provided to avoid changes in surface texture and
pinch points that might otherwise exist if the entranceway is left
open when the motion platform 400 is moved. For example, when the
bay wall 850 is positioned in the wall motion position, the bay
wall 850 may define a substantially continuous wall section
extending from the load position of the seating assembly 300 to the
bay front end 112. The continuous wall section may engage with the
frame 910 that provides the door track.
[0546] In the wall load position, the movable wall section 852 can
be positioned rearward as compared to the wall motion position. The
movable wall section 852 can receded to provide access from the
entranceway 800 to the motion platform 400.
[0547] In some examples, the movable wall section 852 may be
movable only when the motion platform 400 is in the platform load
position (e.g. proximate the rear 114 of the motion bay). The
movable wall section 852 may be adjustable between the wall load
position and the wall motion position when the motion platform 400
is in the load position. This may ensure that the wall section 852
may be positioned in the wall motion position prior to the motion
platform 400 being moved to the in-use position.
[0548] A vehicle controller can be configured to control movement
of the movable wall section 852. The vehicle controller may be
configured to move the movable wall section 852 only when the
motion platform 400 is in the load position. The vehicle controller
may be configured to ensure that the movable wall section 852 is
positioned in the extended position whenever the motion platform
400 is not in the load position. That is, the motion platform 400
may only movable between the load position and the in-use position
when the bay wall 850 is positioned in the wall motion position.
This may ensure that pinch points are avoided while the motion
platform 400 and/or seating assembly 300 are in motion.
[0549] The movable wall section 852 may permit the motion platform
400 to be positioned close to the lateral side 119 of the motion
bay 100 while still providing a safe motion arena for the motion
platform 400. This may allow the overall size of the motion bay 110
to be reduced or the user capacity to be increased, which may in
turn promote greater overall capacity for a motion simulation
venue.
[0550] For example, the movable bay wall section 852 may be spaced
apart from the first lateral platform side 403 of the motion
platform 400 by a wall spacing distance d.sub.852 (see FIG. 45)
less than 18 inches when the bay wall 850 is in the wall load
position. In some examples, the movable bay wall section 852 may be
spaced apart from the first lateral platform side 403 of the motion
platform 400 by a wall spacing distance d.sub.852 (see FIG. 45)
less than 12 inches when the bay wall 850 is in the wall load
position.
[0551] In the example illustrated, movable wall section 852 may be
mounted on a wall track 860. As shown, the track 860 can be
provided by a wall support section 830. In the example illustrated,
the wall track 860 is an overhead track provided above the movable
wall section 852. A wall mounting unit 862 can be used to movably
mount the wall section 852 to the track 860. As illustrated by the
example of FIG. 50, the wall mounting unit 862 can include a roller
864 that can move along the track 860 between the wall load
position and the wall motion position.
[0552] The motion bay may also include a wall position sensor 870.
The wall position sensor 870 can be configured to monitor a
position of the bay wall 850. The wall position sensor 870 may be
an optical sensor or other type of sensor arranged to detect the
position of the movable wall section 854.
[0553] As shown in FIG. 50, the wall position sensor 870 may be an
optical sensor positioned to detect a sensor target 872 mounted to
the movable bay wall section 852. The wall position sensor 870 can
be positioned proximate to the bay front end 112 (e.g. near the
wall motion position) to identify when the movable wall section 854
is in the wall motion position.
[0554] The wall position sensor 870 can transmit a wall position
signal to a vehicle controller. The vehicle controller can be
configured to control operation of the motion platform 400 based on
the wall position signal. For example, the vehicle controller may
prevent operation of the motion platform 400 unless the wall
position sensor 870 detects the motion platform 400 in the wall
motion position.
[0555] The motion bay 110 may also include a retractable front door
900. The front door 900 may separate the motion bay 110 from a
viewing area in front of display 120. The front door 900 may be
adjusted between an open position (see e.g. FIG. 5) in which the
bay front end 112 is open and a closed position (see e.g. FIG. 6)
in which the bay front end 112 is closed by the front door 900.
[0556] The front door 900 can be positioned in the closed position
during loading and unloading of riders from the seating assembly
300. This may ensure secure loading/unloading and prevent users
from falling off the front end 112 of a motion bay 110.
[0557] The front door 900 can be moved to the open position to
allow the motion platform 400 and seating assembly 300 to be moved
forward to the front end 112 of the motion bay 110. This may remove
any elements from the sight lines of riders positioned in the seats
350, and thereby provide riders with a more immersive experience.
The openable front door 900 may allow the motion bays 110 to omit
any front safety railings that may otherwise obscure a user's view
of the screen 120.
[0558] In the example illustrated, the front door 900 is mounted on
a frame 910. The frame 910 includes a track 920 along which the
front door 900 is movable. The front door 900 can move along track
920 between the open position and the closed position.
[0559] The door track 920 can include an overhead track section 924
and a front track section 926. The door 900 can transition between
the overhead track section 924 and the front track section 926 as
the door moves between the open position and the closed
position.
[0560] The front door 900 may include variable opening/closing
rates for transitioning between the open and closed positions. The
front door 900 may also be configured to begin and end the
opening/closing motion at reduced rates of speed, to provide a soft
close effect for the riders.
[0561] Optionally, the door 900 may open and close at different
rates. The door 900 may transition from the closed position to the
open position at a faster rate than transitioning from the open
position to the closed position. This may facilitate opening the
door 900 as the motion platform 400 is already in motion from the
load position to the ride position. This may provide users with a
more immersive experience by emphasizing the synchronization
between the motion platform 400 and door 900.
[0562] For example, the door 900 may transition from the closed
position to the open position in about 2-4 seconds, and about 2-3
second in some cases. The door 900 may transition from the open
position to the closed position in about 3-7 seconds, and about 4-5
second in some cases.
[0563] The bay wall 850 and the retractable front door 900 can also
share a track support section 830. As illustrated, the track
support section 830 can include an upper portion that includes the
overhead section 926 of the door track and a lower portion that
includes the wall track 860.
[0564] The frame 910 can include a track guard section 922 (see
e.g. FIG. 41). The track guard section 922 can enclose the front
track section 926 and prevent the bay wall section 854 from
contacting the front track section 926 when the front door 900 is
mounted on the front track section 926. When the bay wall section
854 is moved to the closed position, the bay wall section 854 may
engage the front door track section 926.
[0565] The vehicle controller may also include a door control unit.
The door control unit may be configured to control the operation of
the front door 900. For example, the door control unit may control
the operation of the front door 900 based on the position of the
motion platform 400.
[0566] The door control unit can also communicate with the wall
position sensor 870. The door control unit may be configured to
prevent the front door 900 from opening when the bay wall 850 is in
the wall load position. This may ensure that users cannot fall from
the bay front end 112 during loading/unloading.
[0567] The motion bay 110 can also include one or more front door
position sensor. The door position sensor(s) can be configured to
monitor a position of the front door. The door position sensor(s)
may operate to determine when the front door 900 is in the open or
closed position. For example, the motion bay 110 can include a door
closed sensor 940 and a door open sensor 942.
[0568] The vehicle controller may also include a wall control unit
in communication with the front door position sensor 940. The wall
control unit may be configured to prevent the bay wall 850 from
moving towards the wall load position unless the front door 900 is
in the closed position.
[0569] As used herein, the wording "and/or" is intended to
represent an inclusive--or. That is, "X and/or Y" is intended to
mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, "X, Y,
and/or Z" is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination
thereof.
[0570] While the above description describes features of example
embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or
functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to
modification without departing from the spirit and principles of
operation of the described embodiments. For example, the various
characteristics which are described by means of the represented
embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each
other. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be
illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting. It will be
understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and
modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the
invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of
the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and
examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation
consistent with the description as a whole.
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