"Inverted Simulation Attraction" for Disney?

[SpacePlace]

Ride & Show Engineering in California has developed a new ride vehicle for dark rides, shown below,

"The present invention relates generally to the field of amusement rides wherein patrons seated in cars are moved along a track, the cars are suspended from the track, and the car is pointed in various directions to view specific portions of the attraction. Optionally, a motion base positioned between the car and the track also allows for the simulation of movement, for example, the simulation of flight in various directions."

http://www.google.com/patents/US20130017893

This is an improvement over existing ride vehicles that, as Ride & Show points out,

"... have no ability to impart rotational movements in the yaw, pitch or roll directions to simulate movement or direct a patron's viewpoint toward desired scenery."

I would think that this would be a great upgrade to an existing dark ride like Peter Pan. The improved mechanics, smoother motions, increased degrees of freedom, and simulated "flight" would all be major pluses. But I see that they are promoting this to Disney and Universal. Still, I think this would be a better fit for Disney.

 

[twebber55]

First thought is this is perfect for an avatar ride

 

[linzbear]

Monster's Inc door sequence.

 

[twebber55]

Monster's Inc door sequence.

yep could be that as well

 

[OKW Lover]

Kind of similar to the Horizons ride mechanism.

 

[doconeill]

Hmm...seems like a more complicated way to do what the Kuka arm system does from below?

 

[beer dave]

Hmm...seems like a more complicated way to do what the Kuka arm system does from below?

To me it looks like a smaller version that can ride suspended from a rail or track--

 

[doconeill]

To me it looks like a smaller version that can ride suspended from a rail or track--

Well...less...like I said, it does from above what the Kuka arm does from below

The Kuka I believe has a LOT more movement though.

I wonder what the advantages/disadvantages are of one over the other. At first, I was thinking that with a catastrophic failure of some sort, I'd rather be supported from below - but then, the overhead rail system might allow for lower clearances below (i.e. you can't fall as far...)

I also think this system would be better on something faster moving than Peter Pan.

 

[MJMcBride]

Monster's Inc door sequence.

maybe a cool Marvel ride?

 

[twebber55]

maybe a cool Marvel ride?

Yes that would be cool

 

[beer dave]

Well...less...like I said, it does from above what the Kuka arm does from below

The Kuka I believe has a LOT more movement though.

I wonder what the advantages/disadvantages are of one over the other. At first, I was thinking that with a catastrophic failure of some sort, I'd rather be supported from below - but then, the overhead rail system might allow for lower clearances below (i.e. you can't fall as far...)

I also think this system would be better on something faster moving than Peter Pan.

That is what I was assuming the idea was for-- a fast moving attraction. I have never been on the ones at universal, but I would think it would be difficult to get that entire kuka arm up to any kind of speed.... but it would be crazy if they could... imagine that kind of motion coupled with speed. Sounds like yeti 2.