SIX DEGREE OF FREEDOM (DOF) MOTION PLATFORM WITHOUT NON-REDUNDANT LOAD PATHS

Number: 20170072327
Published: 2017-03-16
Filed: 2016-01-22
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: WACH; RYAN X.
CPC: A63G31/16; F16M11/2035; F16M11/121; F16M11/043; A63G31/02; F16M11/18
Verdict: Medium Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Six-degree-of-freedom motion platform hardware with a non-redundant load-path design — ride/simulator hardware.

Abstract

A six degree of freedom (DOF) motion platform system is described that, in contrast to Stewart platforms, is adapted to include redundant load paths or to be without non-redundant load paths. During operation of the six DOF motion platform system, a controller may employ motion control software to provide desired movement of a ride vehicle supported on the upper plate or motion platform of the system. This makes the six DOF motion platform system particularly well suited for use in amusement or theme park rides and similar applications where it is desirable to provide redundant load paths because this reduces significant design constraints and also lowers fabrication and maintenance/operation costswhen compared to rides using Stewart platforms. The actuation system used in the motion platform system include four pairs of linear actuators arranged as a rectangular truss instead of a more conventional triangular truss used in six DOF motion platforms.

Background

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate with a side perspective view and an end view, respectively, a six DOF motion platform system with eight linear actuators arranged in four operating pairs or assemblies toprovide a rectangular truss configuration;

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate with three different views the motion platform system of FIGS. 1 and 2 during its controlled operation to move the motion platform to a new position through driving one to eight of the linear actuators in a complimentary manner; and

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate, with a bottom perspective view and a top perspective view, another embodiment of a motion platform system similar to the system of FIGS. 1-5 but with pivotal coupling provided at both ends of the actuators using U-joints to provide fuller rotation at the connection to the motion platform.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventor recognized that Stewart platforms are desirable for usein the design of park rides in part because movement of any one of the six linear actuators provides motion of the motion platform and a vehicle supported on the motion platform. This is possible in part because the Stewart platform is not over-constrained, and common design practices lead a ride designer to avoid over-constrained mechanisms. In contrast tothese common practices or in a counterintuitive approach, the inventor recognized that itis desirable in some cases to avoid non-redundant load paths, which can be achieved by providi

Claims

1. A motion platform apparatus for supporting an object and for moving the supported objectwith six degree of freedom (DOF) motion, the apparatus comprising: a motion platform; a base with an upper surface facing and spaced apart from a lower surface of the motion platform; and an actuation system coupled with the lower surface of the motion platform and with the upper surface of the base, wherein the actuation system operates to move the motion platform with six DOF motion, wherein the actuation system is free of non-redundant load paths, wherein the actuation system is pivotally coupled, via four platform coupling components, with the lower surface of the motion platform at four coupling locations that are arranged in a rectangular pattern, and wherein the actuation system comprises four actuator assemblies that are independently and concurrently operable to provide the six DOF motion.9. An apparatus for moving a supported object with six degree of freedom (DOF) motion, the apparatus comprising: a motion platform; an actuation system coupled with the motion platform; and a controller operating the actuation system to move the motion platform with six DOF motion, wherein the actuation system comprises four actuator assemblies that are independently operable to provide the six DOF motion to the motion platform. 15. An amusementpark ride, comprising: a motion platform; a passenger vehicle mounted on or integrally formed with an upper surface of the motion platform; a base with an upper surface spaced apart from a lower surface of the motion platform; and an actuation system coupled with the lower surface of the motion platform and with the upper surface of the base, wherein the actuation system operates to move the motion platform with six DOF motion, wherein the actuation system is pivotally coupled with the lower surface of the motion platform at four coupling locations that are arranged in a rectangular pattern, and wherein the actuation system comprises four actuator assemblies that are operable to provide the six DOF motion to the motion platform.