SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING A PASSENGER COMPARTMENT BETWEEN RIDE SYSTEMS USING ROBOTIC TOOL CHANGERS

Number: 20250177875
Published: 2025-06-05
Filed: 2025-02-04
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: KILBERT; Michael
CPC: B25J15/04; A63G31/02; A63G21/20; A63G31/00; B25J11/003
Verdict: High Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Robotic tool-changer ride passenger-compartment transfer hardware (continuation).

Abstract

A system may include a passenger compartment comprising a first compartment connector and a second compartment connector. The second compartment connector is configured to engage with a first support structure connector of a first support structure. The system may include an arm member configured to be engaged with the first compartment connector of the passenger compartment. The system may include a controller in communication with the arm member. The arm member, upon direction from the controller, is engageable with the first compartment connector, and, when the second compartment connector is uncoupled from the first support structure connector, the arm member is configured to position the passenger compartment adjacent to a second support structure having a second support structure connector. The second compartment connector is configured to engage the second support structure connector.

Background

BACKGROUND

A typical ride system is composed of a passenger vehicle which transports passengers through a ride experience. The passenger vehicle typically has a system or device that propels the passenger vehicle through the ride experience and a passenger compartment configured to receive one or more passengers (e.g., one or more riders). For example, the passenger compartment may transport the one or more passengers from one portion of a ride system to another portion of a ride system. In some instances, a passenger may control a movement of the passenger compartment.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: a passenger compartment comprising a first compartment connector and a second compartment connector, the second compartment connector configured to engage with a first support structure connector of a first support structure; an arm member configured to be engaged with the first compartment connector of the passenger compartment; and a controller in communication with the arm member; wherein the arm member, upon direction from the controller, is engageable with the first compartment connector, and, when the second compartment connector is uncoupled from the first support structure connector, the arm member is configured to position the passenger compartment adjacent to a second support structure having a second support structure connector, the second compartment connector configured to engage the second support structure connector. || 13. An amusement ride, comprising: a first support structure comprising a first support structure connector; and a passenger compartment comprising a first compartment connector and a second compartment connector, the second compartment connector configured to engage with the first support structure connector; wherein a robotic arm is communicably coupled to the amusement ride, upon detection of the robotic arm engaged with the first compartment connector, the second compartment connector is uncoupled from the first support structure connector, the robotic arm configured to transport the passenger compartment. || 18. A method of transferring a passenger compartment of a system, comprising: coupling an arm member to the passenger compartment, the arm member to engage with a first compartment connector of the passenger compartment; releasing the passenger compartment from an engagement with a first support structure connector a first support structure; after coupling of the arm member to the passenger compartment and releasing the passenger compartment from the first support structure connector, driving the arm member to position the passenger compartment adjacent to a second support structure; coupling the passenger compartment to a second support structure connector of the second support structure; and responsive to detection of the coupling of the passenger compartment to the second support structure connector, disconnecting the arm member from the first compartment connector.