WO2023048567A1 - Amusement ride and method of assembly - Google Patents
Amusement ride and method of assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2023048567A1 WO2023048567A1 PCT/NL2022/050533 NL2022050533W WO2023048567A1 WO 2023048567 A1 WO2023048567 A1 WO 2023048567A1 NL 2022050533 W NL2022050533 W NL 2022050533W WO 2023048567 A1 WO2023048567 A1 WO 2023048567A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- wheel
- amusement ride
- ride according
- rotation axis
- flange
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 9
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002990 reinforced plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
- A63G27/00—Russian swings; Great wheels, e.g. Ferris wheels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
- A63G2200/00—Means for transporting or storing public amusement arrangements
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an amusement ride and specifically to a ferris wheel or observation wheel.
- the invention further relates to a wheel for an amusement ride and a method for assembly and disassembly of an amusement ride.
- EP2055362 A1 discloses a ferris wheel.
- the ferris wheel has a moving wheel, suspended for rotation about a shaft between two masts.
- the wheel is constructed from a plurality of spokes, which extend radially from the shaft and are connected at their ends by two ring segments.
- the two ring segments together form an outer rim of the wheel.
- Suspended between the two ring segments are a plurality of gondolas in which passengers can sit.
- this ferris wheel Disadvantageous to this ferris wheel is that its components are relatively heavy. Consequently, heavy equipment and special transport vehicles may be required for the assembly and transport of the amusement ride. Specifically the shaft, also referred to as a hub or axle of the wheel, typically needs to be lifted and placed between the two masts using a crane. This is relatively expensive and time consuming. Moreover, the support structures and terrain where the amusement ride is placed needs to be suitable for carrying the heavy amusement ride.
- an amusement ride comprising a wheel rotatable around a central rotation axis and a wheel support structure for rotatably supporting the wheel in a substantially upright position, the wheel comprising: a peripheral rim configured to support a plurality of passenger capsules; a first wheel flange arranged around the central rotation axis of the wheel; a second wheel flange arranged around the central rotation axis of the wheel and spaced from the first wheel flange along the central axis; and a plurality of spokes extending radially from the wheel flanges to the peripheral rim.
- the wheel support structure comprises a first mast comprising a first bearing assembly configured to rotatably support the first wheel flange; and a second mast comprising a second bearing assembly configured to rotatably support the second wheel flange, wherein the first and second bearing assemblies are directly connected to the first and second mast respectively.
- amusement ride is used to cover any apparatus in the amusement park industry that has a rotatable wheel. Specifically, both ferris wheels with gravity-oriented capsules as well as observation wheels that use other means to keep the capsules upright are considered covered by the term amusement ride.
- the direct connection of the bearing assemblies to the masts enable a wheel structure wherein a traditional hub in the wheel is no longer required. This is advantageous as the overall construction is much lighter, mainly yielding advantages for transport and installation of the wheel. Specifically, a crane is not needed to arrange a hub between the two masts.
- no stationary connection having a structural purpose is provided between the first and second masts. It will be understood by the skilled person that this means that no stationary connection is required for the functionality or the structural support of the amusement ride.
- a stationary connection may be provided between the first and second masts for aesthetic purposes, or for the sake of a false security for having people believe that the wheel is sufficiently supported by the wheel support structure.
- each of the bearing assemblies is configured to support an axial load acting in a direction along the central rotation axis. Due to the absence of a stationary connection between the masts, the bearing assemblies need to support an axial load that is significantly larger than in traditional amusement rides.
- the bearing assembly may comprise a slewing bearing. This type of bearing is particularly suited for supporting heavy but slow-turning loads.
- the bearing assemblies may for example be a sliding bearing or a type of roller bearing that can support axial loads.
- the first and second mast each comprise a top portion that is configured to receive the respective bearing assembly, wherein the top portion is configured to absorb the axial forces along the direction of the central rotation axis C.
- the forces that the mast needs to absorb are significantly larger than in an amusement ride with a wheel that rotates around a central hub. Specifically, more forces need to be absorbed along the axial direction.
- the mast has a top portion that is reinforced and configured to absorb the axial load from the bearing assembly.
- the wheel further comprises a plurality of connective elements extending from the first wheel flange to the second wheel flange, wherein the plurality of connective elements is configured to space the first and second wheel flanges from each other.
- the connective elements provide stability to the wheel, which in a conventional wheel would be provided by a traditional hub.
- the connective elements are easy to handle and significantly less heavy than a traditional hub.
- the plurality of connective elements is arranged at a radial distance between 80 cm and 300 cm from the central rotation axis C of the wheel.
- the positioning of the connective elements is to a large extent dependent on the dimensions of the bearing assembly in the support structure that supports the wheel. Providing the connective elements relatively close to the center of the wheel enables an efficient transfer of forces through the wheel and improves the stability of the wheel.
- the connective elements are pins.
- the pins are preferably made of metal, such as iron or steel.
- beams or any other type of construction element that can sustain the forces developed in the wheel may be used.
- a pin is typically straight, other connective elements may also comprise a knick-point or brace.
- the connective elements extend from the first wheel flange to the second wheel flange in a direction parallel to the central rotation axis C. Due to the connective elements extending in parallel to each other they do not cross each other. This enables an easy installation. Nevertheless, it will be understood that alternative configurations are also possible.
- the connective elements may also be arranged to extend in a transverse direction between the wheel flanges.
- each of the plurality of connective elements weights less than 50 kg, preferably less than 25 kg.
- the light-weight enables installation of the amusement ride without the use of additional lifting equipment. Further advantageous is that the total weight is divided over the plurality of connective elements. This eases installation.
- the peripheral rim comprises two rings interconnected through a plurality of rim connective elements.
- the rim may be made of a dense material. Specifically for observation wheels this is more customary, whereas the more open structure is preferable for traditional ferris wheels. The open structure reduces the weight and is more aerodynamic as it reduces wind resistance.
- each spoke comprises a first portion extending from the first wheel flange to the peripheral rim and a second portion extending from the second wheel flange to the peripheral rim, and wherein the first and second portion are connected to each other through a plurality of braces.
- This type of spoke provides good stability to the wheel. It will be understood however that also spoke patterns without braces are possible, wherein the spokes cross over and are alternatingly connected to the first and second wheel flange.
- the braces extend diagonally with respect to the first and second portion.
- the term “diagonally” means that the braces connect the first and second portion along a trajectory that is not the shortest possible trajectory.
- the braces are arranged to form a cross.
- the first and second portion may be connected through a plurality of beams extending in a direction parallel to the central axis and diagonal braces may be arranged to connect to one of the portions and the beam.
- the wheel further comprises an annular support structure, connecting the spokes to each other, the annular support structure connecting to each spoke at a distance between 40 to 60% of the length of each spoke along its radial direction.
- the annular support structure provides lateral stability to the wheel.
- the wheel may comprise one or more annular support structures.
- a plurality of diagonal struts are connected to the annular support structure, preferably wherein each spoke comprises two diagonal struts.
- the diagonal struts provide a structure for connecting the passenger capsules.
- each diagonal strut is configured to carry a passenger capsule.
- the peripheral rim inscribes a circle having a diameter of at least 20 m, or at least 50 m.
- the hubless wheel structure is suited for any size of ferris wheel. Nevertheless, it will be understood that for larger wheels the weight related advantages are larger.
- the connective elements are made of iron.
- the spokes are made of iron.
- the spokes and connective elements may be made of any other suitable type of structural materiall like a reinforced plastic or a metal, for instance steel.
- the amusement ride is transportable.
- the invention has advantages also for permanent ferris wheels and observation wheels, the wheel without central hub is particularly suited for transportable wheels.
- the omission of a hub in the amusement ride allows for the quick assembly and disassembly of the ferris wheel without using heavy lifting equipment. In addition, its lower weight also eases transportation.
- a method for assembling an amusement ride comprising: providing a wheel support structure comprising a first mast having a first bearing assembly and a second mast having a second bearing assembly; installing a wheel in the wheel support structure by connecting a first wheel flange of the wheel to the first bearing assembly and a second wheel flange of the wheel to the second bearing assembly; and connecting a plurality of connective members to the wheel flanges to extend between the first and second wheel flanges.
- the step of installing the wheel further comprises connecting a plurality of spokes to the wheel flanges; and unfolding the spokes and providing a plurality of rim connective elements to form a wheel, the wheel configured to rotate around a central rotation axis.
- Fig. 1A schematically shows a front view of a first embodiment of an amusement ride according to the invention.
- Fig. 1 B shows a side view of the amusement ride in Fig. 1A.
- Fig. 1 C shows a detail of the connection of the wheel to the mast in the amusement ride of
- Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a wheel for an amusement ride.
- Fig. 2B shows a detail of the centre of the wheel in Fig. 2A.
- FIG. 1 A schematically shows a front view of a first embodiment of an amusement ride 1 .
- the amusement ride 1 has a wheel 2, a wheel support structure 3, a base 4, a drive mechanism 5, a passenger platform 6, and passenger capsules 7.
- the wheel 2 is rotatable around the central axis C.
- the wheel support structure 3 holds the wheel 2 in a substantially upright position while enabling its rotation around the central axis C.
- the wheel support structure 3 is mounted on the base 4 and driven by the drive mechanism 5 that is arranged near the base 4.
- the drive mechanism drives rotation of the wheel 2 and can be operated to start and stop to allow passengers on the platform 6 to access the passenger capsules 7 and take a ride.
- the wheel 2 has a plurality of spokes 8 and a peripheral rim 10.
- the spokes 8 extend radially outward from the central axis C toward the peripheral rim 10 to provide the wheel 2 with stability.
- the rim 10 supports the capsules 7.
- the rim 10 is approximately circular and is formed by a regular polygon having 45 edges.
- the height of the wheel i.e., the diameter of the wheel inscribed by the polygon
- the wheel 2 is therefore particularly suited for use on fairs and in theme parks.
- Figure 1 B schematically shows a side view of the amusement ride 1 in Fig 1A.
- the capsules 7 have been omitted.
- the rim 10 has two identical rings 11 a, 11 b and a plurality of rim connective elements 12 that connect the two rings 11 .
- Each of the rings 11 a and 11 b define a wheel face 9a and 9b.
- the spokes 8 provide a large number of connections between the two wheel faces 9 to provide stability to the wheel 2.
- the wheel support structure 3 comprises two masts 31 a, 31 b arranged adjacent to the wheel faces 9a, 9b.
- the masts 31 extend between the base 4 and the rotation axis C.
- the masts 31 are not connected through a hub, shaft, axle, or other type of structure that directly connects the first mast 31 a to the second mast 31 b. Instead the wheel 2 is configured to take up all forces developed when the wheel 2 is rotated.
- FIG. 1 C shows a detail of the connection of the wheel 2 to the two masts 31 a, 31 b.
- Each mast 31 has a body 33, top portion 34, and a bearing assembly 32.
- the bearing assembly 32 comprises a slewing bearing.
- a slewing bearing can typically support a heavy, yet slowly-oscillating load and is therefore particularly suited for the application in the amusement ride. Due the lack of a central hub in the wheel, the axial loads are typically significantly larger than in traditional wheels with a hub and therefore this different type of bearing is applied.
- Each bearing assembly 32 is in direct contact with a connection surface of the top portion 34 of the respective masts 31.
- the top portions 34 comprises a cone shape, extending from the mast body 32.
- the cone shape provides additional strength to absorb the axial loads and torque from the wheel 2.
- Each wheel face 9a, 9b is provided with a circular flange 21 a, 21 b.
- the bearing assembly 32 is configured to receive the circular flange 21 .
- the spokes 8 are placed under tension and extend radially outward from the circular flange 21 towards the peripheral rim 10.
- the connective elements 24 are cylindrical pins that extend substantially parallel to the central rotation axis C and can take up pressure forces developed in the wheel 2.
- the structure of the wheel 2 near its center will be discussed in more detail in relation to Figure 2B below.
- the connective elements 24 can be made of steel. It will be clear that any other suitable constructing material is conceivable to make the connective elements 24. Each connective element is approximately 225 cm long and has a diameter of 6 cm. In this specific embodiment, one connective element 24 is provided for each spoke 8. Alternatively, fewer or more connective elements 24 may be used. In addition, the connective elements 24 not necessarily need to be straight nor need to be parallel to the central axis. The connective elements 24 are in this embodiment connected to the spokes 8, but may alternatively directly be connected to the flange 21.
- connective elements 24 are the relatively light weight of the ferris wheel.
- the total construction of the ferris wheel is approximately 350 T kg.
- the fifteen connective elements 24 together weigh only 250 kg.
- a hub arranged in the central axis of the wheel have would have weighted approximately 15000 kilograms. Consequently heavy equipment is typically required to arrange the hub in position at the center of the ferris wheel.
- the hub is a single heavy component, whereas the weight in the hubless amusement ride according to the invention is distributed over the plurality of connective elements 24.
- FIG 2A shows a perspective view of the wheel 2.
- Each spoke 8 has two portions 13a, 13b extending from the center of the wheel to the peripheral rim 10.
- the portions 13 are connected to each other through a plurality of diagonal braces 14.
- the braces 14 provide lateral stability to the wheel 2.
- three annular support structures 15, 16, 17 are arranged in the wheel.
- Each annular support structure connects subsequent spokes 8 to each other.
- the annular support structures are provided in the wheel faces. Nevertheless, it will be understood that alternatively also beams can be considered extend from one wheel face to another that cross each other.
- Figure 2B shows a detail of the wheel 2 around the central axis C.
- the circular flanges 21 can be connected to the masts 31 through the bearing assembly 32 as discussed in relation to Fig. 1A above.
- the circular flange 21 has an annular body 22 protruding outward form the wheel faces 9 and configured to be received in the bearing assembly 32. The annular body can thereby transfer the axial loads from the wheel to the bearing assembly 32.
- the circular flange 21 further comprises an attachment ring 23 extending from an outer circumference of the annular body 22.
- the connective elements 24 extend between the attachment rings 23 of the first and second wheel flanges 21. In this specific embodiment, the connective elements are not directly connected to the attachment ring 23, but are instead connected to the spokes 8. Alternatively, the connective elements 24 may also be connected to the attachment rings 23 directly.
Landscapes
- Lift-Guide Devices, And Elevator Ropes And Cables (AREA)
- Cage And Drive Apparatuses For Elevators (AREA)
- Rolling Contact Bearings (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA3232959A CA3232959A1 (en) | 2021-09-24 | 2022-09-22 | Amusement ride and method of assembly |
AU2022351640A AU2022351640A1 (en) | 2021-09-24 | 2022-09-22 | Amusement ride and method of assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NL2029247 | 2021-09-24 | ||
NL2029247A NL2029247B1 (en) | 2021-09-24 | 2021-09-24 | Amusement ride and method of assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2023048567A1 true WO2023048567A1 (en) | 2023-03-30 |
Family
ID=83508922
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/NL2022/050533 WO2023048567A1 (en) | 2021-09-24 | 2022-09-22 | Amusement ride and method of assembly |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU2022351640A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3232959A1 (en) |
NL (1) | NL2029247B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2023048567A1 (en) |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3002753A (en) * | 1960-11-23 | 1961-10-03 | Vernon H Garbrick | Foldable and portable ferris wheel |
US3552747A (en) * | 1969-02-06 | 1971-01-05 | Bridge Eli Co | Portable folding ferris wheel |
EP2055362A1 (en) | 2007-10-29 | 2009-05-06 | K.I.G. Heerenveen B.V. | Upright support structure for a fairground attraction, in particular a ferris wheel |
US20100009767A1 (en) * | 2008-07-08 | 2010-01-14 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | Rotating rides with interactive water features |
RU2442630C1 (en) * | 2011-01-20 | 2012-02-20 | Владимир Алексеевич Гнездилов | The big wheel (variants) |
-
2021
- 2021-09-24 NL NL2029247A patent/NL2029247B1/en active
-
2022
- 2022-09-22 AU AU2022351640A patent/AU2022351640A1/en active Pending
- 2022-09-22 WO PCT/NL2022/050533 patent/WO2023048567A1/en active Application Filing
- 2022-09-22 CA CA3232959A patent/CA3232959A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3002753A (en) * | 1960-11-23 | 1961-10-03 | Vernon H Garbrick | Foldable and portable ferris wheel |
US3552747A (en) * | 1969-02-06 | 1971-01-05 | Bridge Eli Co | Portable folding ferris wheel |
EP2055362A1 (en) | 2007-10-29 | 2009-05-06 | K.I.G. Heerenveen B.V. | Upright support structure for a fairground attraction, in particular a ferris wheel |
US20100009767A1 (en) * | 2008-07-08 | 2010-01-14 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | Rotating rides with interactive water features |
RU2442630C1 (en) * | 2011-01-20 | 2012-02-20 | Владимир Алексеевич Гнездилов | The big wheel (variants) |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA3232959A1 (en) | 2023-03-30 |
AU2022351640A1 (en) | 2024-04-04 |
NL2029247B1 (en) | 2023-03-31 |
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