Adaptive velocity control system and method

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide a braking safety system for controlling the velocity of a vehicle on an amusement attraction. The braking system includes a track assembly including a plurality of control surfaces configured to support and guide the vehicle on the amusement attraction, a carriage system for coupling the vehicle to the track assembly, and at least one adaptive braking system configured to adaptively control the velocity of the vehicle on the track assembly. In some embodiments, the at least one adaptive braking system is configured to engage at least one of the following: a passive element or an active element to reduce the velocity of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the at least one adaptive braking system is configured to enable speed reduction of the vehicle using either one or a combination of magnetic field interaction, aerodynamic drag, and friction.

1 . A braking safety system for controlling the velocity of a vehicle on an amusement attraction comprising;
 a track assembly including a plurality of control surfaces configured to support and guide the vehicle on the amusement attraction;   a carriage system for coupling the vehicle to the track assembly; and   at least one adaptive braking system configured to adaptively control the velocity of the vehicle on the track assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The braking safety system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one adaptive braking system is configured to engage at least one of the following: a passive element or an active element to reduce the velocity of the vehicle. 
     
     
         3 . The braking safety system of  claim 1 , the at least one adaptive braking system comprises a velocity control device that creates a force opposite to the direction of motion which is proportional or adaptive to the velocity of the vehicle. 
     
     
         4 . The braking safety system of  claim 3 , the at least one adaptive braking system comprises an eddy current braking system. 
     
     
         5 . The braking safety system of  claim 4 , wherein the eddy current braking system includes at least one magnet mounted to the vehicle or an auxiliary fin on the vehicle, and/or at least one magnet coupled to the track assembly or an auxiliary fin on the carriage system. 
     
     
         6 . The braking system of  claim 2 , wherein the active element comprises an emergency brake system. 
     
     
         7 . The braking safety system of  claim 2 , wherein the passive element or the active element is on either or both of the vehicle and the track assembly. 
     
     
         8 . The braking safety system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one adaptive braking system is configured to enable speed reduction of the vehicle using magnetic field interaction. 
     
     
         9 . The braking safety system of  claim 8 , wherein the magnetic field interaction is produced by at least one magnet mounted to a portion of the carriage system and configured to magnetically couple with at least one magnet located adjacent the track assembly. 
     
     
         10 . The braking safety system of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one adaptive braking system comprises a road wheel friction-coupled and/or rotary braking system using one or more magnetic resistance elements. 
     
     
         11 . The braking safety system of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one adaptive braking system comprises a rotating disk and one or more stationary magnets wherein the motion of the rotating disk passing the one or more stationary magnets induces a motion resisting force. 
     
     
         12 . The braking safety system of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one adaptive braking system comprises one or more rotating magnets resistively coupled to a stationary disk. 
     
     
         13 . The braking safety system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one adaptive braking system produces aerodynamic drag. 
     
     
         14 . The braking safety system of  claim 13 , wherein the aerodynamic drag is created using a drag system comprising at least one of the following: a forced air system propelling air, a variable flow restriction, one or more parachutes, one or more sails, and one or more billowing clothes or drapes. 
     
     
         15 . The braking safety system of  claim 14 , wherein the aerodynamic drag is adjustable and adaptively deployable. 
     
     
         16 . The braking safety system of  claim 14 , wherein the variable flow restriction comprises a flap valve coupled by a linkage to a torsion spring. 
     
     
         17 . The braking safety system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one adaptive braking system is configured to reduce vehicle speed using friction. 
     
     
         18 . The braking safety system of  claim 17 , wherein the friction is created using at least one of the following: a rotary system, a centrifugal clutch, a disk brake, a cantilever clamp, and a snubber bearing. 
     
     
         19 . The braking safety system of  claim 18 , wherein the rotary system includes at least one of the following: a wheel, a rotary vane pump, and a torque converter.