Enhanced Bogie Replacement System for Turntable Load Stations
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel system and method for efficiently replacing drive assemblies in turntable load stations, featuring self-aligning bogie assemblies, remote-controlled robotic arms, modular drive assemblies, vertical lift systems, and 3D scanning technology to improve safety, speed, and efficiency.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Method of bogie replacement for turntable station', addressed the need for efficient drive assembly replacement in turntable load stations. However, the original system had limitations, such as manual labor requirements, lengthy downtime, and safety risks. The new inventive concept builds upon the original patent by introducing direct improvements and enhancements to overcome these limitations.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced bogie replacement system features a self-aligning bogie assembly that automatically adjusts its position to facilitate efficient replacement of the drive assembly. A remote-controlled robotic arm can be used to detach and remove the inoperative drive assembly, and install a new replacement drive assembly. The system also includes a modular drive assembly that can be easily swapped out with a replacement drive assembly, complete with a self-contained power source and control system. Additionally, a vertical lift system raises the turntable to facilitate easy access to the drive assembly, and a robotic arm performs the replacement operation. Furthermore, a 3D scanner can be used to create a digital model of the drive assembly, and generate a customized replacement drive assembly based on the digital model.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious improvements to the original patent, including the use of self-aligning bogie assemblies, remote-controlled robotic arms, modular drive assemblies, vertical lift systems, and 3D scanning technology. These enhancements provide a significant inventive step over the original patent, offering improved safety, speed, and efficiency in drive assembly replacement.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the enhanced bogie replacement system could include using autonomous robots, adjustable lift systems, or AI-powered predictive maintenance. Variations of the system could be designed for specific types of turntable load stations, such as those used in amusement parks or industrial settings.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced bogie replacement system has significant commercial potential in the amusement park and industrial industries, where efficient and safe drive assembly replacement is crucial for minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. The system could be marketed as a premium solution for turntable load station operators seeking to improve their operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A63 | A63G4/00 |
| A | A63 | A63G31/02 |
| B | B23 | B23P6/00 |
| B | B23 | B23P19/04 |
| B | B61 | B61B1/00 |
| B | B61 | B61B1/02 |
| B | B23 | B23P19/00 |
| B | B65 | B65G29/00 |
| Y | Y10 | Y10T29/4973 |
| Y | Y10 | Y10T29/53404 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Amusement park ride systems, mechanical engineering, robotic systems for equipment replacement, with expertise in turntable load station design and maintenance
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with 5-7 years experience in ride system design, familiar with modular equipment replacement techniques, robotic automation, and precision mechanical systems
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's proposed variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's bogie replacement method. The core technical problem of efficiently replacing drive assemblies remains consistent, with the PTD introducing incremental technological enhancements using standard robotics and scanning techniques. These variations represent logical extensions of the existing patent's fundamental approach to modular equipment replacement in turntable load stations.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,886 |
|---|---|
| Title | Method of bogie replacement for turntable station |
| Assignee(s) | Universal City Studios LLC |