THE SAFEST design ROLLER coaster
[Jared Holladay] is a computer engineering trainee at the university of Cincinnati as well as a life-long roller coaster fanatic. A great deal of people look at roller coasters as an interesting example of physics, like prospective energy versus kinetic energy or inertia, as well as rightly so. [Jared] looks at them as well as wonders about the controls. video likewise below as well as there is a feature-length explanation with more details. Some Hackaday visitors as well as writers can determine the components, so we believe his coaster design belongs here.
Like many people in this field, he’s developed K’nex designs to get a handle on construction. He’s explored STEM shows with the tracks as well as certainly wowed kids, adults, as well as physics teachers, however since he can speak to the programming, he is a triple threat. Now, he’s growing out of the toy building plastic as well as moving into 3D printed parts with needle-fine tolerances.
His latest base is extruded aluminum, like what you’d want in a stiff CNC or printer. In addition to the industrial-grade surface, Rockwell Automation sent him a security programmable logic controller, PLC, as well as a touchscreen HMI. Our fellows in the market tell us those are far beyond the cost range of routine hobbyists. however fear not; your Arduino clones will suffice up until you get your very first grant.
The point of all the ruggedized hardware, aside from authenticity, is to implement security features the exact same method you would in the industry. The redundant PLC links to inductive prox sensors to inspect train speed as well as location. other moving parts, like friction brakes, have sensors to report if there is a jam. After all, it’s no great if you can’t stop a train full of people. There are numerous things that can go wrong. just ask [Jared] since he programmed on-screen signs for all of them as well as classified them to let an operator understand if they can keep the trip moving or if they requirement to phone call maintenance.
Not all homemade coasters are scale models, as well as a few of the traditional ones have more than satisfies the eye.
Thank you, [Milo Bascombe] for the tip.