Amusement park ride using motion-driven positioning for 360-degree vehicle orientation

A cam apparatus for positioning a payload assembly traveling along a track, comprising

• a follower mechanism linked to the payload assembly comprising force transmission elements interacting with force imparting elements when the payload assembly travels along the track;
• and
• a mechanical orientation assembly linked to the payload assembly and the follower mechanism,
• wherein the mechanical orientation assembly comprises mechanical means between the follower mechanism and the payload assembly operating to provide a resultant rotational movement of the payload assembly that is greater than or less than the rotation of the follower mechanism relative to the rotational axis of the payload assembly,
• wherein the cam apparatus includes six force imparting elements positioned in three pairs in three planes orthogonal from the rotational axis of the payload assembly and offset from each other, and
• wherein the force imparting elements of each of the pairs are spaced apart on opposite sides of the rotational axis such that the force imparting elements of each of the pairs concurrently contact the force transmission elements.

An apparatus for selectively positioning a payload assembly as the payload assembly travels along a track, comprising

• at least two force imparting elements;
• a follower mechanism connected to the payload assembly comprising force transmission elements contacting the force imparting elements when the payload assembly travels along a length of the track;
• and
• a mechanical orientation assembly connected to the payload assembly and to the follower mechanism,
• wherein the mechanical assembly comprises mechanical means between the follower mechanism and the payload assembly operating to provide a resultant rotational movement of the payload assembly that is greater than or less than the rotation of the follower mechanism relative to the rotational axis of the payload assembly,
• wherein the force imparting elements and the force transmission elements produce rotation movement in the follower mechanism to selectively position the payload assembly about its rotational axis,
• wherein the apparatus includes six of the force imparting elements positioned in three pairs in three planes orthogonal from the rotational axis of the payload assembly and offset from each other, and
• wherein the force imparting elements of each of the pairs are spaced apart on opposite sides of the rotational axis such that the force imparting elements of each of the pairs concurrently contact the force transmission elements.