Escape from Kronos
rollercoaster engineering
rollercoaster & ride vehicle engineering themed around an escape from Kronos (time), with specific attention to the switch track feature
Rollercoaster Engineering, Solidworks, 3d Modeling, ASTM Standards, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), ADA Standards, Ride Vehicle Design
Project Duration: 4 Months, February - May 2023
Guest Narrative
“Like Kronos, time devours all.”
An alternate, spine-chilling take on the Greek myth of Kronos, this dark-ride rollercoaster attraction features a switch track mechanism that highlights the climax of the guest narrative.
Concept Art Sketches
Concept
In Escape from Kronos, as riders journey through an ancient grandfather clock in search of time, the story takes a dark turn as they come face-to-face with Kronos.
Ride Experience & Operations
Block Zone Diagram
Operational Flow Chart
Ride Vehicle Design
Research
Patent & Current Technology Research
Story Research
Ride System Calculations
Total time for switch: 11.64 Seconds
Train length: 33.1 Feet, 12 Riders per Train
Bolt sizing
ASTM Calculations
Engineering Focus: Switch Track
Switch Track Mechanism
Climax of Narrative:
In a pivotal part of the rollercoaster, guests come to stop, believing they have escaped. Their success is short-lived: instead, they are sent backwards into the abyss.
Design Solution:
By implementing a switch track, engineers allow guests to enter forwards into the block zone (11 of “Operational Flow Chart”; 7 of “Block Zone Diagrams”) via one track, then exit backwards via another route.
Working Mechanism, Side View (left) & Isometric View (right)
Exploded View
Engineering Drawing Examples (pages 1 & 3)
All drawings can be found above: “All Engineering Drawings (pdf)”
Physical Prototype & Model
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) & Iteration
All results can be found above: “Engineering Calculations (pdf)”