Swiss Manufacturer Bolliger and Mabillard, more commonly referred to as B&M, have long led the amusement industry with their ride models that are known to be some of the most innovative, robust, and well-engineered roller coasters in the World. But with manufacturers such as Mack Rides and Intamin AG now using a lap-bar system on their newest coaster models, many have wondered why B&M has not come up with an answer to these comfortable and faster-loading restraint systems, causing speculation that something similar may be coming soon.
Well, we may finally have our first look at their answer thanks to a recently published patent that details a new “Passenger Restraint System for Roller Coasters” that bears a striking resemblance to the offerings from Mack and Intamin, but with an interesting additional feature.
The second major innovation is something you won’t see… as it looks like B&M is building in some kind of piston under the rider’s seat that appears to allow for the seat to be lowered for loading and raised for the ride experience. There is also some assumption that piston may also act similar to a car’s shock absorber, taking some of the roughness and sting out of any jarring motion allowing for a smoother ride experience.
By contract, allow me to also wonder about one other possible use… if the seat’s on this piston were able to provide a more springy motion, taking the sting out of positive-g impacts and vibrations, what is they could also provide the opposite experience during negative-G moments, allowing the seats to provide a little artificial and extra “pop” of air-time at the top of those hills? What would you say to that little extra thrill?
But is this patent prove to be for B&M’s rumored “Surf Coaster” model? This may be the final piece of Seaworld’s “Project Penguin” puzzle, which means the attraction is likely a standard sit-down coaster with new restraints and some clever engineering in the seating columns that could make it one of the smoothest and most comfortable rides from B&M to date.
Link to the full patent: https://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?FT=D&date=20220106&DB=EPODOC&locale=en_EP&CC=WO&NR=2022003642A1&KC=A1&ND=4
Source: https://behindthethrills.com/2022/01/new-patent-seaworld-surf-coaster-train-layout-restraint/