Restraints
Most accelerator coasters use restraints that consist of a U-shaped lap bar that locks into place. The lap bar is also secured by seat belts that run between the legs of riders. In addition, the restraint system features a unique over-the-shoulder restraint (OTSR) harness designed for comfort and fast loading times. Only two accelerator coasters have a lapbar restraint without the over-the-shoulder harness - Xcelerator and Top Thrill Dragster.
Another notable feature is the locking system, which uses two hydraulic cylinders for redundancy (in case one fails) rather than relying on the older ratchet design. While a ratchet-based restraint locks at a one of several positions that can be too loose or uncomfortably tight, the hydraulic system allows the restraints to be pulled down and locked in any position to better match a rider's body dimensions. In the extremely unlikely case where both locking cylinders fail, the restraints are still held down by a seat belt.
The newer over-the-shoulder design allows for faster load times as opposed to lap bars. With lap-bar designs, riders must rely on a seat belt around their waist as a backup restraint. It must be checked by ride attendants before the lapbar can be lowered, significantly slowing load times. In contrast, the over-the-shoulder restraints are simply held down with a seatbelt. This means that guests can pull down their own restraints and buckle their own belts saving ride attendants time.
Read more about this topic: Accelerator Coaster
Famous quotes containing the word restraints:
“All that makes existence valuable to any one depends on the enforcement of restraints upon the actions of other people.”
—John Stuart Mill (1806–1873)
“Religion which lays so many restraints upon us, is a troublesome companion to those who will lay no restraints upon themselves.”
—Laurence Sterne (1713–1768)
“Without freedom, no art; art lives only on the restraints it imposes on itself, and dies of all others. But without freedom, no socialism either, except the socialism of the gallows.”
—Albert Camus (1913–1960)