Republic of the Philippines

University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines

College of Engineering and Architecture
Junior Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers
C.M. Recto Avenue, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, 9000

DESIGN, SIMULATION AND STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

OF A THREE - DIMENSIONAL MECHANICAL BULL

EE 45 – INSTRUMENTATION AND
ENGINEERING CONTROL

Submitted by:

BSME STUDENTS
Researchers

Submitted to:
Engr. Christopher Dolino
EE45 – Instructor

December 16, 2020

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 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

I. Background of the Study

Technological innovation over the last century has led to an evolution among how
individuals are able to replicate a realistic experience through science and
technology research and development. Models of the innovation process have
evolved over time and are now able to take into account the many factors outside the
firm that affect the ability to innovate and the rewards from it.

In this study, the researchers focus on the design and simulation of a 3-

dimensional mechanical bull ride through Solidworks for innovating a mechanical
animal ride experience. More particularly, the invention is a device for simulating a
bull ride experience, wherein the rider and mechanical bull, move along a track.

A mechanical bull ride can be a huge attraction for many different events and
establishments. The popular ride is often seen at carnivals, birthday parties, charity
events, and bars across the United States and other parts of the world. There’s no
doubt that mechanical bull rides are the life of the party. Nothing can be more
entertaining than watching your friends get bucked off, attractive girls on the slow
ride, and finally hanging on for 8 seconds or longer.

Mechanical bulls have existed as part of the American culture for decades,
primarily for entertainment found in amusement parks, bars, restaurants, and clubs.
These mechanical bulls have always been stationed at fixed locations and have
provided amateurs and enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the sensation of
riding a rodeo bull. The rider mounts herself onto the saddle of a traditional
mechanical bull, holds onto the handle, and attempts to stay on the mechanical bull,
as it replicates the movements of a bucking animal. As the bull “bucks” up and down,
the rider attempts to hang on tightly. In these circumstances, the rider is judged by
his/her ability to remain on the mechanical bull during for a predetermined period of
time. It is generally expected that the mechanical bull may buck the rider off, which is
why the stationary mechanical bull frequently has pads placed around it to soften the
landing for the ejected passenger.

Although traditional mechanical bulls exhibit bucking movements vaguely similar

to an actual rodeo bull, none have been able to impart a greater sense of realism

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 due, in part, to its failure of replicating additional movements inherent to a live bull.
For example, most mechanical bulls include “up” and “down” bucking movements,
but they do not include other movements such as “pitching” and “lunging.”
Additionally, before the present invention, mechanical bull rides have not included
such movements as leg movements and head turning. Indeed, because currently
available mechanical bulls lack motorized legs and head, these simulated bull rides
are severely limited in conveying a sense of realism.

Furthermore, before the present invention, mechanical bull rides were always in a
fixed location. This fixed location design is a significant limitation and it prevents
riders from experiencing the sensation of moving spatially as s/he experiences the
bucking movements of the mechanical bull. As such, a bull rodeo simulator that
moves a rider freely rather than a fixed location would provide a rider a more realistic
sensation of a rodeo bull riding experience.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,997,979 issued to Turner, for example, discloses a rodeo training
device for training cowboys to ride rodeo animals such as bulls and wild horses. The
apparatus includes only a rider support and mechanism to drive the support to
simulate bucking and spinning motions of a rodeo animal. While this is helpful, it
does not provide spatial movements, as it is stationed in a fixed location. Additionally,
it does not provide realistic animal characteristics such leg movement, lunging, and
head turning.

Therefore, what is needed is an improved mechanical animal simulation device

that provides enthusiasts a more realistic simulation of an actual bucking animal ride
by: (1) moving both the mechanical animal and rider spatially through vertical,
horizontal and circular motion; (2) replicating more realistic bucking movements; and
(3) providing a mechanical animal that has realistic animal characteristics, including
leg movement, lunging, and head turning.

II. Statement of the problem

Mechanical bull rides surely give entertainment and realistic experience of riding
such one but there are several cases reported that it also contributes to accidents
and injuries for not having safety measures and precautions. That is why the
researchers come up with the idea of designing and simulating a 3-dimensional
mechanical bull ride with its preventive measures by focusing on the capacity load of
the riders and its structural analysis of the framework.

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III. Objectives of the Study

The general objective of the study is to design and simulate a mechanical bull
ride through Solidworks. Furthermore, the researchers are sought to do the following
objectives specifically;

1. To design and simulate a 3-dimensional mechanical bull ride in Solidworks.

2. To analyze the motion of the mechanical bull through structural analysis
simulation.

IV. Significance of the Study

The importance of this study is to design and simulate a 3-dimensional

mechanical bull ride with specific analysis of load capacity and structural analysis to
ensure safety and at the same time to produce a realistic experience with the bull
riders. This is also important to avoid accidents and injuries from this rodeo
mechanical ride experience.

V. Scope and Limitation

The study only focuses on the 3-dimensional design of the mechanical bull ride
and the analysis of its load capacity and structural analysis.

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 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Mechanical bulls have existed for decades as a training device

for rodeo competitors, as they enable a rider of rough stock (bucking
horses and bulls) to enhance rodeo performance and refine skills without the risk and
unpredictability of a live animal. Although mechanical bulls are still routinely used for
rodeo training, they are also utilized as an amusement ride, both as a mobile rental
(i.e., party entertainment) and stationary entertainment found in bars, restaurants,
and clubs; these may be surrounded by an blown-air inflated structure similar to a
"bounce house" or foam pits for safety.

A mechanical bull ride with either a leather strap or a rope handle are your best
options. Many people prefer the rope to the leather handle because it is easier to
release if you fall off of the bull. However, a metal handle can be a huge negative. If a
guest or customer falls forward over the handle, they could get injured.  In addition,
the strap should be a single rope, not a connected strap. This will help avoid any
wrist injuries. 

Although injuries from mechanical bulls are relatively rare, there are a variety of
ways that a person can be injured while riding a mechanical bull. These injuries can
be caused by falling on the ground, striking the bull or getting caught on it, or injuries
caused by the bucking motion.

There are however mechanisms in the bulls that keep the risk of injury much
lower. Many of the bulls have continuous pressure airbags, rounded padded body
designs and controls that control the speed and bucking motion. Operator training on
safety is provided through some of the insurance companies that insure mechanical
bulls.

OPERATING A MECHANICAL BULL RIDE

Just like any other mechanical ride, the operator is a key player when it comes to
keeping your guests and customers safe. Mechanical bull operators are responsible
for not only controlling the bull, but also to ensure proper set-up and maintenance, as

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well as who to allow on the bull. Operators should perform the following checklist
before allowing riders on the bull:

 Be sure the air mattress is fully inflated.

 Set the air pump to run constantly while the mechanical bull is active.
 Clear the area of any objects that may cause injury should the rider fall off.
 Check the bull for any defects (i.e., defects in the padding)
 Perform a test run on all levels (speeds) to be sure mechanics are working
properly.
 Cover or move all cords that may cause someone to trip

During the rides, it’s important that the operator is aware of customers and guests
both riding the bull and around the area of the mechanical bull ride. Be aware of
customers attempting to enter the ring while a rider is on the bull, guests throwing
objects, or individuals creating a clearly hazardous environment for both themselves
and the riders.

As for the riders, there are different rules at every event or establishment that
pertain to who may or may not ride the mechanical bull. However, some basic no-
noes include overly intoxicated individuals, double riders, and riders with a noticeable
injury such as a cast or an open wound. This guarantees that those wishing to ride
the mechanical bull are safe, and the establishment or event is protected from any
legal repercussions.

The following are the embodiments of the design and simulation of the
mechanical bull. Furthermore, to minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to
minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding
the present specification, the present invention is a ride that simulates riding a rodeo
bull or any other type of animal.

(1) One embodiment of the invention is a mechanical device for simulating an

animal ride, comprising: a track; a sled; a support mount; a mechanical
body, wherein the mechanical body is comprised of one or more
actuators; and one or more controllers. The sled is movably connected to
the track. The support mount is attached to the sled, such that the support
mount rises upward from a top portion of the sled. The mechanical body is
connected to the support mount, such that the mechanical body is
positioned above the sled. The mechanical body is designed to be

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mounted by a rider. The controllers communicate electrical signals to the
actuators to cause the actuators to simulate one or more movements of
an animal. The sled moves along the track when the actuators simulate
the one or more movements of the animal. Preferably, the support mount
is rotatable with respect to the sled. Preferably, the mechanical body
anatomically simulates the animal. Typically, the mechanical body is
further comprised of an outer skin layer, which causes the mechanical
body to visually resemble the animal. The sled may be further comprised
of a plurality of wheels. The wheels preferably matingly engage with the
track and also move the sled along the track. The sled may be further
comprised of a rotational actuator that rotates the support mount with
respect to the sled. Preferably, the mechanical body is further comprised
of a head portion, a trunk portion, and one or more leg portions. The head
portion and the one or more leg portions are preferably movably
connected to the trunk portion. The actuators are preferably comprised of
one or more neck tilt actuators, which may be connected to the trunk
portion and the head portion and which move the head portion up and
down with respect to the trunk portion. The actuators are preferably
further comprised of one or more head turn actuators. The head turn
actuators are located in the head portion and they move the head portion
back and forth. Preferably, the one or more actuators are comprised of
one or more leg actuators. The leg actuators may be connected to the
trunk portion and the one or more leg portions, and the leg actuators may
pivot the leg portions back and forth with respect to the trunk portion. The
actuators are preferably further comprised of one or more body pitch
actuators and one or more lunge actuators. The body pitch actuators are
typically located substantially near a center of the mechanical body and
provide one or more pitching movements of the mechanical body. The
lunge actuators are preferably located adjacent to a rear side of the
support mount and provide one or more lunging movements of the
mechanical body. The mechanical device for simulating an animal ride
may further comprise a safety harness. The safety harness prevents the
rider from being thrown or bucked off of the mechanical body. The safety
harness may be comprised of a safety vest that is connected to the
mechanical body.

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(2) Another embodiment of the invention is a mechanical device for
simulating a rodeo bull ride, comprising: a track; a wheeled sled; a
support mount; a mechanical body, wherein the mechanical body is
comprised of one or more actuators, an out-skin layer, a head portion, a
trunk portion, and one or more leg portions. The wheeled sled is movably
connected to the track such that the sled moves along a length of the
track. The support mount is attached to the sled, such that the support
mount rises upward from a top portion of the sled. The mechanical body is
connected to the support mount, such that the mechanical body is
positioned above the sled. The actuators simulate one or more
movements of a rodeo bull. The sled moves along the track when the
actuators simulate the one or more movements of the rodeo bull, thus
simulating a bull ride. The sled is further comprised of a rotational actuator
that rotates the support mount with respect to the sled. The mechanical
body anatomically simulates the rodeo bull. The outer skin layer causes
the mechanical body to visually resemble the rodeo bull. The head portion
and the one or more leg portions are moveably connected to the trunk
portion. The actuators are comprised of one or more neck tilt actuators,
one or more head turn actuators, one or more leg actuators, one or more
body pitch actuators, and one or more lunge actuators. The neck tilt
actuators are connected to the trunk portion and the head portion. The
neck tilt actuators move the head portion up and down with respect to the
trunk portion. The head turn actuators are located on the head portion.
The head turn actuators move the head portion back and forth. The leg
actuators are connected to the trunk portion. The leg actuators pivot the
one or more leg portions back and forth with respect to the trunk portion.
The body pitch actuators are located substantially near a center of the
mechanical body and provide one or more pitching movements of the
mechanical body. The lunge actuators are located adjacent to a rear side
of the support mount and provide one or more lunging movements of the
mechanical body.

(3) Another embodiment of the invention may include a wheeled base that is
further comprised of a cable return system that reels and imparts cables
communicating to the one or more actuators of the rodeo simulator as the
mechanical body moves along the track.

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 (4) Another embodiment of the invention may include one or more sensors at
the end of the track configured to provide emergency signals that would
stop the movements of the mechanical body.

(5) It is an object of the invention to provide an improved simulated bull ride

wherein the mechanical bull moves spatially along a guided track while at
the same time the mechanical body of the bull is bucking, pitching,
lunging, and rotating.

(6) It is an object of the invention to provide a more realistic bull riding

simulation wherein the mechanical bull provides realistic bodily
movements.

(7) It is an object of the invention to provide an efficient, easy to set up,

portable, simulated bull ride wherein the user experiences a realistic
simulated bull ride.

(8) It is an object of the invention to provide a safe bull ride simulation

wherein the track runs under a platform that protects the rider from
touching the track or slide. The ride may also have sensors to stop the
mechanical bull upon the end of the track.

(9) It is an object of the present invention to overcome the limitations of the

prior art.

(10) These, as well as other components, features, objects, benefits,

and advantages, will now become clear from a review of the following
detailed description of illustrative embodiments, the accompanying
drawings, and the claims.

Mandatory Safety Protocols for Mechanical Bulls

1. All mechanicals Bulls should be manufactured to ASTM standards

2. All operators must fully comply with the manufacturer’s operations/safety

manual.

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3. Control operators must be at least 21 years of age. Operators MUST not be
under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Assistant must be at least 18.

4. All primary operators’ MUST be trained as per the manufacturer’s

operations/safety manual.

5. TWO trained operators are requited at all times. One must preserve order and
collect waivers. The controls operator must not be distracted.

6. Intoxicated persons or persons under the influence of drugs are not allowed to
ride the bull.

7. The operator must not allow anyone to block their view of the Mechanical Bull,
the operator MUST remain vigilant at ALL times.

8. The minimum user height is 54” tall; anyone smaller is not allowed to ride the
bull. Operator must maintain and use a measurement device.

9. Riders who suffer from previous injury, illness, pregnancy or other physical
ailment that will inhibit the participant to ride safely MUST not ride the bull.

10. Only one rider is allowed on the bull at any one time.

11. The rider must ride in the position as described in the manufacturer’s
operations/safety manual.

12. The bull should have a secondary fence/barrier around the total perimeter,
that is 36” away from the inflatable safety cushion

13. The bull should be fitted with a soft foam safety head to eliminate any
potential for head collisions.

14. The bull should have installed an electrical automatic stop device to the bull
body (similar to a jet ski) in use if available.

15. The control panel/console must have a key/release Emergency Stop Button.
Anytime the machine is left unattended, the machine should be switched off with
the Emergency Stop Button depressed and the key removed.

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16. The bull should not have a rope handle any longer than 6” long. Straps, loop
handles, and longer ropes made such that they that can cause an entrapment
hazard are not permitted.

17. All exposed mechanical and steel parts MUST be protected with appropriate
safety padding.

18. The mechanical bull should be regularly serviced to ensure it is safe to ride.

19. Do not allow a cajoled, or reluctant rider to participate; if a rider does not want
to ride do not let them be influenced by others.

20. The operator must always start the ride very slowly, if the rider does not want
to go any faster and or stop, the operator must adhere to their demand, ignoring
onlookers.

21. The bull must be stopped the instant the rider falls; do not continue to operate
the bull once the rider is on the inflatable cushion.

22. No shoes, no sharp objects, eyewear, food or drink, neck chains, key chains
or any hanging/loose clothing or jewelry should be allowed as these can cause
an entrapment hazard.

23. Ensure that the rider has been fully instructed by the trained operator before
they participate.

24. Only participants who have properly initialed and signed the “PARTICIPANT
AGREEMENT OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS” may sit on the Mechanical
Bull, regardless of whether the Mechanical Bull is being operated or stationary.
An individual waiver signed by the participant (or parent/guardian for minors) is
required. Claims presented with no waiver shall be DENIED by the insurer.

25. Bull Riding Competitions shall only be conducted with the use of
preprogrammed rides, progressing from a very basic rides towards more vigorous
rides. All other competitive riding is prohibited.

26. Bull riding must be stopped during any live performance where liquor is
served (i.e., a band in a bar).

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 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

Design and Overview of The Study

The invention is a device for simulating an animal ride. More particularly, the
invention is a device for simulating a bull ride experience, wherein the rider and
mechanical bull, move along a track.

SolidWorks Design

Figure 3.1 The Isometric view design of the 3-Dimensional Mechanical Bull

Dimensional Analysis

1. Vertical
2. Horizontal
3. Circular

Other Parameters

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 Material: Standard Alloy

Mass: 60kg+10kg

Rotation Speed:

Horizontal -25 rad/s

Vertical - 10 rad/s

The design is intended for further innovation to provide an improved simulated

bull ride wherein the mechanical bull moves spatially along a guided track while at the
same time the mechanical body of the bull is bucking, pitching, lunging, and rotating. It is
an object of the invention to provide a more realistic bull riding simulation wherein the
mechanical bull provides realistic bodily movements.

The general objective of the study is to design, simulate, analyze motion and
provide an efficient, easy to set up, portable, simulated bull ride wherein the user
experiences a realistic simulated bull ride.

Mechanical Bull Framework

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 Figure 3.2a Skeletal View Figure 3.2b Mechanical Bull Body Isometric View

Figure 3.2c Mechanical Bull Body Side View Figure 3.2d Skeletal Side View

The figure shows the skeletal framework of the mechanical bull design.

The drawings are illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate all

embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details which
may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted for this serves only as a progress
report of the study to save space or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments
may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all of the
components or steps which are illustrated.

Mechanical Bull Parts and Dimensions

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 Figure 3.3 Bull Seat

Figure 3.4 Pivot Frame (Bull Cart)

Figure 3.4 Inflatable Mattress Frame

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 Figure 3.5 Rocker Arm Pivots

Figure 3.6 Triangular Rocker Arm

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 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This chapter consists results of SolidWorks Simulation. The stress analysis of the
linkages are presented, and it assesses and evaluates the effectiveness of the
mechanical bull operation, specifically the pivot frame (base) and the triangular rocker
arm link/mechanism.

Evaluation of the Machine

This will involve testing the performance of the mechanical bull. This will also test
if the selected material for the linkages, which is standard alloy steel can withstand and
satisfy the whole operation. Testing parameters for the simulation will be assumed to
have 70kg load (60kg for the human riding the bull, and 10kg for the bull seat
aesthetics), with an operating rotational speed of 25 rad/s vertical and 10 rad/s
horizontal.

Design Simulations

Stress Analysis on the Pivot Frame (Bull Cart)

Figure 4.1 Displacement Resultant (URES) of the Pivot Frame

Figure 4.1 shows the displacement resultant (URES) of the pivot frame
which has a minimum and maximum value of 1x10-30 mm and 1.814x10-3 mm,

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respectively. These values can affect the mechanism little to none and are
considered negligible.

Figure 4.2 Equivalent Strain (ESTRN) of the Pivot Frame

Figure 4.2 shows the equivalent strain (ESTRN) of the Pivot Frame which
has a minimum and maximum value 2.634x10 -10 and 2.67x10-5, repectively.
These values can affect the mechanism little to none and are considered
negligible.

Figure 4.3 von Mises Stress Analysis of the Pivot Frame

Figure 4.3 shows the von mises stress of the Pivot Frame which has a a
minimum and maximum value of 32.76 N/m 2 and 8.508x106 N/m2, respectively.
The alloy steel simulated has accumulated a yield stregth of 6.204x10 8 N/m2
before it can experience material failure. Based on the color code given on the

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figure, the entire pivot frame (blue) experienced a safe fatigue strength and is far
less than the maximum yield strength the material can withstand.

Stress Analysis on the Triangular Rocker Arm Link/Mechanism

Figure 4.4 Displacement Resultant (URES) of the Triangular Rocker Arm

Figure 4.4 shows the displacement resultant (URES) of the triangular

rocker arm which has a minimum and maximum value of 1x10 -30 mm and 2.108
x10-5 mm, respectively. These values can affect the mechanism little to none and
are considered negligible.

Figure 4.5 Equivalent Strain (ESTRN) of the Triangular Rocker Arm

Figure 4.5 shows the equivalent strain (ESTRN) of the triangular rocker
arm which has a minimum and maximum value 4.583x10 -12 and 3.192x10-7,

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repectively. These values can affect the mechanism little to none and are
considered negligible.

Figure 4.6 von Mises Stress Analysis of the Triangular Rocker Arm

Figure 4.3 shows the von mises stress of the triangular rocker arm which
has a a minimum and maximum value of 28.75 N/m 2 and 1.043x105 N/m2,
respectively. The alloy steel simulated has accumulated a yield stregth of
6.204x108 N/m2 before it can experience material failure. Based on the color code
given on the figure, the entire pivot frame (green) experienced a safe fatigue
strength and is far less than the maximum yield strength the material can
withstand.

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 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION

In the present study, a mechanical bull is simulated using Solidworks. It

can be concluded that the mechanical bull can provide the same experience in
riding actual rodeo bulls but ensures the safety of the rider due to the blown-air
inflated structure similar to a "bounce house" or foam pits installed on the
mechanical bull’s surrounding. In this study, the material used by the researchers
for the linkages are alloy steel that has been simulated and has accumulated a
yield stregth of 6.204x108 N/m2 before it can experience material failure.
Considering the parameters that is used, 60kg for the man and 10kg for the bull
aesthetics, The displacement resultant and equivalent strain of the Pivot frame
(Bull cart) and Triangular Rocker Arm Link/Mechanism can affect the mechanism
little to none and are considered negligible. Meanwhile, von Mises Stress
Analysis of the Pivot Frame records a minimum and maximum value of 32.76
N/m2 and 8.508x106 N/m2, respectively. While von Mises Stress Analysis of the
Triangular Rocker Arm Link/Mechanism has a a minimum and maximum value of
28.75 N/m2 and 1.043x105 N/m2. In conclusion, the mechanical bull linkage
mechanism can withstand the load of a 70kg mechanical bull, going more than
6.204x108 N/m2 the linkages will experience failures and damages.

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