A Smoother Drive for a Smoother Ride

Industry

Amusement Rides

Application 

Flying Theater (also known as Panoramic Flying Theaters)

A themed entertainment technology which is a type of simulator ride that creates the illusion of flight. This is created through motion of the audience platform (seated or standing) synchronized with a film. Sound and special effects are combined with the film to create realistic flying experiences.

In this application, a drive system was needed to rotate up to (90) people seated on a platform from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation (90 degrees) while oscillating back and forth during a (4) minute ride.

Product: WD-L 0713 with Bronze Gearing

Problem

  • Limited Space
    • Typical Spur Drive (slew ring and pinion) systems could not be used as the gearboxes and motors required too much space as they ‘stick out’ parallel to the axis of rotation.
    • Not enough space for a hydraulic cylinder (our slew drive could meet all the requirements)
  • Nearly continuous rotation
    • Spur drive systems are typically specified for these type applications, but due to space constraints, other engineering alternatives needed to be explored.
  • High Torque
    • Torque requirements exceeded 150,000 Nm
    • This would typically require (4) separate spur drives to achieve the high torque.
  • Safety Critical
    • As this was an amusement park ride, certifications and manufacturing traceability were needed.
  • High Use / Cycle Requirement
    • Daily use with each ride lasting approximately 4 minutes.
  • New Development
    • No current engineering solution on the market could meet the customer requirements.

Solution

Catalog Number: WD-LC 0713/1-11546 Twin Worm Drive with Bronze Gearing

IMO was able to develop a custom solution that incorporates bronze gearing instead of the steel typically used for slew rings and slew drives. This solved all problems related to the unique application.

Performance Highlights and Benefits

  • Compact Design
    • The twin drives’ worm gears are in the same plane of the drive which allows for compactness and a slim profile in the theater construction.
  • Nearly Continuous Rotation
    • The unique bronze gearing results in a higher efficiency and lubricity of the gearing and allows for nearly continuous rotation of the system.
  • High Torque / Reduced number of Drive and Motors
    • Torque requirements were met using only (2) worm drives and motors/gearboxes
  • Safety Critical
    • Supplied drives with Inspection Certification 3.1 and all other manufacturing traceability
  • New Development
    • Unique development is still unmatched on the market in capabilities.
  • Smoothness of Rotation
    • Spur drives are generally the ‘Go To’ design for when smooth rotation is required.
    • IMO was able to incorporate its unique, industry-only Two Start Worm design into the bronze gearing which eliminated the possibility of stick-slip (chatter), especially considering the horizontal axis of rotation.

Final

This new development became a standard catalog offering soon after development due to the unique capabilities of the drive (high torque, near continuous rotation, safety critical, etc.)

These drives have been operating successfully on a daily basis for over 8 years.