WITTENSTEIN, a leader in mechanical and mechatronic servo drive systems, has shared details of its smart cynapse gearboxes, which provide a proactive approach to maintenance by connecting to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
“There are two all-important aspects for ride operators: passenger safety and uninterrupted service throughout the amusement park’s opening hours,” explains a representative from the firm.
“Attraction maintenance teams are on constant alert for any signs of possible wear and tear. How can impending failures be detected even earlier or avoided altogether through proactive maintenance?”
To address these issues for both parks and manufacturers, WITTENSTEIN has developed smart gearboxes with cynapse features which provide IIoT connectivity.
Intuitive traffic light system
Gearboxes with cynapse technology incorporate sensors and intelligence within the component.
The Analyze feature records and examines functionally and load-relevant data of drive trains in carousels, dark rides, powered coasters, and simulators. This feature makes it possible to identify critical operating states and related failure risks early on and lowers the possibility of uncontrolled outages.
Monitoring is powered by WITTENSTEIN’s Health Index analysis tool. This system visualises operating conditions using a traffic light system, and offers recommendations for action. Displaying this information does not require separate hardware, but if requested it can be integrated directly into the system’s graphical user interface.
The presentation is clear and intuitive, allowing park employees, whether seasoned personnel or holiday workers, to quickly assess the ride’s health. Green indicates no anomalies, while yellow informs staff that changes have been identified and servicing is recommended. Red warns that the gearbox needs replacing as there is a risk of failure.
The Health Index in cynapse gearboxes analyses many data sources to identify changes early on. The servo drive provides information on speed and torque, and the cynapse module captures additional data directly in the gearbox. Manufacturers can implement the technology without any need for programming.
Easy integration
Creating smart leisure facilities allows for many levels of integration.
In its basic form, the cynapse feature saves operating data like a black box. An industrial technician frequently reads this data on a laptop for insights into past events. In the next stage of integration, the system is linked to a PLC. Real-time displays indicate deviations from measured values. The third level offers cloud-based access to all cynapse functions, allowing for seamless networking with other systems.
“The use of smart gearboxes with cynapse functionality has immediate positive impacts, not only on leisure parks. Connecting machines to an Internet of Things gives ride manufacturers, too, a real competitive edge,” says the firm.
“WITTENSTEIN has come up with functionalities that are easy to integrate into existing concepts, meaning equipment manufacturers can upgrade established attraction concepts with new features.
“Even products that have been on the market for years can gain fresh momentum in this way – after all, ride safety and reliable operation are top priorities for every theme park customer.”
WITTENSTEIN revealed a new drive solution for dark rides last year. The innovative cyber iTAS system 2 for the intralogistics industry enables cars to be transported safely, reliably, and silently with almost no maintenance requirements.
