Completely pre-assembled energy supply for gondola lift in fairground ride

• What was needed: E4/4 energy chain, supplied as a pre-fitted "readychain" system
• Requirements: Stability and reliability in continuous use, resistant to permanent UV radiation, heat, frost as well as rain and splash water from the ride, modular and overall solution that is quick to set up and dismantle
• Industry: Amusement parks, amusement rides
• Success for the customer: During the first few days of the Bremer Freimarkt, as many as 15,000 rides were taken on the rafting ride without interruption. Despite its height and 180-degree rotation, the E4/4 ensures a high degree of stability thanks to clever design features. The e-chain runs silently, which is an indication of low friction and low vibration. Factors that have a positive effect on service life.

In the same year that the transportable rafting run "Wild 'n Wet" was presented, the attraction had to prove itself in a stress test. In the first few days of the Bremen Freimarkt alone, 15,000 trips were made on the rafting run. But there weren't any interruptions.
The energy supply, which reliably moves all cables of the 20-metre high gondola lift, also plays a part in this. This lift brings the gondolas, designed for up to nine passengers, to the starting point of the white water ride. From there, the turbulent slide begins through the serpentine downward winding water tube. The lift covers the 20-metre distance in just a few seconds.
The Trier lift manufacturer Baasch & Didong GmbH, which was entrusted with the implementation of the lifts, had to find a suitable solution for the cable guidance mentioned. Since 1998, Baasch & Didonghave built lifts for three stationary rides at Phantasialand near Cologne and Belantis Park near Leipzig, among others. The special challenge for the energy supply: When it is raised, the gondola on its platform rotates 180 degrees around the lift structure. Due to the 180-degree rotation, centrifugal forces also act on the parts. 
At the same time, the platform emptied at the top descends in the opposite rotation to pick up the next gondola.
But that's not all. All parts of the lift, including the energy supply, are also permanently exposed to wind and weather. Due to the constant solar radiation, a chain made of UV-resistant material that does not become brittle was required. Normal plastic would quickly become brittle here. The same applies to the insulation of the power cables. Last but not least, heat, frost and moisture should not be able to damage the cable guidance. Not only rain showers but also splashing water from the ride itself must not affect the reliability of the system.
When the fair is over, the ride and all the equipment have to be dismantled and transported to the next location in the shortest possible time. This required a ready-to-connect energy chain with the right cables already running through it.

The power for the lift is transported via two robust and reliable, fully harnessed energy chains of type E4/4 (Series 3838), which extend from the power connection at the bottom of the lift to the power connection of the units on the platforms.
The fully harnessed energy chain, the so-called "readychain", offers the user several advantages.
From the procurement of all necessary special parts to the provision of the ready-to-connect system on a fixed installation date, the customer efficiently and securely transfers its entire procurement logistics to the supplier.
There are a number of different reasons to opt for pre-fitted energy supply systems while automating machines and systems. Production costs are reduced and sources of error are virtually eliminated. Project planning costs are reduced and reliability is increased. The requirements for the overall system were defined on site together with the sales representatives before a customised "readychain" energy supply system was assembled.
The chain itself is made of special plastic, which is light but virtually indestructible. The energy chains not only withstand the mechanical load caused by the sometimes rapid movements, but also protect the cables in the chain from damage. The E4/4 has a so-called undercut design to remain strong even under the centrifugal forces resulting from the 180-degree rotation. This design feature ensures that the front chain link engages with the next chain link when rolling up and down in the bend, thereby stabilising it.
In the "Wild 'n Wet" lift, the two wear-resistant E4/4-energy chains run in guide channels. This prevents them from swinging to the sides during the rapid upward travel with simultaneous rotation. The e-chain runs so quietly that not even a low hum can be heard. The smooth running is an indication of low friction, low vibration and therefore a longer service life. The energy chain protects the power cables housed inside from damage.