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Examples of our recent work:
- A major water ride was less than a month from opening when all
the load wheel treads on the boats started delaminating, jeopardizing
testing and safety. The wheels were made in Europe and the wheel
vendor refused to send a representative to help solve the problem.
Within 2 days, TWT personnel found a new local vendor who could
replace the treads, redesigned the wheel geometry for lower bondline
stresses, and changed materials. A complete lot of wheels was
turned around in time for opening. The new design prevented further
delaminations.
- A new dark ride was being designed based on an existing ride
vehicle with a pinch drive propulsion system. The new vehicle
was heavier, but required the same acceleration performance as
the original vehicle. TWT personnel determined that the existing
traction wheel design would not provide the required performance
with the increased weight. Working with a wheel supplier and a
test firm, TWT redesigned the wheel for increased traction performance
in the same size, wrote the test plan, and managed the testing
to prove the new design. This wheel is now running successfully
in the attraction.
- A manufacturer fielded a new suspended coaster. The ride was
a hit with the public, but was wearing out wheels in only a few
days. TWT was asked to help. Without ever seeing the installation,
TWT was able to identify the three root causes for the premature
wear. Within a few days, and for very little expense, the ride
was modified to provide acceptable wheel life. TWT recommendations
for vehicle design changes further increases in wheel life will
be incorporated in furture versions of this ride.
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