By I was sent a press release recently from a French company, JPB Système, saying that they will be exhibiting their BOLTRAKK® sensors at September’s IAAPA* Expo Europe trade show in London.
Er, okay…
But then it got more interesting. It turns out they make 5mm thick sensors, like washers, that fit over a bolt before the nut and measure tightening levels. And the point is, they can keep measuring that pressure over time and detect any small loosening.
Obviously their sensors can be used in any construction setting (they work mostly in the aerospace sector), but amusement park equipment in particular is exposed to significant and repeated mechanical stresses, including vibrations, shocks, temperature variations and intensive operating cycles. For roller-coaster and other thrill ride operators, these conditions require regular tightening checks to avoid safety issues. “By making these checks faster, continuous and easier, BOLTRAKK® helps optimise maintenance and preserve attraction availability” the release says.
“Integrated directly into the assembly, the sensor monitors tightening levels and their evolution over time. Data collected on the attraction is transmitted to the cloud and can be accessed through the BOLTRAKK® application. Operators can therefore carry out checks remotely, anticipate maintenance operations and reduce equipment downtime.”
Two versions are available:
- An RFID version, wireless and battery-free, enabling instant checks using a dedicated reader and flexible probe, including in hard-to-reach areas.
- A wired connected version, powered by a 5G hub that collects and automatically transmits measurements to the cloud. Checks can be triggered remotely through the application. This solution is particularly suited to bolts that are difficult to access or require regular monitoring. An email alert is sent when the tightening level falls below a predefined threshold.
The statistics on ride malfunctions/accidents don’t appear to be collected by any organisation, but a global safety analysis published in a peer-reviewed journal¹ evaluated media reports of passenger accidents at theme parks, mobile carnivals, and waterparks over a one year period in 38 countries, and found a total of 182 events.
- In 63 cases (34.6%) the primary cause was a ride malfunction, structural failure, or mechanical issue.
- 87 of the total cases specifically involved mechanical rides and roller coasters—where malfunctions made up the majority (61%) of reported incidents.
So, I’d expect amusement park owners to be very interested in bolt sensors!
* IAAPA – International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (Founded 1918)
Feature Photo: Roller Coaster at Hershey Park, PA. By MTSOfan via Flickr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
