Space-saving energy chains for complex movements in lighting system

• What was needed: plastic-energy chain E4.1 as reverse bend radius rotating energy supply, energy chain in zig-zag system, supplied as pre-assembled cable routing (readychain® )
• Requirements: For various movements in the X-, Y- and Z-axis as well as for the rotation of the lamp frames, safe cable guides were needed that could be accommodated in a confined installation space.
• Industry: Automotive industry
• Success for the customer: The high flexibility of the lighting system was supported by the energy chain, even with a travel range of 36 metres and during rotation. In particular, the space-saving solution and the simultaneous secure guidance of energy and signal cable were decisive for the customer.

Well thought-out solutions are required for the ideal illumination of test objects during crash tests. Messring GmbH has developed a lighting system in which eight gondolas can be moved independently of each other on two tracks in the X, Y and Z directions in order to direct the light exactly right for high-speed camera shots in the crash area. Each gondola has a lamp frame which, in addition to the gondola movement itself, can be rotated or tilted around the vertical and horizontal axis. This ensures that the right lighting is always available from any angle. However, the high degree of flexibility, which is also reflected in the 36 metre travel distance of the gondolas, poses a particular challenge in terms of cable guidance. Space in the lighting system is also limited, which is why a compact cable routing system was required. Due to the particular variety of movements, different concepts also had to be developed for the X, Y and Z directions of travel.

The diverse and flexible movement options offered by the lighting system are now supported by various of our energy chain systems. In addition to a highly resilient and tension-resistant plastic energy chain E4.1 (E4.32 series) for reliable operation, an E4.21 is used as a rotating energy supply for the free rotation of the lamp frame. Such a system can enable rotation angles of up to 900° at high travelling speeds. For the movement of the lighting system on the Y-axis, the supplier relies on an energy chain in a zig-zag system. Typical for use in stage technology, the special design enables space-saving cable routing that does not strain the cable in the application and guarantees the safe transmission of energy and signals over a long journey. While the compactness of the cable ducts was a decisive factor for the customer, the speed of installation was also a major advantage. This is because the pre-assembled readychain® cable routing, i.e. an energy chain already equipped with cables, saved a lot of time. The collaboration in defining the problem and finding the product was quick and uncomplicated.