Seesaw: The perfect balance between safety and fun
Visitors to the Technorama center, can experiment and discover physical phenomena in more than 500 different places. The Technorama offers a unique mix of interactive exhibits, workshops and laboratories, where all ages can experience the workings of natural and chemical forces. One of the most popular attractions is a specially designed seesaw, which allows visitors to experience leverage first-hand. In constructing this seesaw, the Technorama worked with experts from BIBUS and ACE to achieve the most appropriate damping for the pivot point.
Lever experienced in practice
The design of the seesaw allows one person to lift up to three others, even if they are heavier together. By sitting on the long part of the seesaw and sliding the seat plate up to three feet, visitors can adjust the distance to balance or even lift several people on the other side. The purpose of this construction is to demonstrate the operation of a lever in a safe and playful way. Efforts were made to make the seesaw not only interactive, but also safe and durable.
The search for the right damping.
In the testing phase, solid dampers were initially placed on the pivot points to control the forces of the different lengths of the seesaw. However, the rocking motion did not appear to be well damped, making for a less smooth experience. It was decided to enlist the help of the damping experts at BIBUS. Thanks to their expertise in collaboration with ACE, a better solution could be found. The choice eventually landed on the TUBUS safety dampers, which are specifically designed for applications where high energy absorption is needed, but where a certain amount of movement must also be maintained for fun.
TUBUS dampers for optimal safety
With the TUBUS TC83-73-S safety dampers, the desired balance was achieved: reliable damping with every seesaw motion, without sacrificing the playful experience. The dampers, made of co-polyester elastomer, ensure that the seesaw angle of 7 degrees is maintained while minimizing the recoil effect. Thus, both visitors and the seesaw remain safe, and fun is guaranteed whether one sits on the shorter or longer part of the seesaw.
The collaboration with BIBUS and ACE allowed the Technorama center to develop a safe and durable structure that introduces visitors to the forces of nature through play. The seesaw remains one of the most engaging and interactive attractions at the Technorama, where science and fun go hand in hand.
