Magnetics Business & Technology - March/April 2022 - 7

FEATURE ARTICLE
" This enabled us to create a line from the visual effects to the
Maya special effects platform and to perform the movement in
any direction while staying within the viewing angle of the camera.
A further advantage of the SGH10 is evident in dynamic applications
such as this, where multiple cylinders on the platform
must be moved synchronously: In addition to position, the drawwire
encoder can also measure speed, so allowing the cylinders
to be extended at the same speed and to run in parallel.
Safe movement sequences
The SGH10 integrated draw-wire encoder was also used in the
special effects for the movie 'Midnight Sky'. In the communications
room of the space ship, the leading character Sully must
move on a chair both sideways and vertically to various control
buttons; the chair was positioned on a hydraulic cylinder fitted
with the integrated SGH10 measurement system, which determined
the height and travel speed. This ensured the safety of the
actor, and the movement was smooth. Since the space on the
floor below the chair was very restricted, the encoder type integrated
into the cylinder was chosen as the best solution. " Space
restrictions are the rule rather than the exception in our projects, "
confirms Andy Ryan, " and so we often turn to SIKO's compact
draw-wire encoders. Our team also appreciates the variety of the
measurements, as the encoders can detect both linear and rotational
movements. This opens up a wide range of applications. "
Externally mounted draw-wire encoders
As well as sensor types integrated into the cylinder, SIKO also
offers externally mounted sensors, which are also used by
Absolute MoCo in particular situations. These include the SG 10
and SG 20 (highly compact external draw-wire encoders with a
maximum measurement length of 2000 mm). If, say, the base
structure is already in place, these draw-wire encoders can be
retrofitted. This considerably reduces the effort and outlay for
construction. For Ryan, an important factor in complex hydraulic
ramps is the option to replace sensors: " If a mechanical problem
occurs and the sensor perhaps fails, it is significantly easier to
replace an external draw-wire encoder than to have to dismantle
the entire ramp to replace a sensor that is integrated into the
cylinder. The time saving is crucial here. " In these situations, the
team prefers a solution with external encoders.
Easy to integrate
Absolute MoCo does not build the cylinders itself, but rather
has them constructed by a supplier to its own specifications and
designs, including integration of SIKO draw-wire encoders. The
highest priority is the safety of all functions. Including the drawwire
encoders, either integrated or external, is straightforward,
and this is also the case at the commissioning stage. Andy Ryan
explains: " We have a separate movement control system with different
interfaces and were delighted that the draw-wire encoders
were ready to operate straight away, even with our own interface.
You just connect them and off you go. The manuals and accompanying
documentation from SIKO are also very helpful. "
Absolute MoCo is currently involved until Christmas in producing
a movie for Marvel Studios. " This time we will try to push the
boundaries with our hydraulic effects, " Ryan emphasizes. " And of
course, we'll be using SIKO draw-wire encoders again. "
Filming for 'Murder on the Orient Express': Wire-actuated encoder
application from SIKO
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March/April 2022 * Magnetics Business & Technology 7
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Magnetics Business & Technology - March/April 2022

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