Carousel ride for all – even for wheelchair users

Safety is paramount – the access ramp for wheelchairs must close and latch securely on its own

Amusement parks without carousels are not amusement parks. However, very few of them allow wheelchair users to go on them.

The company Inno Heege specializes in the construction of recreational systems. It develops, designs and builds according to customer specifications. And so it is not surprising that they were also approached with the wish for a carousel where wheelchair users can also ride.

Generally speaking, no problem: one of the access doors was simply replaced by a ramp. But they now had to find a mechanism that closes the ramp again immediately when the wheelchair user is in the carousel – and in such a way that the internal latch is engaged and the ramp cannot open during the ride. Other requirements were: the closing mechanism had to function reliably in any weather and in any outdoor temperature. And the ramp has to close only very slowly in order to prevent injuries, but at the same time it still has to have enough clamping force.

A solution was worked out together with DICTATOR’s technical customer service. DICTATOR’s extremely wide product range and the ambition to find the perfect solution was an essential factor in this process. This was because the attachment options were very limited. Finally, the requirement was fulfilled with the stainless steel gate closer DIREKT. It operates technically like a gas spring, combined with an oil-hydraulic damping system. To further increase the closing force, the customer placed the gate closer DIREKT in a coil spring. The closing speed of the DIREKT can be adjusted exactly to the requirements – even with the additional coil spring – and so the wheelchair user can drive over the ramp at his own pace. Only afterwards does the ramp close slowly and in a controlled manner – without any danger to the user – and locks at the end.