Construction | Power & Motion Technology | Automation | By Matt Gergeni & Samantha Lotz | Aug 31, 2016
Milwaukee’s one-of-a-kind ballpark features traditional architecture with a unique fan-shaped retractable roof. The 25-million pound, seven-panel design opens and closes in approximately 10 minutes. Each moveable panel is supported at its pivot end behind home plate and at its running end beyond the outfield. 10 bogies (referred to as end trucks in the crane industry because they consist of the truck frame, wheels, bearings, and axles that support the bridge girders) open and close the roof. These bogies run on a curved rail system. Although Miller Park’s retractable roof is unique and provides protection from the elements, it has required design changes to improve performance.
In 2003, the retractable roof at Miller Park required improvements at the running end of each of the moveable panels. The Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District, part owners of Miller Park, hired the engineering firm Hardesty & Hanover, LLP, of New York to analyze the situation and provide a recommendation.
After extensive evaluation, Hardesty & Hanover (H&H) recommended a redesign to the bogie system to improve performance. All 10 of the existing two-wheel bogies would be replaced with four-wheel bogies containing the drive train assembly. The drive train consisted of a new motor, brakes, and gear box assembly. The new bogie would now allow the weight of the load, the roof panels, to be equally distributed over four wheels versus the original two wheels—all within the height, width, and length restrictions defined by the existing structure.
Update fan-shaped retractable roof to improve performance and contribute to redesign of bogie system that operates roof. Provide a solution that could operate under harsh weather conditions. Supply products with reliable operation allowing minimal maintenance and downtime.
Magnetek’s 10” AIST Mill Duty AC Thruster Brakes were chosen for their proven reliability, high quality, and advanced design features. Installed thruster brakes to new four-wheel bogie end trucks. Our nitrided steel components offer protection and consistent performance in harsh environments and applications. Mondel brakes offer easy installation, adjustment, and startup, along with three limit switches for control system feedback.
New York City, NY
Magnetek restored some of the long-term damage the hurricane caused by refurbishing and rebuilding 16 storm-damaged 300M Mill Duty AC Thruster Shoe Brakes. The industrial AIST rated brakes were fully submerged in saltwater for an extended period following Hurricane Sandy. The rebuilding process returned the brakes to like-new condition, including a new safety orange paint job.
North America - EN
