Bowed Pole Aerial Tramway for Cycle Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial tramways face challenges in stabilizing and transporting multiple cycles in an upright position, particularly in high winds, due to lack of dedicated cycle racks and bowed poles, leading to mechanical stress on components.
Innovation Solution
A single pole aerial tramway apparatus with a bowed pole that supports multiple cycles in an upright position, featuring a hinged bracket allowing the multi-cycle support assembly to sway in a pendulum motion, reducing mechanical stress and providing additional space for multiple cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single pole aerial tramway apparatus is used to carry multiple cycles, then the productivity of cycle transport is improved, but the mechanical stress on the apparatus increases due to wind and load movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by allowing the multi-cycle support assembly to move freely in a pendulum motion relative to the pole. This dynamic capability enables the assembly to adapt to wind forces and load movements, reducing mechanical stress on the apparatus while maintaining the ability to transport multiple cycles simultaneously. The hinged bracket specifically enables this dynamic movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The bowed pole configuration changes the structural parameter of the support system, creating additional space that allows multiple cycles to be carried simultaneously. This geometric modification increases the transport capacity while distributing the load more effectively, reducing peak mechanical stress on any single component.
2Area of stationary object
If a bowed pole is used to create additional space for multiple cycles, then the area available for cycle transport is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curvature by using a bowed pole instead of a straight pole. This curved configuration naturally creates additional space in the medial region, allowing multiple cycles to be transported simultaneously without requiring a more complex multi-component structure. The bowing is achieved through the pole's inherent flexibility and the hinged bracket design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cycles are carried in an upright position on an aerial tramway, then the stability of cycle orientation is improved, but the difficulty of loading and unloading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the pendulum motion capability to create a dynamic loading zone. The multi-cycle support assembly can swing outward to provide clearance for loading and unloading operations, then return to a stable upright position during transport. This temporal separation of loading stability and operational accessibility resolves the contradiction.
4Reliability
If a hinged bracket is used to enable pendulum motion, then the reliability of stress reduction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged bracket acts as an intermediary element between the fixed pole and the multi-cycle support assembly. It provides the necessary connection while allowing controlled movement, mediating between the need for structural stability and the need for stress-reducing flexibility. The hinge mechanism is simple in design but effective in function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and stable transport of multiple cycles in an upright position, reducing mechanical stress and accommodating strong winds, while maintaining durability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
provides a hinged bracket to enable the multi-cycle support assembly carrying the cycles to sway in a pendulum motion while being carried, such that mechanical stress is reduced
Data Source
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AI summary
A single pole aerial tramway apparatus (100) carries multiple cycles in an upright position along the path of overhead cables (202) from an aerial tramway (200). A single, bowed pole (102) supports a multi-cycle support assembly (108) on which multiple cycles (300a-c) are mounted. The bowed pole (102) has a medial region (104c) that arcs distally from the cycles, so as to create additional space for loading and carrying the cycles. A bracket (106) forms a junction point that detachably connects a pole cable end (104a) of the bowed pole (102) to a cable extension member (204) from the cable. The bracket (106) may be hinged to enable the pole (102) to sway to reduce mechanical stress. A multi-cycle support assembly (108) attaches to the pole cycle end (104b). A primary stabilization bar (110) and a secondary stabilization bar (112) carry and balance the multi-cycle support assembly (108). Cycle racks (114a-c) set on the stabilization bars (110, 112) receive the cycles in a front tire depression (116) and a rear tire brace (120).