Intermediate Cable Suspension with Capacitive Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intermediate traction cable suspensions in cable car systems with a single carrying cable are prone to rotation due to wind forces, leading to potential cable derailment, as they lack a second stabilizing cable, and existing solutions do not effectively monitor or prevent such incidents.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate traction cable suspension system with a frame, pulleys, a control unit, energy storage, and transmission units, including capacitor plates and load measuring pins, that continuously monitor the presence of the traction cable and trigger signals for absence or changes, and a throw-off protection mechanism to prevent cable drop, utilizing capacitive data transmission and energy-saving reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single carrying cable is used for intermediate traction cable suspension, then device complexity is reduced, but stability deteriorates due to rotation around the cable
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor system acts as an intermediary between the traction cable and the control station, detecting cable presence and transmitting signals to prevent derailment. The sensor serves as a mediator that monitors the cable's position and triggers protective actions when abnormalities are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the traction cable's presence through sensors and transmitting status signals back to the control station. This feedback loop enables real-time detection of cable derailment conditions and allows for immediate corrective action to maintain stability.
2Device complexity
If no monitoring system is installed, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to undetected cable derailment
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system provides continuous feedback on cable presence through sensors that detect when the traction cable is properly positioned on the pulley. This feedback is transmitted to the control station, enabling real-time monitoring and immediate response to derailment conditions, thereby ensuring operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring mechanisms with electronic sensors and signal transmission systems. The sensor-based detection system substitutes for traditional mechanical switches or contact-based monitoring, reducing mechanical complexity while improving reliability through electronic detection capabilities.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system employs periodic signal transmission rather than continuous communication. Sensors detect cable presence continuously but transmit status signals only when changes occur or at scheduled intervals, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable monitoring of the traction cable's position.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system utilizes the existing traction cable as part of the signal transmission medium. The cable itself serves as a conductor for transmitting sensor signals back to the control station, eliminating the need for separate power and communication infrastructure and reducing overall energy consumption.
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
Effectively monitors and prevents traction cable drop by continuously transmitting presence signals and engaging throw-off protection mechanisms, ensuring stable operation and safe cable management even in the absence of a second carrying cable.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission unit comprises at least two mutually insulated capacitor plates connected to the control unit. The control unit is designed to continuously or intermittently transmit presence signals via the capacitor plates to the receiving station of the cable car station via the associated traction cable.
Data Source
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AI summary
An intermediate suspension for a cableway with at least one track rope (10) and one haul rope (15) has a frame (20) on which at least one pulley (21) per haul rope (15) is provided. A control unit (50), a power generator (30) connected to it, and a transmission unit for signals from the control unit (50) to a cableway station are provided. Either the presence or absence of the assigned haul rope (15) on or at the corresponding pulley (21) is detected by a sensor (40) connected to the control unit (50), or its absence is detected via continuous capacitive signal transmission through the haul rope (15) itself.Furthermore, the intermediate suspension of the haul rope can include a throw-off protection device, wherein the throw-off protection device comprises a drive and at least one locking bar, which locking bar can be moved from a rest position not engaging in the haul rope by the drive over an adjacent pulley (21) in order to prevent the haul rope from being thrown off.