Integrated Clamping and Locking Mechanism for Cable Transport Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportation systems for orbits, such as chairlifts and cable cars, have complex locking devices that require additional mechanisms for locking and releasing safety devices, leading to increased operational and economic costs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with an actuatable clamping device and a locking device that automatically transitions between locked and unlocked positions based on the clamping device's state, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms by integrating the locking function with the clamping device's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device with additional mechanisms is used to lock and release safety devices, then the safety device can be reliably locked during transport, but the device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device merges the locking function with the clamping device by using the clamping jaws' movement to directly actuate the locking mechanism. The locking lever is connected to the clamping device such that when clamping jaws close, they automatically lock the safety device, and when clamping jaws open, they automatically unlock the safety device. This eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms and gates.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is given multiple functions: it not only clamps the hoisting rope to propel the transportation device but also simultaneously locks and unlocks the safety device. The locking lever serves dual purposes by being actuated through the clamping device's movement, making the system more efficient and less complex.
2Reliability
If additional locking mechanisms and gates are installed to operate the locking device, then the safety device can be securely locked, but the manufacturing costs and operational expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the locking function into the existing clamping device structure. The locking lever is integrated with the clamping mechanism, using the same movement to both clamp the rope and lock the safety device. This eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms and gates, reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to be self-actuating through the clamping device's movement. When the clamping jaws close, they automatically lock the safety device without requiring additional gates or manual intervention. The system uses its own operational movement to perform the locking function, eliminating the need for separate actuating mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the locking device is decoupled from the clamping device operation, then the safety device can be locked at any time, but the operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is coupled with the clamping device through the locking lever, which is actuated by the clamping jaws' movement. This integration ensures that locking operations occur automatically at the appropriate times during the clamping cycle, simplifying the overall system while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to lock the safety device in advance during the clamping operation. The locking lever is positioned and actuated as part of the clamping sequence, ensuring the safety device is locked before the transportation device moves, and unlocked when the clamping jaws open at the station.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3a
AI summary
Traveling equipment (1) comprising an actuable clamping device (9) with clamping jaws (9d, 9f) for connecting the traveling equipment (1) to a haul rope (8) via the clamping jaws (9d, 9f) or for disconnecting it from the haul rope (8), and comprising a safety device (5) and a locking device (3), wherein the locking device (3) is configured to act on the safety device (5) such that, in an activated position, the locking device (3) locks the safety device (5) in a closed position, and that, in a deactivated position, the locking device (3) allows the safety device (5) to be opened, and that the locking device (3) has an operative connection to the clamping device (9) in order to bring the locking device (3) into an activated position or into a deactivated position depending on the position of the clamping device (9).