Elastomeric Lining Cavities for Funicular Pulley Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing annular linings for cable pulleys and deflection sheaves lack adaptability to varying system rigidity, forces, weather, and speed conditions, and do not effectively manage vibration and material stiffness.
Innovation Solution
An annular lining made of elastic and/or elastomeric material with internal cavities, edge recesses, axially running channels, and foamed areas, which reduces cross-sectional strength for improved deformation under load and material savings, and includes inclined channels for drainage and gel filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solid elastic material is used for the lining, then structural strength and stability are maintained, but compliance and vibration damping are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by incorporating cavities within the elastic lining material. These cavities create a cellular structure that allows the material to deform more easily under load while maintaining overall structural integrity. The porous structure increases compliance and improves vibration damping characteristics without significantly compromising the structural strength provided by the surrounding elastic material matrix.
2Loss of substance
If cavities are added to reduce material usage and improve compliance, then material savings and deformation capability increase, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning cavities within specific regions of the lining rather than uniformly distributing them throughout. This allows different areas of the lining to have different structural characteristics - regions requiring higher strength maintain solid material while regions benefiting from compliance and weight reduction incorporate cavities. This localized approach optimizes the balance between material savings, compliance, and structural strength.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the lining is made more compliant to improve vibration isolation, then vibration damping increases, but load-bearing capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining solid elastic material with cavity structures to create a composite lining system. The solid elastic matrix provides the necessary load-bearing capacity and structural strength, while the embedded cavities contribute to vibration damping and compliance. This composite structure allows the lining to simultaneously handle mechanical loads and isolate vibrations effectively.
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
Enhances compliance, reduces stiffness, and achieves material savings while maintaining effective cable guidance and vibration isolation, suitable for various cable car pulleys and deflection sheaves.
Implementation Method 1
An annular lining for cable pulleys and deflection sheaves of cable cars with elastic and/or elastomeric material is provided, the lining having cavities in the interior of the material, with recesses on the edge and/or with axially running channels and/or with channels inclined thereto and/or with foamed areas
Implementation Method 2
Channels within the lining can also be arranged at an incline for better drainage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The lining (1) has foamed areas, cavities (8) provided in an interior of elastic and/or elastomer materials, and recesses at an edge side. Axially running channels and/or channels bent to the former channels open out in front-sided recesses that run in a peripheral direction. The channels are connected with a mantle surface of the lining over a connection channel. The recesses are partially filled with a gel. The materials have a hardness ranging between 60 and 90 shore A hardness according to DIN 53505, and a density ranging between 1.1 and 1.4 gram/cubic cm.