Four-Guide Switch Mechanism for Cable-Driven Vehicle Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch systems in vehicle conveying cable systems cause kinks and jolts due to their design, which is not suitable for systems where conveying cables are integrated, leading to complex construction challenges and reduced vehicle performance.
Innovation Solution
A switch system with four guides, where the middle two guides are rigidly connected and pivotally mounted about a single axis, and the outer guides are articulated and pivotally mounted about separate axes, allowing the switch to pivot between positions, integrated with servo mechanisms and movable supports to facilitate smooth transitions without altering track curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional railway switches with switch rails are used, then track switching function is achieved, but kinks are caused in the track line resulting in jolts during vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is divided into four separate guides instead of using conventional switch rails. These guides are arranged side-by-side and can be independently positioned to create smooth transitions between tracks, eliminating the kinks caused by traditional switch rail designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The guides are made movable through pivotal mounting, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position. The middle guides pivot about a first axis while outer guides pivot about spaced-apart further axes, enabling smooth track transitions without creating harmful kinks or jolts during vehicle movement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If two lengths of track are pushed to form joins in the region of the branch, then smooth transitions are achieved, but the construction becomes very complicated when conveying cables are present
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing two lengths of track together, the switch is segmented into four separate guides that can be independently positioned and pivoted. This segmentation allows for smooth transitions while avoiding the complexity of handling and positioning long track sections in the presence of conveying cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The guides are designed to be dynamically adjustable through pivotal mounting rather than requiring static positioning of pushed track lengths. This dynamic approach simplifies the construction by allowing guides to be installed in fixed positions while achieving smooth transitions through their ability to pivot between positions.
3Ease of operation
If conventional switches are used, then track switching is possible, but vehicle speed must be reduced to accommodate jolts and shock absorption requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is divided into four guides that create gradual, smooth transitions between tracks. This segmentation eliminates the abrupt kinks of conventional switches, allowing vehicles to maintain higher speeds without experiencing harmful jolts or requiring reduced speed for shock absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal mounting of guides allows for smooth, continuous transitions rather than abrupt changes in track direction. This dynamic design enables vehicles to pass through the switch at higher speeds without the jolts that would otherwise require speed reduction and enhanced shock absorption capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for moving vehicles along two tracks that are in each case formed by two guides, in particular rails. The vehicles are moved by endless conveying cables to which the vehicles may be coupled. The two tracks have a switch in the regions of the end stations and where appropriate along the course, by way of which they are brought together. The switch has four guides which are located next to one another. The middle two guides, which are rigidly connected to one another, are pivotal about a first axis and the outer two guides, which are connected to one another in an articulated manner, are pivotal about two further axes that are spaced from one another. The switch that is formed by the four guides can thus be pivoted out of a first position into a second position.