Mobile Support Devices for Aerial Cable Transport Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial cable transporting systems face challenges in maintaining the hauling cable in a suitable position when the system is stopped, leading to potential ground clearance issues and wind-induced oscillations, especially in systems with a single supporting cable, and current solutions for multiple cables complicate maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing mobile support devices that travel along the supporting cable to support the hauling cable when the system is stopped, replacing fixed supports, allowing easy maintenance and operation with one or two supporting cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed intermediate support structures are provided for the supporting cable, then the cable can be supported at multiple points, but the device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed support structures with mobile support devices that travel along the supporting cable. These mobile devices include a support element that can move freely along the cable while maintaining contact with the hauling cable, allowing the system to adapt to different operational states without requiring complex fixed infrastructure at multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile support device serves multiple functions: it supports the hauling cable during operation, maintains ground clearance, prevents wind-induced oscillations, and can be easily relocated for maintenance. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for multiple specialized fixed support structures.
2Ease of repair
If the hauling cable is not supported when the system is stopped, then maintenance access is improved, but ground clearance issues and wind-induced oscillations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile support device is self-contained and can autonomously travel along the supporting cable to reach any position where support is needed. It automatically positions itself to maintain ground clearance and prevent oscillations without requiring external intervention, while still allowing easy maintenance access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device can dynamically adjust its position along the supporting cable based on operational requirements. During operation, it positions itself to provide continuous support and prevent wind-induced oscillations. During maintenance, it can be relocated to allow access to the hauling cable, thus adapting to different system states.
3Ease of repair
If mobile support devices are used instead of fixed supports, then maintenance ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile support device is divided into distinct functional segments: a support element for contacting the hauling cable, a traveling mechanism for moving along the supporting cable, and a control system for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance by isolating potential failure points.
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
The mobile support devices effectively maintain the hauling cable in a raised position, preventing ground clearance issues and wind-induced oscillations, facilitating easy maintenance and operation, and are adaptable to systems with varying configurations.
Implementation Method 1
Each mobile support device comprises a trolley provided with rollers for rolling on the at least one supporting cable
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An aerial cable transporting system (1) for transporting passengers and/or cargo, wherein the system comprises: a first terminal station (14) and a second terminal station (33); a hauling cable (13) arranged in a ring between the stations (14, 33) to create two branches (30, 31) of opposite transport direction; at least one supporting cable (2) for each transport branch (30, 31) between stations (14, 33); a plurality of vehicles (3) configured to run along the transport branches (30, 31) in aerial configuration between the stations (14, 33) supported by the at least one supporting cable (2) and hauled by the hauling cable (13); a plurality of support devices (10) configured to support the hauling cable (13) during the stop of the system when vehicles are not running along the transport branches (30, 31); wherein the supporting devices (10) are movable along the transport branches (30, 31) between the stations (14, 33) supported by the at least one supporting cable (2).