Movable Roller Support for Aerial Hauling Cable Oscillation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerial cable transportation systems experience vertical oscillations of the hauling cable due to cyclical lifting and lowering, which cause annoying vibrations for passengers, especially when approaching fixed support structures like pylons.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a movable roller in the aerial line support device that transitions between a distal and proximal position relative to the supporting cables, dampened by a spring and damping mechanism, to accommodate the hauling cable's movement and reduce oscillations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the hauling cable is tensioned between stations to maintain position, then the cable stability is improved, but the mechanical effort needed to lift the cable over support structures increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable position stabilityVSAvoidmechanical effort for lifting cable
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The aerial line support device incorporates a movable roller that can dynamically adjust its position between a first position (supporting the cable) and a second position (clearing the cable path). This dynamic mechanism allows the system to reduce lifting effort during vehicle passage while maintaining cable stability during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element pre-positions the roller in the first position to support the hauling cable before vehicle arrival. This preliminary action ensures the cable is properly supported in advance, reducing the mechanical effort required during the actual lifting phase when the vehicle clamp passes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Force

If the hauling cable is allowed to deflect downward between support structures, then the mechanical effort for lifting is reduced, but the cable position becomes excessively deviated and proximity to ground increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical effort for lifting cableVSAvoidcable position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The movable roller transitions between a first position (supporting the cable at proper height) and a second position (allowing cable to deflect downward). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to temporarily reduce support during vehicle passage while maintaining proper cable position during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The aerial line support device operates periodically, providing support to the hauling cable during intervals between vehicle passages and clearing the path during vehicle passage. This periodic action pattern allows the cable to deflect downward only when necessary, maintaining stability overall while reducing lifting effort during critical moments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed roller support is used for the hauling cable, then the cable position is maintained, but vertical oscillations occur during vehicle passage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable position stabilityVSAvoidvertical oscillations and vibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The roller is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically respond to vehicle passage. The roller can be raised to clear the cable path during vehicle passage, preventing the cable from being forced over a fixed obstacle and thus eliminating the harmful vertical oscillations and vibrations that would occur with a fixed roller support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If the roller is positioned in the path of the supporting cables, then the hauling cable is supported, but the vehicle clamp cannot pass through due to insufficient space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehauling cable supportVSAvoidvehicle passage clearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The roller is positioned in the path of the supporting cables but is made movable between two positions. During normal operation, the roller supports the hauling cable in the first position. During vehicle passage, the roller moves to a second position that clears the path, providing sufficient space for the vehicle clamp to pass through without obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution effectively dampens vertical oscillations of the hauling cable, reducing passenger discomfort and maintaining a stable cable position without complex mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element configured to move the support roller from a first position in which the support roller supports the hauling cable to a second position in which the support roller clears a path for the hauling cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a damping element configured to damp movements of the support roller between the first position and the second position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4458639B1Aerial cable transportation system with a hauling cable, two supporting cables and at least one aerial line support device to support the hauling cable
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 LEITNER SPA VIPITENO
  • EP4458639B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4458639B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4458639B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

An aerial cable transportation system for transporting passengers and/or cargo; wherein the system comprises: a first terminal station and a second terminal station; a hauling cable movable and arranged in a loop between the terminal stations to form two branches of opposite transport direction; two supporting cables for each transport branch between the stations, the hauling cable being placed under the supporting cables; a plurality of vehicles for transporting passengers and/or cargo configured to run along the transport branches in aerial configuration between the terminal stations supported by the supporting cables and hauled by the hauling cable to which they are coupled by means of a clamp; at least one aerial line support device coupled to the supporting cables between the stations; wherein the aerial line support device comprises a frame having upper ends configured to couple to the hauling cables and a lower end supporting a roller configured to support the hauling cable; wherein the roller of the aerial line support device is movable relative to the first upper ends of the frame between a distal or lowered position and a proximal or raised position; being provided at least one spring configured to force the roller towards the proximal or raised position.