Pivoting Cycle Support for Ski Lifts Without Wheel Ground Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for two-wheeled cycles on ski lift vehicles face issues such as wheel damage from ground contact, difficulty in loading and unloading, and limited swing amplitude due to height constraints, leading to torsional stresses and interference with lift components.
Innovation Solution
A support device with an articulated lower support that pivots between transport and loading positions, incorporating rolling means and elastic return mechanisms to maintain wheel contact with the ground and prevent interference, allowing for secure holding and easy loading/unloading of cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the support device is installed at a low height on the lift vehicle, then the vehicle can swing back and forth with a large angular amplitude without hitting the cable or pylon, but the second wheel contacts the ground causing torsional stress and potential buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The lower support is made pivotable relative to the upper support, allowing the support device to dynamically adjust its orientation. During transport, it maintains a higher position for stability, but can lower during loading/unloading operations to prevent wheel damage while still allowing adequate swing amplitude.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate positioning mechanism between the fixed high mounting and ground contact. The pivotable lower support acts as an intermediary that can adjust the height and angle of the second wheel support, preventing direct ground contact during normal operation while still enabling safe loading/unloading when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the support device is installed at a high position on the lift vehicle, then the second wheel does not contact the ground during transport, but the vehicle cannot swing back and forth with sufficient angular amplitude without the support device striking the cable or pylon
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable lower support allows the system to dynamically adjust its configuration. During transport with adequate clearance, it maintains a high position. When swing amplitude becomes constrained or during loading operations, it can lower to prevent ground contact while still allowing necessary vehicle movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vertical position parameter of the lower support relative to the upper support. This allows the support device to adapt its height based on operational conditions, maintaining high position during transport to prevent wheel damage while enabling lower positions when swing amplitude or loading requirements demand it.
3Ease of manufacture
If the lower support is fixed in position, then the structure is simple and stable, but the cycle cannot be easily loaded and unloaded without causing wheel damage or stress
Solution Approach 1:
The lower support is made pivotable rather than fixed, introducing controlled movement to the otherwise simple structure. This allows easy loading and unloading operations by adjusting the support angle while maintaining structural simplicity through a single pivot joint without complex mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the lower support is made pivotable to facilitate loading and unloading, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single pivot joint is introduced between the lower and upper supports, providing the necessary movement for loading and unloading operations. This minimal dynamic element achieves the operational flexibility needed without significantly increasing device complexity, maintaining a simple and robust overall structure.
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 prevents wheel damage, facilitates cycle loading and unloading, and allows the ski lift vehicle to swing freely without striking lift components, ensuring stable and efficient cycle transport.
Implementation Method 1
rolling means (7), arranged on the distal end section (5b) of the lower support (5), and shaped to roll on a surface such as the ground (S)
Data Source
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AI summary
Support device (1) receiving and holding a two-wheeled cycle on a ski lift vehicle moved in a longitudinal direction (II), said support device (1) comprising: - a lower support (5) with an intermediate receptacle (6) receiving a wheel of said cycle, elongated between proximal (5a) and distal (5b) end sections, and articulated along its proximal end section (5a) to pivot between: • a transport position, in which the lower support (5) forms a first angle (A1) with the longitudinal direction (II), • a loading position, in which the lower support (5) forms a second angle smaller than the first angle (A1), - rolling means (7), arranged on the distal end section (5b) of the lower support (5), and shaped to roll on a surface such as the ground (S).