Rescue Trolley Bidirectional Connecting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rescue trolleys for cable transportation systems are limited in their ability to move in both directions of the rescue pull cable and cannot navigate oppositely-inclined path portions, leading to mechanical stress and inefficiency due to one-way connecting devices and inability to adjust to slope changes.
Innovation Solution
A rescue trolley with a connecting device comprising a first assembly fixed to the rescue pull cable, a second hinged assembly connected to the frame, and a third assembly secured to the frame, allowing the trolley to selectively use either the first and second or first and third assemblies for pulling force transmission based on the slope and direction, enabling bidirectional movement and slope negotiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a one-way connecting device is used to connect the frame to the rescue pull cable, then the device structure is simple, but the rescue trolley cannot move in both directions of the rescue pull cable
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device employs dynamic elements including a movable pulley that can shift position and hinged connections that can change orientation. The movable pulley travels along the rescue pull cable and can be positioned on either side of the frame, enabling the system to adapt its configuration for bidirectional movement while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device is designed as a universal system that can handle both pulling directions and various slope conditions through a single integrated mechanism. The combination of movable pulley, hinged frame connections, and adjustable geometry allows the same device to function effectively whether the rescue trolley is being pulled uphill or downhill, eliminating the need for direction-specific configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rescue trolley is designed for a given slope, then the connecting device is simple, but it cannot negotiate oppositely-inclined path portions
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device incorporates dynamic geometric adaptation through the movable pulley system and hinged connections. As the rescue trolley encounters slope changes, the movable pulley automatically repositions and the hinged connections adjust their angles, allowing the device to maintain effective force transmission across varying inclines without requiring pre-programmed configurations for each slope
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the form of adjustable connection geometry and movable component positions. The movable pulley can be located at different positions along the rescue pull cable, and the hinged connections can adopt different angular configurations, enabling the device to adapt to various slope conditions by changing its geometric parameters rather than requiring multiple specialized devices
3Ease of manufacture
If the connecting device is designed for one-way operation, then manufacturing is simpler, but mechanical stress increases when encountering slope changes
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic design elements including the movable pulley and hinged connections allow the system to gradually adapt to slope changes rather than experiencing abrupt stress transitions. The movable pulley can shift its position progressively as the terrain changes, and the hinged connections can rotate to accommodate angle changes, distributing mechanical stress more evenly and preventing sudden loads that would compromise reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged connections and movable pulley system provide a form of mechanical cushioning by allowing gradual adjustment to slope changes. The hinges can rotate through intermediate angles and the movable pulley can transition smoothly between positions, absorbing and distributing the shock of slope transitions rather than transmitting abrupt stress spikes to the frame and cable system
Data Source
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AI summary
A rescue trolley (12), for recovering and transporting transportation units (9) of a cable transportation system (1) having at least one supporting cable (6) and a rescue pull cable (8), has a frame (13) guided along a given path (P) by the supporting cable (6); an anchoring device (14) for engaging a transportation unit (9); and a connecting device (15) for connecting the frame (13) to the rescue pull cable (8), and which has a first connecting assembly (22) fixed to the rescue pull cable (8), a second connecting assembly (23) hinged to the frame (13) and engaging the first connecting assembly (23) in sliding manner, and a third connecting assembly (24) secured to the frame (13) and engaging the first connecting assembly (22) in sliding manner; the rescue pull cable (8) drawing the rescue trolley (12) selectively by means of the first and second connecting assembly (22, 23) or the first and third connecting assembly (22, 24), depending on the pull direction of the rescue pull cable (8) and the slope of the supporting cable (6).