Aerial Ropeway Grip Structure for Non-Linear Route Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ropeways are unable to navigate horizontal curves at operating speed without detaching from the rope, making them inefficient and costly, particularly in urban areas where space and maintenance are a concern, limiting their use as a viable public transport system.
Innovation Solution
A vertically structured grip system with horizontal actuating means and an angular module allows the grip to shift the centroid of suspension, enabling the ropeway to negotiate horizontal deviations at operating speed without detachment or slowing down, using articulated track wheel frames and a spring mechanism to maintain grip and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ropeways use fixed alignment with angle stations for horizontal curves, then they can negotiate deviations, but they require detachment and slowing down, occupying large space and involving huge expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The grip structure is made dynamically adjustable with an angular module that can change its orientation angle (±15 degrees from vertical) to accommodate horizontal curves. This dynamic adaptation allows the ropeway to follow non-linear paths without requiring complex stationary angle stations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The grip structure serves multiple functions: it grips the haulage rope, supports the carrier, and actively negotiates horizontal curves through its angular adjustment capability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate angle station structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to handle various routing scenarios
2Adaptability or versatility
If angle stations are provided for horizontal deviations, then ropeways can change direction, but they occupy large space and involve huge expenses and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The curve negotiation capability is moved from the stationary infrastructure domain (angle stations on ground) to the moving component domain (angular module on carrier). This dimensional shift allows direction changes to occur in mid-air along the rope path, eliminating the need for large ground-based angle station structures and reducing space occupation
3Speed
If conventional gripping devices are used, then ropeways can transport passengers, but they cannot negotiate bends at line speed without detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The angular module provides dynamic orientation adjustment during curve negotiation, allowing the grip structure to actively adapt to the curve geometry while maintaining continuous gripping and operating speed. This eliminates the need for detachment and slowing down that characterizes conventional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The angular module acts as an intermediary between the vertical grip structure and the horizontal curve geometry. It mediates the transition by providing the necessary angular adjustment, enabling smooth curve negotiation at line speed without disrupting the continuous operation of the ropeway
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved carrying facility drivable along a non-linear conveyor means in the form of aerial ropeway having, at least, a hanger means operatively, connected to at least a means (1) for accommodating passengers and/or material and to at least a detachable rope gripping means, adapted to firmly grip said means for accommodating passengers and/or material via said hanger means, wherein said gripping means includes a vertical grip structure (5, 10, 11) adapted to shift the centroid of suspension to negotiate a horizontal deviation at operating speed along said non-linear conveyor means / aerial ropeway route, without the need for detachment and/or slowing down along said conveyor means.