Ropeway Intermediate Switching Station

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ropeway systems lack flexibility in connecting multiple destinations, as passengers often need to travel between separate systems, and existing systems with intermediate stations are not sufficiently versatile.

Innovation Solution

A ropeway system with multiple turnaround stations and an intermediate switching station that allows the transportation unit to be selectively connected to any of the stations, using auxiliary advancing devices and switching devices to manage speed and route changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an intermediate station is added to allow passengers to get in and off, then passenger accessibility is improved, but system flexibility remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger accessibilityVSAvoidsystem flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate switching station is designed with multiple turnaround stations (at least three) that can all be accessed from a single intermediate point. The transportation unit can be selectively connected to any turnaround station, allowing the system to serve multiple destinations and functions from one infrastructure, thereby achieving multi-functionality and enhanced flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs selective connectable mechanisms that allow the transportation unit to dynamically connect to different turnaround stations based on demand. The intermediate switching station enables dynamic routing where passengers can board or alight at any turnaround station, making the system adaptable to varying passenger flow patterns and destination requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If multiple ropeway systems are used to connect different areas, then destination coverage is improved, but system complexity and passenger convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedestination coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple turnaround stations that would traditionally require separate ropeway systems are merged into a single integrated system. The intermediate switching station acts as a hub that connects to multiple turnaround stations, allowing one ropeway system to cover the area that would otherwise require multiple independent systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single ropeway system with an intermediate switching station is designed to perform the function of multiple separate systems by enabling connections to multiple turnaround stations. This multi-functional design allows one system to serve multiple destinations and routes, eliminating the need for passengers to transfer between separate ropeway systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If selective connection to multiple turnaround stations is enabled, then system versatility is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem versatilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate switching station serves as an intermediary device that manages the selective connection between the transportation unit and multiple turnaround stations. This intermediary structure simplifies control by providing a centralized switching point rather than requiring complex direct control mechanisms at each potential connection point, thereby enabling versatility without proportionally increasing control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2331379B1Ropeway system, method of operating such a system, and ropeway system switching device
Publication Date: 2012.03.21 ROLIC INVEST SARL
  • EP2331379B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2331379B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2331379B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A ropeway system (1), in particular for passenger transport, has a hauling rope (2); a transportation unit (3) having a carriage (4) selectively connectable to the hauling rope (2); a path (Pl) extending through a first, second, and third turnaround station (6, 7, 8) and an intermediate switching station (9); and switching devices (27, 28, 29) for selectively directing the transportation unit (3) to the first (6) or second (7) or third (8) turnaround station.