Rotating Clamp for Cable Transport Direction Reversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable transportation systems require multiple clamps for each vehicle to reverse direction, limiting them to two separate vehicles traveling in opposite directions between end stations, which is inefficient and restrictive.
Innovation Solution
A cable transportation system with a hauling cable looped into a closed ring, featuring a single clamp that rotates 180° to alternate between forward and return branches, allowing a single lane operation with multiple vehicles, and utilizing control mechanisms and spacing devices to facilitate smooth direction reversal without interfering with the hauling cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple clamps are used for each vehicle to reverse direction, then the vehicle can be constantly clamped to the hauling cable, but the system is limited to two separate vehicles traveling in opposite directions between end stations
Solution Approach 1:
The single clamp is designed to perform multiple functions: it can clamp to the hauling cable in either direction of travel and can rotate 180 degrees to switch between forward and return branches. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate clamps for each direction, allowing any vehicle to travel in either direction while maintaining constant clamping reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp incorporates a rotatable mechanism that allows it to dynamically change its orientation and switching position between the forward and return branches of the hauling cable. This dynamic capability enables the clamp to adapt to different travel directions and switch between lanes, transforming a static single-lane system into a dynamic multi-vehicle system.
2Productivity
If a single clamp rotates to alternate between forward and return branches, then multiple vehicles can operate simultaneously in the same lane, but the control mechanism must precisely avoid interfering with the hauling cable
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is positioned asymmetrically on the clamp structure, specifically on the side opposite to where the hauling cable makes contact. This asymmetric placement ensures that the control mechanism's movement range does not intersect with the hauling cable's path, eliminating interference while enabling precise control of the clamp's switching action between forward and return branches.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism acts as an intermediary element that indirectly controls the clamp's switching action without directly contacting the hauling cable. By positioning the control mechanism on the opposite side of the rotation axis from the cable contact point, it mediates the switching function while maintaining spatial separation from the cable, thus avoiding interference.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the control member is arranged closer to the rotation axis than the jaws, then it does not interfere with the hauling cable, but the mechanical advantage for opening and closing jaws is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a purely mechanical leverage system with a hybrid system that incorporates an actuator (electromagnetic, pneumatic, or hydraulic). This substitution allows the control member to be positioned closer to the rotation axis without sacrificing jaw actuation force, as the actuator provides the necessary force amplification independently of the control member's position relative to the rotation axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the control system by introducing actuators that can generate sufficient force regardless of the control member's distance from the rotation axis. This parameter change allows the control member to be optimally positioned for minimal cable interference while the actuator compensates for the reduced mechanical advantage through controlled force application.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable transportation system (1) for transporting people or goods defines an advancing path (P) extending between two end stations (2, 3) and having a given length L, and has a hauling cable (4) looped into a closed ring and having a forward branch (9) and a return branch (10), which extend between the end stations (2, 3); at least one vehicle (11) configured to be alternately advanced between the two end stations (2; 3), and selectively and alternately clamped to the forward branch (9) and the return branch (10) of the hauling cable at the end stations (2, 3); and a drive member (7) for advancing the hauling cable along the advancing path (P) and selectively stopping the hauling cable (4) when the vehicle (11) clamped to the hauling cable (4) is at one end station (2; 3).