Trolley Brake Pad Angled for Zip Line Arc
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current zip line braking systems do not allow riders to safely and easily control their speed, with existing methods being either unsafe, expensive, complex, or limiting in terms of directional control.
Innovation Solution
A trolley brake system with a brake body that includes a brake pad positioned between the zip line and the trolley, allowing users to apply downward force to control braking force, featuring a brake pad angled to accommodate the natural arc of the zip line and potentially including a hinged or fixed connection to the trolley.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If frictional braking is used by having the rider squeeze the suspended cable with a gloved hand, then braking force is applied to slow the rider, but the rider can wear a hole through the glove and rub skin along the suspended cable creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a brake pad as an intermediary component between the rider's hand and the suspended cable. The brake pad is positioned within the brake body to contact the cable when downward force is applied, transferring the braking force without direct hand-cable contact. This eliminates the harmful effect of skin exposure while maintaining effective braking force application to the cable.
2Speed
If impact braking using elastic cords is used to stop the rider, then the rider is brought to a stop, but the rider swings in a violent and rapid manner creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful impact force into a beneficial controlled frictional braking mechanism. Instead of using elastic cords that create violent stopping forces, the brake pad applies gradual frictional resistance to the suspended cable through downward pressure. This transforms the harmful abrupt impact into a beneficial controlled deceleration, eliminating violent swinging while maintaining effective speed control.
3Speed
If gravity braking relying on natural cable sag and rider weight is used, then the rider comes to a stop, but the user cannot end at the preferred destination requiring repositioning of ladders or walkways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static gravity braking system into a dynamic controlled braking system. The brake body can be rotated about the suspended cable, allowing the rider to actively control the braking force applied by the brake pad. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise control over descent speed and stopping position, allowing riders to reach preferred destinations without requiring repositioning of support structures.
4Reliability
If braking systems are rigidly fixed to a particular suspended cable or trolley, then braking function is provided, but the system is not easily transportable among other suspended cables and adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the brake body to be universally applicable to different suspended cables and trolleys. The brake body can be attached to various trolley configurations and works with standard suspended cables through the brake pad interface. This universal design enables easy transportability and adaptability across multiple zip line installations while maintaining reliable braking function through consistent frictional contact mechanics.
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
Enables precise control over speed, ensuring safe and controlled descents while allowing riders to face any direction, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
A brake pad may be placed between the zip line and a bottom portion of the brake body such that a downward force on the brake body causes the brake pad to contact the zip line. More downward force applies more braking force to the zip line
Implementation Method 2
The downward slope of the suspended cable facilitates a gravitational force which propels the trolley and rider along the suspended cable
Data Source
AI summary
A brake for a trolley which travels atop a zip line is presented. The brake includes a brake body having a brake body with a top plate and two side plates extending downward from the top plate, the top plate having an underside which faces the zip line. One or both of the side plates may contain an aperture for accepting a rigid member which secures the trolley to the brake body. A brake pad is preferably positioned on the underside of the top plate. Exemplary embodiments may contain a brake extension which connects with the brake body and extends downward towards the user.