Zip Line Brake Cable Link Arm Trolley Deceleration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing zip line braking systems often fail to reliably slow down the trolley and passenger as they approach the end of the line, potentially leading to accidents, and may diminish the thrill of the ride by requiring manual intervention or relying on passenger-operated braking systems.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a brake cable and link arm system that automatically applies a braking force to the trolley through a trolley receiver, transferring momentum from the trolley to the brake cable, which is restrained by a brake mechanism at the terminals, ensuring safe and reliable deceleration at the platform.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual intervention or passenger-operated braking systems are used, then the braking function can be performed, but the thrill of the ride is diminished and reliability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking reliabilityVSAvoidride experience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system is designed to automatically engage and control the trolley without requiring any action from the passenger. The system uses the trolley's own motion and the brake cable mechanism to self-regulate speed and ensure safe arrival at the platform, eliminating the need for manual intervention while preserving ride thrill.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The brake cable acts as an intermediary element between the terminal brake mechanism and the trolley. It transfers and controls the braking force smoothly, allowing automatic reliable braking while maintaining a controlled and safe ride experience for the passenger.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If existing braking systems are used, then some braking function is provided, but they fail to reliably slow down the trolley and passenger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking reliabilityVSAvoidsafety hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The brake cable system is pre-tensioned and positioned to engage automatically as the trolley approaches the terminal. This beforehand preparation ensures that braking force is applied smoothly and progressively, preventing sudden stops or system failures that could compromise safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical braking mechanisms with a simpler brake cable and pulley system that uses the trolley's own motion and gravity to generate controlled braking force, improving reliability by reducing mechanical failure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If automatic braking systems are implemented, then ride thrill is maintained, but the complexity of the braking system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveride experienceVSAvoidbraking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The braking function is extracted from the trolley itself and placed in the terminal infrastructure. The brake cable and terminal-mounted brake mechanism handle all braking operations, simplifying the trolley design while maintaining automatic braking functionality that preserves ride thrill.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If the brake cable is restrained by a brake mechanism, then reliable deceleration is achieved, but the system requires precise control and positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeceleration reliabilityVSAvoidsystem positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The brake cable system is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the cable tension and brake engagement point to vary based on the trolley's position and speed. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable deceleration without requiring extremely precise fixed positioning, as the system self-adjusts during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system effectively and safely slows down the trolley and passenger without passenger intervention, ensuring a secure landing and maintaining the thrill of the ride by providing consistent and automatic braking.

Implementation Method 1

transfers the braking force through the link arm to the trolley

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMomentum transfer: Conservation of Momentum

Implementation Method 2

A brake applies a braking force to travel of the brake cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9033115B2Zip line braking

Publication Date: 2015.05.19 LERNER SHAWN

AI summary

For zip line braking, a brake cable travels between at least two terminals. A brake applies a braking force to travel of the brake cable. A link arm is in physical communication with the brake cable. A trolley receiver in physical communication with the link arm and slidably traveling along a zip line receives a trolley slidably traveling along the zip line. The trolley receiver transfers the braking force through the link arm to the trolley.