Zip Line Brake with Resilient Wheels for Speed Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Zip lining poses safety and logistical challenges due to inconsistent speed, where riders may either be stranded mid-line due to insufficient momentum or experience dislocated shoulders from attempting to stop by grabbing the line, and existing braking systems require extensive modifications and are not widely used.
Innovation Solution
A braking system installed on the zip line with resilient wheels and a capture system for the trolley that includes a set of pins to engage the brake, allowing for controlled slowing and stopping of the trolley, and enabling rescue of riders with insufficient momentum by deploying the brake along the line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If riders grab the zip line to stop manually, then they can slow down, but they risk dislocated shoulders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a brake mechanism with resilient wheels as an intermediary device between the rider and the zip line. Instead of the rider directly grabbing the line (which causes shoulder dislocation), the brake mechanism with its compliant wheels provides a mediated stopping interface that absorbs impact forces and prevents direct traumatic contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism is positioned ahead of the rider on the zip line, providing cushioning before the rider needs to stop. The resilient wheels are designed to compress and absorb energy during engagement, creating a cushioning effect that prevents the harmful impact that would occur with direct manual grabbing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the zip line is not inclined steeply enough, then the ride is safer, but the trolley may stop in the middle due to insufficient momentum
Solution Approach 1:
The brake mechanism is designed to be self-activating through the engagement of resilient wheels with the zip line cable. When the trolley's momentum causes the brake to engage, the system serves itself by automatically providing the necessary braking force without external intervention, allowing the trolley to stop safely at the endpoint even with moderate initial momentum.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism allows for adjustment of braking parameters through the resilient wheel compression characteristics. By modifying the compliance and engagement force of the wheels, the system can adapt to different zip line inclines and trolley speeds, ensuring reliable stopping whether the line is steep or gentle.
3Speed
If existing braking systems are installed, then stopping is possible, but extensive modifications to course equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The brake mechanism is designed with universal applicability to standard zip line configurations. The resilient wheel design and mounting system can be adapted to existing course equipment without requiring extensive modifications, making the braking capability universally applicable across different zip line installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism is segmented into modular components including the resilient wheels, mounting bracket, and adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows for easy installation and integration with existing zip line equipment, reducing the complexity of modifications required compared to integrated braking systems.
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 braking system effectively manages speed by absorbing energy and preventing riders from being stranded, while the capture mechanism ensures safe retrieval of riders who cannot reach the end, enhancing safety and reducing the need for extensive modifications to existing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
resilient wheels are mounted for movement relative to the housing of the brake
Implementation Method 2
the spokes of the wheels may flex torsionally and absorb the energy of movement
Implementation Method 3
The wheels themselves are mounted via ball bearings for relatively frictionless movement
Data Source
AI summary
A brake and capture system for zip lining are disclosed. The brake has a housing with first and second ends. Inside the brake are a number of fixed guide plates, each with an angled slot. A number of wheels are mounted are movably mounted within the housing so as to be guided by the angled slots. When the brake is struck by a trolley with sufficient momentum, the wheels within the brake are driven inwardly by the angled slots, into rolling engagement with the zip line, to slow the trolley. The trolley and brake may be provided with complementary engaging structures, such that the brake may be sent out on the zip line to capture the trolley if it has insufficient momentum.