Compact Zip-Line Braking System with Anti-Return Trapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zip-line braking systems are either dependent on operators or external cables for activation, are large and difficult to install, and lack an anti-return trapping device to prevent the sliding car from returning, with many relying on friction for braking which leads to aggressive and unsafe stops at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
A compact, automatic braking system with internal damping and anti-return capabilities that dissipates and transfers energy through accordion and hinge movements, using integrated springs and a rotary joint to ensure smooth and safe braking without external elements, and includes a universal anti-return trapping device that can be detached and positioned along the zip-line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If external springs are used for braking, then braking force is provided, but the system becomes large and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the springs inside the braking device housing, nesting the spring mechanism within the existing structure. This eliminates the need for external spring mounting and reduces overall system size, directly resolving the contradiction between providing braking force and maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (braking force generation, energy absorption, and structural support) into a single integrated braking device. By merging the spring mechanism with the braking block and housing, the system achieves compact dimensions while maintaining effective braking force.
2Force
If friction-based braking is used, then braking action is achieved, but wear occurs on friction elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the kinetic energy that would otherwise be dissipated as heat and wear into useful elastic potential energy stored in the springs. The braking action is achieved through the spring mechanism rather than direct friction, eliminating wear on friction elements while maintaining effective braking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional friction-based mechanical braking system with a spring-based elastic energy storage and release mechanism. This substitution eliminates the wear inherent in friction-based systems while providing equivalent or superior braking action.
3Ease of operation
If braking systems depend on operators or external cables for activation, then braking control is achieved, but the system requires external elements and operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the braking device to activate automatically upon impact without requiring external cables or operator intervention. The kinetic energy of the moving object directly triggers the spring mechanism, making the system self-activating and eliminating the need for external control elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The springs are pre-loaded and positioned within the braking device, ready to activate immediately upon impact. This preliminary preparation of the braking mechanism ensures automatic activation without requiring external signals or operator action, simplifying the overall system.
4Reliability
If large arrival platforms are used to withstand impact, then safety is improved, but installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the safety function into a compact, self-contained braking device that can be independently installed. Rather than requiring a large arrival platform to absorb impact, the braking function is separated into a modular unit that provides safety without demanding large installation space or complex structural support.
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 provides effective and safe braking for users at various weights and speeds, reducing maintenance needs and installation complexity, as it automatically activates without external cables or operators, ensuring gradual and total braking without wear on friction elements.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic elements (221) that connect the upper rolling elements (219) to the lower rolling elements (220), wherein said plurality of elastic elements (221) allow the entry of the first braking block (204) to the second braking block (205), generating an accordion movement
Data Source
AI summary
A compact braking system for zip-line that brakes a sliding car including an anti-return trapping device that traps the sliding car preventing its return by a zip-line cable and a braking device that transfers and dissipates the energy of the arrival impact of the slide car without the use of one or more cables and/or elements external to it and without the activation of any operator.