Zipline Trolley Brake Mechanism Top Cable Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zipline trolleys face reduced braking efficiency in inclement weather due to moisture accumulation on the cable, leading to compromised brake force, and are often large and difficult to remove from the cable.
Innovation Solution
A compact zipline trolley design with a brake mechanism that applies force to the top of the cable, using a brake stop angled tab hitch and a series of springs to increase braking efficiency, and a Sprague wheel bearing to prevent rollback, allowing for easy removal and improved safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a brake mechanism is applied to the bottom of the cable, then braking force is provided, but braking efficiency is reduced due to moisture accumulation on the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The brake mechanism is inverted from applying force to the bottom of the cable to applying force to the top of the cable. This inversion moves the braking interface away from the moisture-prone bottom surface to the top surface, eliminating the harmful effect of water lubrication while maintaining effective braking force application.
2Reliability
If a traditional brake mechanism is used, then braking force is applied, but the trolley becomes large and difficult to remove from the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley is segmented into distinct functional components: a compact brake mechanism, a ratchet and pawl system for one-way engagement, and a cable interaction interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resulting in a compact overall design that maintains full braking capability while enabling easy removal from the cable.
3Force
If braking force is applied to the bottom of the cable, then the brake mechanism functions, but water lubrication compromises the braking force
Solution Approach 1:
The application point of the braking force is inverted from the bottom of the cable to the top of the cable. This eliminates exposure to water lubrication that occurs on the bottom surface, while the brake mechanism maintains its ability to generate and apply sufficient braking force through the modified top-surface contact geometry.
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 solution provides a reliable and efficient braking system that is not affected by moisture, enabling safe and easy removal of the trolley from the cable, even in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
consisting of a plurality of spring coils (16)
Implementation Method 2
A brake mechanism is provided that applies force to the top of the cable
Data Source
AI summary
For zipline spring segment, the spring segment includes two spring sub-segments, an end cap, and a guide. The two spring sub-segments each include a set of spring coils, each spring coil set including a large diameter end and a small diameter end, wherein each of the spring coils of the spring segment nests completely within a neighboring spring coil and a cable passes through the spring coils. The end cap is disposed on the large diameter end of the spring coils, the end cap including a hole that receives the cable. The guide connects the two sets of spring coils of the spring sub-segments at the small diameter ends. The guide guides the cable through a center of the spring segment, wherein the guide and the end caps are configured to be in contact upon a full compression of the spring coil segment.