Zipline Trolley Launcher With RFID-Verified Release Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual release of zipline trolleys in recreational zipline systems is prone to rider/operator errors, leading to accidental or premature releases, which can be risky.
Innovation Solution
A launcher system with a body, arms, connectors, pads, and an actuating portion that securely holds and precisely releases the trolley, utilizing a piston assembly and RFID tagging for user-trolley association verification to prevent unauthorized releases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual release mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to rider/operator errors causing accidental or premature releases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical release system with an automated electronic control system. The release mechanism is actuated by a motor (144) controlled by a controller (104) that receives signals from RFID readers (106, 108) to verify user-trolley associations, eliminating manual operation and its associated errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through RFID readers (106, 108) that continuously monitor and verify user-trolley associations. The controller (104) receives feedback signals from these readers and automatically controls the release timing, ensuring that release only occurs when proper association is confirmed, thereby preventing accidental or premature releases.
2Measurement precision
If automated piston assembly is used, then release precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a piston assembly (138) actuated by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to achieve precise and consistent trolley release. The piston mechanism provides controlled, repeatable motion that ensures accurate release timing while maintaining mechanical simplicity through the use of fluid power principles.
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 launcher system ensures safer and more precise trolley launches by preventing accidental releases and ensuring correct user-trolley associations, enhancing operational safety and reducing the risk of errors.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is adapted to move the piston within the cylinder and away from the body to effect the release of the trolley from the launcher
Data Source
AI summary
A launcher for a zipline trolley system comprises a body, first and second arms, first and second connectors, first and second pads, and an actuating portion. The first and second arms extend from the body. The first and second connectors are pivotably connected to the first and second arms, respectively. The first and second pads are connected to the first and second connectors, respectively. The actuating portion comprises a sliding member and first and second pull arms. The first and second pull arms are connected to the first and second connectors, respectively. When the launcher is in a first configuration, the first and second pads are adapted to hold the trolley in place. Movement of the sliding member away from the body causes pivotable movement of the first and second connectors and a transition of the launcher to a second configuration to release the trolley.