Eddy current braking system for trolley zip line cable with a stationary conductor

A trolley magnetic braking system having a brake block assembly engagable by a trolley, a substantially stationary conductor that is pitch adjustable and a carrier having magnetic members that are driven along the conductive member for braking a trolley. Providing a pitch adjustable conductor allows for modification of how much of the conductor interfaces with the magnets and therein varying the amount of eddy current applied in the braking apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to brake systems and, more specifically, to a trolley magnetic braking system comprising a brake block engagable by a trolley, a substantially stationary conductor that is pitch adjustable and a carrier having magnetic members that are driven along the conductive member providing means for braking a trolley. Providing a pitch adjustable conductor allows for modification of how much of the conductor interfaces with the magnets and therein varying the amount of eddy current applied in the braking apparatus.

The present invention provides for an additional element comprising one or more pulleys that may be used to vary the orientation of the braking system relative to the brake block, e.g. whether the apparatus is in a somewhat horizontal or vertical orientation or somewhere in between.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There are other breaking systems designed for the same purpose. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 1,898,555 issued to McCune on Feb. 21, 1933.

Another patent was issued to Pribonic et al. on Mar. 18, 2003 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,083. Yet another France Patent No. FR2832114 was issued to Kroger Uwe on May 16, 2003. Another was issued to Yasuaki on Oct. 6, 2005 as Japan Patent No. JP2005271704.

A traction increasing apparatus for rail vehicles, the combination with an electromagnet of a member carried by the vehicle, rods secured to said magnet, brackets secured to said member in which said rods are slidably mounted, springs for yielding maintaining said magnet supported above the rail, and means for maintaining said springs under initial compression.

A brake system is claimed in which the eddy current braking devices are mounted to confront another rail laid parallel to a main rail for supporting a vehicle.

A novel eddy-current and hysteretic brake for track-bound vehicles is provided which incorporates resisting skids or rollers to eliminate wear problems associated with prior art brakes of this type. The particular magnetic construction of the pole surface is critical to obtain maximum hysteretic and eddy-current forces with a uniform air gap and the minimum energization. The pole surface is also formed to prevent undesirable air currents or the accumulation of dirt or other disturbing external build-up, while providing maximum pole surface and winding relationships. An alternating pole configuration is provided along the direction of movement of the vehicle.

An eddy current or hysteresis brake, preferably for track bound vehicles which is infinitely variable and wear-free. A cylindrical rotatable permanent magnet magnetized on its diameter is arranged between a pair of pole pieces in combination with the plurality of stationary magnets, each arranged to magnetize the pole pieces with opposite magnetic polarity. By rotating the cylindrical magnet, the magnetic field at the ends of the pole pieces can be varied from a maximum to zero. The generated flux is projected into the track. Braking occurs by induced eddy currents.

A magnetic rail brake, particularly an eddy current brake for rail vehicles, has at least one exciter coil which comprises a coil around a pole core as well as a device for holding the coil and/or for the protection against outside environmental influences. The pole core and/or protection device are composed of individual components which are at least largely electrically insulated with respect to one another.

A magnetic brake, particularly a linear eddy-current brake for rail vehicles, having a magnet yoke which extends substantially along the whole eddy-current brake, has a concave shape with respect to a plane rail in its installed position.

Eddy current braking apparatus includes a linear array of spaced apart permanent magnets arranged for defining a slot therebetween. A diamagnetic or non-magnetic fin is disposed and sized for movement through the slot. A pivotal linkage enables the magnets to move with respect to the fin from a spaced apart first position to a second position in which the fin passes through the slot. A control mechanism selectively moves the magnets between the first and second positions.

An eddy current brake system with dual use conductive fin includes a linear array of spaced apart permanent magnets and a non-magnetic electrically conductive fin. The magnets are mounted with respect to the fin for enabling passage past one another at a distance sufficient to cause eddy currents to be induced resulting in a braking force between the magnets and the fin. A mechanical brake is provided for frictionally engaging the fin and a surface treatment of the fin and enables the fin to sustain mechanical abuse of friction without effecting a change in the eddy current braking.

Eddy current braking Apparatus is provided which includes a single array of permanent magnet for providing a magnet flux. An electrically conducted member for exclusively engaging the magnetic flux provided by the single array of permanent magnet. The magnets and conductive member are mounted for enabling relative motion between the magnet array and the conductive member to produce any currents in the conductive member resulting in the braking force between magnets and the conductive member. The configuration of the magnets and the conductive member enable the braking system to be installed over curvilinear paths.

France Patent Number FR2832114

The brake is held clear of the rail in normal running of the train, but may fall onto the track if its support is damaged or breaks. The system includes a detector and monitoring program that monitors the distance (h) between the brake (2-7) and the track (1′). One or more distance detectors (11,12) measure the air gaps between the magnetic brake and the track.

Japan Patent Number JP2005271704

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce heat generation and temperature rise of a rail in an eddy current brake device using the rail as a secondary conductor.

SOLUTION: The eddy current brake device is disposed at the position opposing to the rails21,22in a rolling stock, and is equipped with an electromagnetic converters11,12and a power converter15. The electromagnetic converters11,12generate the eddy current in the rail by the magnetic field generated according to the supplied current, and generate an electromotive force in connection with the change of relative position to the rail. The power converter15supplies current into the overhead wire or the device consuming or storing power based on the electromotive force impressed from the electromagnetic converters by supplying alternating exciting current into the electromagnetic converters based on the voltage impressed on the rolling stock from the overhead wire and generates the braking force.
While these brake systems may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic braking system that is based on drag created by relative movement between a conductor and a magnet.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic braking system comprising a brake block in communication with substantially stationary conductor and a carrier having a plurality of magnets thereon.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic braking system where the conductive member is pitch adjustable to varying the generated eddy currents and thereby drag.

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a trolley magnetic braking system comprising a brake block engagable by a trolley, a substantially stationary conductor that is pitch adjustable and a carrier having magnetic members that are driven along the conductive member providing means for braking a trolley. Providing a pitch adjustable conductor allows for modification of how much of the conductor interfaces with the magnets and therein varying the amount of eddy current applied in the braking apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate the Eddy Current Braking System for Trolley Zip Line Cable with a Stationary Conductor of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures.10Eddy Current Braking System for Trolley Zip Line Cable with a Stationary Conductor12brake block assembly14zip line16brake cable18magnetic carrier assembly20copper sheet conductor22trolley24pulley26support post for2028slot of2630adjustment bolt32magnet carrier support track34brake cable connection point36magnet38steel back plate for3640wheels/covered cam follower42base of1844brake block housing plate46contact flange of4448pulley wheel of1850spacer52washer54bolt56connection rod

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1is an illustrative view of the present invention10in use. The present invention10is based on drag created when magnets on a magnetic carrier assembly18pass along a copper sheet conductor20. Angled copper is provided so as the magnets moves it picks up more and more conductor20. The design allows for easy changes in angle, thus easy adjustment of braking forces. A trolley22moves along a zip line14and encounters a brake block assembly12that is provided to remotely engage the brake system via a brake cable16or rope that is redirected to a remote location by a pulley24and connected at the other end to the magnet carrier18. The invention10provides a magnetic braking system for use on zipline/cable rides and trolley22. Keep in mind that any rigging set-up may be employed and oriented to suit the application and that the ones illustrated in the drawing figures are used to demonstrate the relationship of the primary components and their interaction therewith.

FIG. 2is a side view of the present invention10in use. Shown is the position of the present invention10prior to the trolley22making contact with the brake block12on the zip line14. The conductor20is retained in place by support posts26and adjustment bolts30with at least one having a pair of bolt slots28for adjusting the position of the conductor20accordingly.

FIG. 3is a side view of the present invention10in use. Shown is the half way position of the present invention10when the trolley22makes contact with the brake block12and remotely engages the brake system via a brake cable16redirected by a pulley24to draw the magnet carrier18along a magnet carrier support track32. The magnets of the magnet carrier18are disposed on opposing sides of the conductor20wherein the resulting eddy currents serve to create drag to slow down and stop travel of the magnet carrier18and the associated brake block12and trolley22. Angled copper is provided so as the magnet moves it picks up more and more conductor20and consequently increases the drag through greater exposure to the eddy currents.

FIG. 4is a side view of the present invention in use. Shown is the final brake position of the present invention present invention10when the trolley22makes contact with the brake block12and remotely engages the brake system via a brake cable16redirected by a pulley24to draw the magnet carrier18along a magnet carrier support track32. The magnets of the magnet carrier18are disposed on opposing sides of the conductor20wherein the resulting eddy currents serve to create drag to slow down and stop travel of the magnet carrier18and the associated brake block12and trolley22.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of the magnet carrier18of the present invention10. Shown is the magnet carrier18installed with the copper sheet conductor20running through the middle of the magnet carrier18. The magnet carrier18travels along an I-beam style support track32when drawn by the brake cable that is connected to brake cable connection point34on the magnet carrier18. Also shown is the support post26for the conductor20having slots28for the adjustment bolts30thereby enabling the conductor20to be raised or lowered accordingly. The greater the surface area of the conductor20exposed to the magnetic field within the magnet carrier18, the greater the resultant eddy currents and drag.

FIG. 6is a detailed perspective view of the magnet carrier18of the present invention10. Shown is a detailed view of the magnet carrier18having a pair of interiorly disposed spaced apart magnets36mounted on steel back plates38projecting perpendicularly from a base42. A plurality of wheels/covered cam followers40are disposed underneath the base42to reduce friction and wear as the magnet carrier18glides along the support track.

FIG. 7is an exploded view of the brake block12of the present invention10. The brake block12is intended to ride on the primary zipline. Rider's trolley will encounter this block12, which is attached to the brake cable that will engage the magnet carrier in some remote location. Thus as this moves, it will move the magnet carrier along the conductor via the brake cable. This design features sheaves/wheels that will allow smooth travel on the zipline, reducing wear and initial impact to the trolley and zipline rider. The brake block assembly12comprises a pair of spaced apart housing plates44with each having a contact flange46extending perpendicularly outward from on end to form a substantially flat surface for engaging the trolley. A plurality of pulley wheels48are freewheelingly disposed between the housing plates44and the unit is assembly using a plurality of threaded spacers50, bolts54and washers52.

FIG. 8is an assembled perspective view of the brake block of the present invention10. The brake block assembly12comprises a pair of spaced apart housing plates44with each having a contact flange46extending perpendicularly outward from on end to form a substantially flat surface for engaging the trolley. A plurality of pulley wheels48are freewheelingly disposed between the housing plates44and the unit is assembly using a plurality of threaded spacers50, bolts54and washers52.

FIG. 9is a side view of option two of the present invention10in use. Shown is the position of the present invention10prior to the trolley22making contact with the brake block12on the zip line14, remotely engages the brake system via a brake cable16or rope. The conductor20and magnet carrier18are oriented vertically and a plurality of pulleys24is employed. This serves to demonstrate that the rigging may set-up accordingly for the needs of the application without deviating from the function of the components.

FIG. 10is a side view of the second option of the present invention10in use. Shown is the half way position of the present invention10when the trolley22makes contact with the brake block12on the zip line14thereby drawing the brake cable16through the pulleys24and pulling the magnet carrier18upward along the conductor20.

FIG. 11is a side view of the present invention in use. Shown is the final brake position of the present invention10when the trolley22pushed the brake block12on the zip line14thereby drawing the brake cable16through the pulleys24and pulling the magnet carrier18upward along the conductor20.

FIG. 12is a side view of an alternate brake block. Shown is an alternate configuration of the eddy current braking system10for zip line14trolleys22comprising a brake block12having the magnetic carrier18fixed thereto and forming an integral part therewith. The present invention provides that the magnetic carrier18can be moved along the conductive member20inducing eddy currents by pushing or pulling the magnetic carrier18. As illustrated, the brake block12and magnet carrier18are combined into a single unit that can be pushed or pulled along the zip line14.

FIG. 13is a side view of another alternate brake block. Shown is an alternate configuration of the eddy current braking system10for zip line14trolleys22comprising a brake block12and magnetic carrier18having a rigid connective member56therebetween used to drive the magnetic carrier18along the conductive member20inducing eddy currents by pushing the magnetic carrier18. The present invention provides that the magnet carrier can be pushed or pulled along the conductive member20when the trolley engages break block12.

FIG. 14is a side view of an alternate brake block magnet carrier configuration. Shown is an alternate configuration of the eddy current braking system10for zip line14trolleys22comprising an elongated brake block12having connective members engaging the magnetic carrier18fixed thereto and forming an integral part therewith. The present invention provides that the magnetic carrier18can be moved along the conductive member20inducing eddy currents by pushing or pulling the magnetic carrier18when the trolley engages break block12. As illustrated, the brake block12and magnet carrier18are combined into a single unit that can be pushed or pulled along the zip line14.