Muscle-powered cable car (ferry): The experimental model

Abstract

A completely new economical type of cableway for short distances (up to 300 m) is proposed, operating with the help of human muscular efforts. The rationale for developing a cableway using muscular traction is given. The application areas of this cableway system as a means of transport, river crossing in remote areas, crossing in areas with complex terrain, and as an attraction for tourists within the city are considered. The variations of the design of several types of muscle-powered cableways are analyzed: linear, ring track, complex systems of several lines. Possible locations for creating trial installations on short crossings in the city of Nizhny Novgorod have been proposed. A mechanism for moving a cabin along a fixed cable has been developed, the energy of which is transmitted directly by passengers from inside the cabin. Calculations of mechanical characteristics are given taking into account the average statistical capabilities of passengers and different numbers of passive and active passengers, the advantages of this cable car over traditional ones are presented in many indicators. A small-sized model of a cabin has been developed for conducting experiments on the operation of the cable car. The results of primary experiments on the operation of the cable car model are presented, and a comparison of experimental data with theoretical calculations is provided.