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How are the tires / chains in return stations powered?


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#1 NHskier13

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Posted 31 March 2016 - 08:16 AM

Probably sounds like a dumb question, but how exactly is the return station powered on a detachable lift?
Does it have it's own source of power, or does it use movement transmitted from the bullwheel, or neither?

Thanks :smile2:

#2 julestheshiba

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Posted 31 March 2016 - 09:44 AM

I am not sure but I think that they are connected to the bullwheel
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#3 fireonthemountain

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Posted 31 March 2016 - 10:38 AM

ours is driven by the bottom drive which in turn spins the bullwheel at the top station, there are 2 idler wheels at the top which the rope runs across giving them the power to spin the belts that are in harmony down the element turning the tires and belts...does that make sense....mad sense in my head but don't know if I put it on paper quite as good...cn anybody make better sense of what I just wrote

#4 Mike12164

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Posted 31 March 2016 - 04:15 PM

On most modern lifts the tires at both the drive and return stations are powered the same same way, through 1 or more PTO sheaves. Basically sheaves connected to the tires by a series of belts, since the sheaves are spun directly by the haul rope they should always be in sync with the speed of the lift no matter the speed or whether the lift is running normally or on evac.

Here's a picture of a late 80's Doppelmayr PTO setup:

Attached File  PTO.jpg (817.44K)
Number of downloads: 140

#5 julestheshiba

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Posted 31 March 2016 - 06:38 PM

Oh thats why the bullwheel is slanted on those lifts.
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#6 Mike12164

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Posted 31 March 2016 - 08:19 PM

View Postjulestheshiba, on 31 March 2016 - 06:38 PM, said:

Oh thats why the bullwheel is slanted on those lifts.


Well, it does make the whole assembly more compact I suppose but the main reason for the slanted bullwheel is to get it and the haul rope out of the way, you wouldn't want slow moving grips rubbing against components moving at line speed.

#7 liftmech

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Posted 01 April 2016 - 06:20 PM

Mike is correct on the slanted bull wheel.
On older Pomas the return terminal is driven thusly: the bullwheel drives a chain, which in turn drives a right-angle gearbox which then turns a driveshaft. This then turns another gearbox which splits power into two more driveshafts each turning another gearbox. These drive a final four shafts which turn the tires. Confused yet?

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#8 julestheshiba

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Posted 02 April 2016 - 07:22 AM

View Postliftmech, on 01 April 2016 - 06:20 PM, said:

Mike is correct on the slanted bull wheel.
On older Pomas the return terminal is driven thusly: the bullwheel drives a chain, which in turn drives a right-angle gearbox which then turns a driveshaft. This then turns another gearbox which splits power into two more driveshafts each turning another gearbox. These drive a final four shafts which turn the tires. Confused yet?

Once I see the visual I get it. But without it is makes no sense.

This post has been edited by julestheshiba: 02 April 2016 - 07:22 AM

Don't get rid of something before you know how much it is worth.

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#9 NHskier13

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Posted 12 April 2016 - 01:18 PM

I actually started building a model the other day because I got bored - how I plan to have it work is have a big gear off the return bullwheel
The gear splits into another set of gears driving the wheels, and then another set that moves into a system of tires that the chain loops around in (I chose a chain for the turnaround because tires seemed a bit tricky for me)
ladies and gentlemen i present to you crappy MS paint
wow amaze
Attached File  crappyhsq.png (19.87K)
Number of downloads: 92

my... what a steady hand I have

This post has been edited by NHskier13: 12 April 2016 - 01:18 PM


#10 Razvan

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Posted 13 April 2016 - 09:05 AM

That's a fine example of Computer Hindered Design. Does your scanner have an option for napkins or envelope backs?

#11 vons

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Posted 15 April 2016 - 09:59 AM

This should blow your mind. LST has in development a new system that uses a servo controlled power source (a variable clutch or Motor) to accelerate and decelerate a gouged belt that propels the grip. I assume that the section of belt over the coupling area is powered directly off the haul rope to ensure sync but I am speculating as not much has been published just some pictures.
The full scale test rig
Attached File  lstnewgrip.jpg (173.54K)
Number of downloads: 124

Detial of the grip from various twitter feeds and RM attending Alpine Planet this week.
Attached File  ch5g.jpg (55.16K)
Number of downloads: 152Attached File  mnd grip.JPG (66.42K)
Number of downloads: 138
chair from same sources
Attached File  ch1.jpg (78.3K)
Number of downloads: 134Attached File  Cf-9dsFWIAExtud.jpg (293.11K)
Number of downloads: 93

#12 NHskier13

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Posted 15 April 2016 - 12:42 PM

nice!





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