Description:Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to a funicular railway system, and more particularly, the present invention relates the funicular railway and method of operating the same in geographically difficult terrain.

Background of the invention

Funicular railway means any engineering system for the transport of passengers or goods on slope in carriers or vehicles running along rails at ground level and drawn by a rope at one end, together with any machinery, equipment or plant connected therewith. Specifically, the funicular is a type of cable railway system that connects points along a railway track laid on a steep slope. The system is characterized by two counterbalanced carriages (also called cars or trains) permanently attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable, which is looped over a pulley at the upper end of the track. The result of such a configuration is that the two carriages move synchronously: as one ascends, the other descends at an equal speed. This feature distinguishes funiculars from inclined elevators, which have a single car that is hauled uphill.

The conventional carriage of the funicular railways is exposed to the wind shear. Further, the conventional carriage of the funicular railways develops toppling movement due to increased centre of gravity from the wheel base. Specifically, the funiculars rail tracks cannot handle this toppling movement of the carriages.
toppling movement. Further, the carriages of the funicular railway of the prior art moves in inclined position parallel to the track which makes the passenger uncomfortable.

Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a funicular railway system which overcomes abovementioned drawbacks.

Objects of the invention:

An object of the present invention is to provide funicular railway having speed more that 3m/s.

Another object of the present invention to provide a failsafe braking system for funicular railway.

Yet another object of the present invention is to safely manage the toppling movement of the carriage of funicular railway and make the horizontal carriage safe.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a funicular railway system (100). The system (100) comprises a guide track (10) mounted on support columns (20) from a base to crest station on inclined position. The system further comprises a carriage unit (30) adapted to move on the guide track (10). The carriage unit (30) includes a frame (32) with the at least four wheels for moving the carriage on the guide track (10) and carriage (34) supported on the frame at 90o angle such that the carriage (34) remains in horizontal position on the inclined track (10). The system (100) further comprises a traction unit (40) positioned at the crest station, the traction unit (40) capable driving the carriage unit (30) and means for counter balancing the carriage unit (30).

Typically, wherein the guides track (10) is made by tilting a square tube by 45 degrees to the horizontal to create a diamond shape guide track.

Typically, wherein the wheels (32a) are made in clove like shape.

Brief description of the figures:

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein

Figure 1, 2 and 3 represents a schematic drawing of a funicular railway system, in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the embodiments:

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiments.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a sensor" includes combination of two or more sensors and the like.

Referring now to figures 1-3, there is shown funicular railway system (100) (hereinafter "the system (100") in accordance with the present invention. The system (100) comprises a guide track (10) mounted on support columns (20) from a base to crest station on inclined position. Specifically, over the undulated mountain, a fixed angle slope is maintained from the base to crest station by mounting the guide tracks (10) on the columns of variable heights depending on the undulated terrain underneath.

More specifically, system does not require the continuous foundation below its guide tracks (10). Instead the system (100) requires the intermittent footing for supporting columns at least at every six meters of its length. This cause minimal distortion to the existing undulated terrain. And creating underpass for the small mammals and allow the shrubs and vegetation growth below undisturbed. The six-meter interval length is adopted for any modular section or part of the system (100) for the convenience of carrying it to the remote location where the heavy vehicles may not be able to reach.

In a preferred embodiment, the guides track (10) is made by tilting a square metal tube by 45 degrees to the horizontal to create a diamond shape guide track. This improves the bending and anti -sagging strength in the orientation of the guide track (10).

The system (100) further comprises a carriage unit (30) adapted to move on the guide track (10). Specifically, the carriage (30) unit includes a rectangular metal frame (32). The metal frame (32) is a chassis to which at least four wheels (32a) for moving a carriage on the guide track (10) are attached. The carriage unit (30) further comprises a carriage (34) supported on the frame at 90o angle such that the carriage (34) remains in horizontal position on the inclined guide track (10) as compared to prior art carriages which travels parallel to the track. This unique design of the guide track (10) orientation and wheel arrangement can safely manage the toppling movement & makes the horizontal carriage safe.

Further, the clove like arrangement of the wheels (32a) give a strong holding power and stability against wind shear and transfer forces, which allows the carriage not only to be parallel to the axis of the slope but also gives a freedom and capabilities to move the carriage in a plane horizontal to the ground. This allows more passengers to be accommodated in lesser space giving more comfort & enjoyment for the travellers, it also allows the carriage to be loaded with cargo/vehicle/vegetables & agricultural products and can be operated in the very adverse conditions.

In an embodiment, the carriage (34) walls are made of glass or polycarbonate, with bottom floor of metal sheet to withstand the weight of the passengers. In another embodiment, the carriage (34) open carriage which is useful for tourists. In another embodiment, carriage (34) may be two in one carriage as cargo carriage and carriage for passengers.

The system (100) further comprises a traction unit (40) positioned at the crest station. The traction unit (40) is capable of driving the carriage unit (30). In a preferred embodiment, the carriage unit (30) is driven by hauling wire ropes over the sheaves and driven by electric motor anchored at crest base station.

The power to the drive is supplied through a stabilizer. In case of electrical failure, emergency power is supplied by standby generators. In an embodiment, the carriage unit (32) is hauled by two independent wires rope (38), each is capable of taking the complete safe working load of the carriage (34). In preferred embodiment, the wire rope (38) is guided and supported along the length of the guide track (10).

The system (100) further comprises means for counter balancing the carriage unit (30). In one embodiment, counter balancing of carriage unit (30) is done by counter weight (36). In another embodiment, the counter balancing of carriage unit (30) is done by another carriage.

In preferred embodiment, the carriage unit (30) travels on the outside of the guide track (10) and the counter weight (36) travels inside the guide track (10). This provides less toppling in the carriage (34).

The system (100) furthermore comprises a controller (not shown) for controlling the operations of the system (100). Specifically, the carriage unit (30) movement is controlled through a telemetrically controlled remote /hand held pendant from the carriage (34) itself. In an embodiment, the carriage unit (30) can be stopped at the multiple points along the length of the guide track (10) for the convenience of the passengers if required. Also, the carriage unit (30) movement can also be controlled from the base and crest station and the control room.

In other embodiment, the system (100) operations can be continuously monitored via internet by the remotely located centralized control room for the safe and reliable operation of the overall system. The controller is completely covered and maintained with required ambient temperature.

Advantages of the invention

1. The system (100) uses specifically designed wheels (32a) and guide track (10) which avoids toppling movement of the carriage (34).

2. The system (100) provides horizontal position of the carriage (34) which provides comfort to the passengers.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
, Claims:1. A funicular railway system (100) comprising:
a guide track (10) mounted on support columns (20) from a base to crest station on inclined position;
a carriage unit (30) adapted to move on the guide track (10), the carriage unit (30) having,
• a frame (32) with the at least four wheels (32a) for moving the carriage on the guide track (10),
• carriage (34) supported on the frame at 90o angle such that the carriage (34) remains in horizontal position on the inclined track (10). whe
a traction unit (40) positioned at the crest station, the traction unit (40) capable driving the carriage unit (30); and
means for counter balancing the carriage unit (30).

2. The funicular railway system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guides track (10) is made by tilting a square tube by 45 degrees to the horizontal to create a diamond shape guide track.

3. The funicular railway system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the counter balancing of carriage unit (30) is done by any one of counter weight (36) and another carriage.

4. The funicular railway system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wheels (32a) are made in clove like shape.

5. The funicular railway system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carriage unit (30) travels on the outside of the guide track (10).

6. The funicular railway system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the counter weight (36) travels inside the guide track (10).

7. The funicular railway system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the counter weight (36)/another carriage hauling wire ropes move over the sheaves and driven by electric motor anchored at crest base station.

8. The funicular railway system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the the carriage unit (32) is hauled by two independent wires (38), each is capable of taking the complete safe working load of the carriage.

9. The funicular railway system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wire rope (38) is guided and supported along the length of the guide track (10).