Cable car cables are installed by first being strung up and then tensioned to the correct level. This process involves carefully placing the cable along the route and then using machinery to pull it tight and secure it for operation. While the video does not provide details on how the cable is initially strung, it explains that cable car systems utilize two main types of grips: fixed and detachable.
Types of Cable Car Grips
The video at [0:15] explains the following:
- Fixed Grip: These grips are permanently clamped onto the cable, ensuring the car moves along with the cable at all times.
- Detachable Grip: These grips allow the car to detach from the cable, typically for loading and unloading passengers. The B wheel turns, allowing the car to detach from the cable.
Understanding Cable Car Functionality
The cable is the key to moving the cars along the designated path. While the video explains how the cars attach and detach, it gives an overview of the mechanism that moves the cable cars. Here is how the cable and grips interact:
- Cable Movement: The main cable is a continuous loop powered by a motor, which is what moves the cable cars.
- Fixed Grip Cars: The cars are firmly attached to the cable and move continuously with it. This allows for a simple and continuous flow.
- Detachable Grip Cars: These cars can disconnect from the main cable, allowing them to slow down or stop at stations. This is typically used in larger cable car systems that require a continuous flow of cars.
Key Takeaways
- Cable cars use either fixed or detachable grips to connect to the cable.
- Fixed grips are always attached to the cable.
- Detachable grips allow cars to disconnect from the cable at stations.
- The cable movement is the primary means by which cable cars travel.
