Gravity Ropeway System Design Project

This project focuses on the research, design, and development of a gravity ropeway system. The student conducted site research using tools like an Abney level, GPS, theodolite, and altimeter. They identified issues with the existing system, such as unreliable braking and communication problems between stations. The student designed solutions including a drum brake system, light-based signal communication, and an aerodynamically improved trolley design. They presented their findings through models and reports.

CAREER EPISODE 3
CE 3.1 Project Information
Name of the project: Gravity Ropeway- Fighting Poverty with Technology
Location of the project: Plot No. 32-34, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Uttar
Pradesh-201306, India
Project Duration: From March of 2015 to April 23 of 2015
Organization: Sharda University
Role and Designation during the time: Project Team Member, Engineering Design
CE 3.2 Project Background
CE 3.2.1 Characteristics of the project
This project was my final year project. It started in the month of March 2015 and was
completed on April 23, 2015. This project was about designing a prototype of a gravity ropeway
that can be used for fighting against the poverty in Nepal. This project was undertaken to carry
out a research study on the current gravity ropeway system of Nepal. The improvement of
gravity ropeway will help to enhance the economic well being of the deprived as well as the rural
regions of Nepal. A technologically advanced gravity ropeway system will help in reaching
agricultural commodities to various markets and market linkages. The gravity ropeway system
will help in alleviating poverty in Nepal and enhancing the lives of the farmers.

CE 3.2.2 Objectives developed for the project
The primary objectives of the project were:
 To study the feasibility of the gravity ropeway system in the mountainous and
hilly regions of Nepal
 To get an insight into the working principle of the gravity ropeway system
 To design a working model and use advanced technology for improving the
system
The secondary objectives of the project were:
 To accomplish the primary objectives through collaborative activities and team
coordination
 To find out the benefits that a local area will get by using a gravity ropeway
system
CE 3.2.3 My area of work
The project team captain had equally distributed the tasks among the team members. My
main area of work was prototype designing. I have excellent numerical skills that helped me to
carry out the calculations that were required in the project. I had to carry out a relevant research
work for understanding the working mechanism of the gravity ropeway system. I also had to
carry out appropriate feasibility study. My area of work included the engineering design as well
as the theoretical design of the system. I had to investigate the practical actions taken by a non-
governmental international organization of Nepal for providing appropriate technical resources
to build a gravity ropeway system across the country. I had to prepare technical reports and
project reports for this project.

CE 3.2.4 Project Group
Figure 1: People involved in the project
CE 3.2.5 My responsibilities throughout the project
Being a project team member, my main responsibility was to carry out the engineering
design by utilizing advanced technologies. I had to ensure proper fabrication of the prototype
model. I was responsible for making all the relevant calculations between two hills by
considering all the components and energies that were affecting the trolley. It was my
responsibility to design the trolley components and the entire prototype in such a way so that it
can fit in a classroom for presenting it to the university authority. I was also responsible for
designing the braking system. The entire documentation and presentation process was under my
responsibility.
HeadofthedepartmentProjectSupervisor(PapiyaBhowmik)TeamCaptain(SijanRai)Teammember2(PrahladMainali)Teammember3(SabinSapkota)

CE 3.3 Distinctive Activity
CE 3.3.1 Comprehending the Theory of the project
Gravity ropeways are used for moving goods in mountainous regions by using trolleys.
The trolleys are attached to wheels that roll with the support of a rope. This rope is said to pass
around an iron sheave (cast iron) at the bottom and top stations. The working mechanism of the
gravity ropeway is similar to that of a pulley system. A control cable manages the progress of
trolleys. Both the trolleys move in opposite directions. The weight ratio of the upper to lower
trolley is approximately 3:1. Principle of energy conservation was used by me for carrying out
the calculation. The formula is: 0.5 *(m1+m2+mh)* v2 =PE0-W1-PE1-PE2 -W2, where mh is the
mass of the hauling wire, m1 and m2 are mass of the trolleys respectively, PE0 is the potential
energy (top of the upper station), PE1 is the potential energy (at the upper station) and PE2 is the
potential energy (lower station), W1 is the total work against friction and W2 is the rotational
(combined) energy of the sheaves. I assumed m1 and m2 to be 4kg and 0.25 kg respectively,
inclination angle to be 30 degrees for determining the safest velocity. I accurately determined the
safest velocity to be 1.6 m/s.
CE 3.3.2 Engineering Knowledge and Skills applied in the project
I have utilized my excellent engineering design knowledge for developing a prototype of
the gravity ropeway system. My technical skills were used for performing accurate calculations.
I was able to use engineering principles as well as advanced technologies for making the
ropeway system for productive and efficient. I have used my software skills to design the braking
system by using the “SolidWorks” software.

CE 3.3.3 Accomplishment and task performed
Proper project schedule and intense research work led to the success of the project. I
started the project work by focusing on the research study. I was able to understand the
importance, prosperity and advantages that the local people of Nepal get by installing a gravity
ropeway in the hills. We could carry the research on the site if there were two hills in 1-2km with
the lower hill at an angle of 30 degrees to the horizontal. I made use of new technologies such as
Abney, GPS, theodolite and altimeter. I got an insight into the installation process, construction,
design, maintenance and operation of the gravity ropeway system. I was able to identify the
scope of enhancing the existing system by using new technology. I was successful in finding the
safest velocity of the trolleys. I exhibited the project by using non working models. I shaped the
polystyrene foam for creating hills, rivers and village. After this, I designed the trolley to be used
in the ropeway. I was able to produce an aerodynamically stable as well as efficient design. The
existing trolleys were square shaped and had high air resistance. After choosing a curved air
resistance surface for the trolley, I designed the saddle configuration, braking system and thrust
pillars. The project was completed within the specified time.
CE 3.3.4 Identified issues and their solutions
CE 3.3.4.1 Issues
While working on this project, I found out that the traditional gravity ropeway system
used a braking system that was less reliable and could easily corrode and fade. Another main
issue that I faced while working on this project was lack of cooperation among the project team
members.
CE 3.3.4.2 Solution

I solved the problem by fabricating drum brake lined with a frictional surface for
controlling the motion of the trolleys. I had solved the issue of noncooperation among the team
members by conducting a group discussion sessions where they were able to discuss their issues
and come to an agreement.
CE 3.3.5 Plan to produce creative and innovative work
I used my creativity to develop innovative solutions for solving various issues. I
identified that there was communication problem between the lower and upper station. Proper
coordination between the two stations is mandatory for effective movement of the trolleys. I
proposed an idea to use light bulbs for passing signals between the stations. I decided to use one
red and one green bulb at both the stations. Both operators would send green signal when they
are ready to pass the luggage. I have attached dynamo to the rolling system in the stations for
producing and supplying power to both the bulbs. I also gave the idea to paint the trolley yellow
for enhancing its visibility, especially during the winter seasons.
CE 3.3.6 Collaborative work
I was able to support and help the other team members for proper execution of the project
activities. I was able to promote cooperation and coordination among the project team members
for getting correct project outcomes. We shared important information and innovative ideas with
each other through brainstorming sessions. I also helped the other team members to rectify their
mistakes.

CE 3.4 Project review
CE 3.4.1 Project overview
This project was about carrying out an intensive research on the working mechanism of
the gravity ropeway system and designing a prototype model for the system. The project was
completed within a span of two months. This project aimed to improve the existing ropeway
system and alleviate poverty in Nepal.
CE 3.4.2 My contribution to work
I made accurate calculations and found out the safest velocity of the trolleys. I resolved
the communication issue that occurred between two stations. I designed the braking system of
the gravity ropeway and improved the existing braking system by fabricating drum brake lined
with a frictional surface for the purpose of controlling the trolley motion. I designed an accurate
prototype model for the project. The project report and PowerPoint presentation produced by me
were highly appreciated by the project supervisor. My hard work along with the team effort
played an important role in achieving the objectives of the project.