Grades 3–5 · Machines
How can a cable car keep climbing a mountain?
A gondola cabin may seem to glide up a mountain by itself. Above it, a moving steel rope runs through the stations and over wheels on tall supports. A powered wheel at a station drives the rope around a loop.
In the diagramA moving rope pulls a gripped cabingripStationdetach → slow → regripOne circulating carrying-hauling rope is shown, not all designs.
During the ride, a grip connects the cabin to the rope. Because the grip holds firmly, the moving rope pulls the cabin along. The drive motor supplies energy as loaded cabins climb and as the system overcomes friction.
In a detachable gondola, the grip opens inside a station. Separate station equipment moves the cabin slowly through the boarding area while the main rope keeps moving. Before the cabin leaves, the grip closes around the rope again.
The supports carry forces into the ground and keep the rope on its route. The rope does not make lifting free: the drive, brakes, grips and controls work together to manage the motion. A cable railway can follow steep ground because it does not depend on driven road tires for traction.
About this explanation
Starting knowledge: Follow a moving loop and recognize a motor, wheel and hanging cabin.
Sources
- Doppelmayr — D-Line: detachable grips