TWI779389B - System for facilitating delivery, placement, and/or installation of a cable - Google Patents

Abstract

A cable placement system includes a modular, typically horizontal monorail track raised away from a floor surface; a plurality of carts slidably displaceable along the track, each of which is configured for supporting and securely retaining a selected portion of a cable; and a locomotive couplable or coupled to an end of the cable such that motion of the locomotive pulls the carts and therefore pulls the cable along the track. A ramp structure coupled or couplable to the locomotive provides an inclined sloping path. Portions of the cable can progressively travel and／or be guided upwardly or upwardly and laterally along the sloping path as the locomotive moves toward other portions of the cable proximate to a low end of the sloping path which have not yet traveled along the sloping path.

Description

Systems to facilitate routing, placement and/or installation of cables

The present disclosure relates to a system configured for placing cables, such as power cables, alongside and below cable troughs, and for routing cables in space-constrained environments such as tunnels, passageways, or corridors. Convey to cable duct.

Traditionally, a power cable pulling system consists of a cable winch and a roller that pulls the power cable, as shown in Figure 1. This traditional method is not optimal when used in tunnels or passages for deploying or installing power cables, considering that a lot of manpower and time must be expended to set up the machinery and pull and/or organize the power cables inside the tunnel or passage These cables or passages may span several kilometers (eg 15 to 25 km) and the shafts are spaced at specific intervals (eg every 2 to 5 km). Conventional power cable installation methods require the installation of multiple rollers and cable haulers at various locations along the route along which the power cable is pulled, organized and/or directed into the cable trough. The pulling process also involves attaching one or more wire ropes to one end of the cable and gradually releasing the rest of the power cable from a winch at the other end of the cable. Under normal circumstances, wire ropes of between 500 and 1,000 meters in length are used to achieve the process of dragging the cables into and through the tunnel. Managing and manipulating wire rope and power cables spanning such long lengths often requires more staff than would be desirable, and when working in tunnels with limited space may Very challenging. Moreover, the steel wire rope usually bears a pulling force of 1 to 2 tons. Extensive work around wire ropes, cable heads and winches poses a significant job safety risk to workers. In view of this, there is a need for an improved and/or alternative system that alleviates one or more of the disadvantages of conventional methods for organizing and routing power cables in cable tunnels.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for displacing or transporting an elongated cable having a first end, a second end and a length therebetween is disclosed, wherein the system comprises: (a) a modular A track comprising a plurality of track assemblies joinable or coupled together to form an assembled track and decoupled from each other to form a disassembled track, wherein each track assembly includes: an elongated rail of another elongated rail; a fixed rail support structure configured for elevating or suspending the elongated rail of the track assembly upwardly from the ground surface on which the assembled rail rests; (b) a plurality of carrying Carts, wherein each cart can be slidably mounted or mounted on the assembly track by sliding displacement along the guide rail of the assembly track, and slidably displaced along the assembly track, wherein each hand cart is configured to hold securely and support or suspend cables relative to a selected portion of the track, wherein each cart includes: a main body having a surface, a seat, a recess, a slot or a channel, the main body is configured to receive The selected portion of the cable supported or suspended by the vehicle; a set of rollers connected to the body and configured to engage the rails of the assembly track; and the selected portion of the cable supported or suspended by the vehicle is engageable or an engaged strap, a tie, a strap or a wrap configured to help securely retain the selected portion of the cable to the body; and typically or optionally (c) a traction locomotive , which is movable along the length of the assembly track in at least one first direction and is or has been coupled to a first end of a cable to exert a pulling force on the first end of the cable, wherein when the traction locomotive is coupled when attached to the first end of the cable and displaced in a first direction, (i) the first end of the traction locomotive faces the first direction, (ii) the second end of the traction vehicle facing the first end faces a second direction, and (iii) the second end of the traction vehicle faces the first end of the cable, wherein when the first end of the cable is coupled to the pulling locomotive, and the cable responds to the pulling locomotive when a selected portion of the cable is supported or suspended on a plurality of carts on the assembled track in a direction toward the second end of the cable trailing the first end of the cable The displacement along the first direction is displaceable or displaceable along the assembly track, combined with the sliding displacement of the plurality of vehicles in the first direction.

In the absence of cables, each vehicle mounted on the assembly track is usually or preferentially only disturbed or constrained along the track in a first direction and a second direction by at least one other vehicle mounted on the assembly track. The sliding displacement in the direction. Carriages mounted on an assembly track are usually or preferably only coupled to each other via the assembly track when they do not carry any part of the cable.

These hand carts mounted on the assembly rails are usually or preferably only coupled to each other by the assembly rails and the cables when the carts mounted on the assembly rails carry selected portions of the cables.

In each track assembly, the set of track support structures may be a pair of track support structures, wherein a first track support structure is coupleable or coupled to the underside of a first end of the track of the track assembly, and a The second track support structure may be coupled or coupled to a bottom side of the track of the track assembly facing a second end.

The assembly track is usually or preferably a monorail track.

The set of rollers for each cart may include a first roller configured to engage a left side portion of the guide rail of the assembly track and a second roller configured to engage a right portion of the rail of the assembly track to facilitate or enable carrying Reduced friction for slidable displacement of the vehicle along the track (eg, with the guide rail of the assembled track positioned between the first roller and the second roller).

The traction locomotive itself is usually or preferably not directly coupled to the assembly track. The traction locomotive is typically or preferably configured to straddle the assembly track when the traction locomotive is displaced in the first direction.

According to another aspect of the invention, the system may include a platform, a stand, or a ramp structure mountable or mounted to the tractor vehicle and providing an inclined path upward relative to a horizontal plane parallel to the ground surface Inclined, wherein the high end of the inclined path corresponding to one end of the traction locomotive is vertically higher than the lower end of the inclined path corresponding to the opposite end of the traction locomotive, and wherein when the traction locomotive approaches the lower end of the inclined path toward the cable but has not yet traveled the A portion of the cable may be progressively run along the inclined path and/or directed upwards while the other portion of the path is moved.

The aforementioned platform, frame or ramp structure may be removably mounted to the tractor vehicle, and the platform, frame or ramp structure may further include a set of wheels (e.g., a plurality of wheels) to facilitate movement of the tractor vehicle along the ground surface. The displacement of the platform, support or ramp structure along the ground surface during displacement.

The platform, stand or ramp structure may include: a pair of rails extending upwardly between the lower end of the inclined path to the upper end of the inclined path; and a plurality of support bars extending between the pair of rails, wherein each support a pole vertically higher than another support pole in which during movement of the pulling locomotive towards the cable near the lower end of the inclined path but not yet traveling the rest of the path, when a portion of the cable passes from the lower end of the inclined path toward the upper end of the inclined path A plurality of support rods are configured to progressively raise the portions of the cable as it travels.

A set of cable guiding structures may be coupled or mounted to the platform, rack or ramp structure. The set of cable guiding structures is part of a cable that is configurable or configured to route, route or guide laterally a cable carried by a platform, stand or ramp structure as the tractor locomotive approaches the lower end of the inclined path towards the cable but has not yet These portions of the cable travel along inclined paths while traveling through other portions of the path.

The aforementioned set of cable guiding structures may comprise a plurality of cable guiding structures that may be positioned laterally relative to each other along an inclined path where the traction locomotive approaches the lower end of the inclined path toward the cable but has not yet traveled During the movement of the rest of the path, when part of the cable Each cable guiding structure is configured to limit or constrain lateral displacement of the portion of the cable when traveling along the inclined path.

105: ground surface

110: guide rail

111: track support

114: track

115: hole

116: first end

117: second end

119: Through hole

120: Rail assembly

121: short column

122: Expand the base

123: Extension

130: Carrier

131: subject

132: Incision part

133: roll

134: opening

136:Pedestal

138: surface

139: strap

150: platform

152: Inclined path

153: Base frame

156: guide element

157: fork head

160: Track coupler

163: block

164: protruding piece

170: handle

174: fastening mechanism or buckle

176: slot or ring

178: Latch or ratchet mechanism

180: traction locomotive

182: Wheel

185: control panel

187: wire rope

197: support rod

198: rung

199:stringer

300: cable

Fig. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a traditional cable system; Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a track assembly unit according to the present invention; Fig. 3 shows two track assemblies shown in Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a vehicle mountable to a track according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a system according to an embodiment of the present invention that can incorporate The cable is fixed to a plurality of separate vehicles, and the fixed cable is transported across or along the vehicle; FIG. 6 depicts a traction locomotive according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. An embodiment coupled to the traction locomotive by a pair of wire ropes; FIG. shielding and/or accommodating the inclined path of the cable; and FIG. 9 shows the cable and a plurality of guides arranged on the inclined path when guiding and/or drawing the cable into the groove according to an embodiment of the invention Component bonding.

Embodiments according to the present disclosure as described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from structural, methodological, or other essential characteristics as described herein. The embodiments described herein should be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

The term "about" as used herein in the context of expressing a component, location/location, condition, etc. means +/- 10% of the stated value, +/- 5% of the stated statement, or the stated +/-4% of the statement, or +/-3% of the statement, +/-2% of the statement, or +/-1% of the statement, or the statement +/-0.5% of, or +/-0% of said statement.

The terms "unshielded cable" or "portion of unshielded cable" as used herein refer to one or more sections or sections of cable prior to being shielded or contained in a receptacle or enclosure such as a cable duct , is exposed to the external environment.

2-7 show different aspects of a representative system 100 for facilitating or enabling rapid and friction-reduced delivery and/or placement of a cable 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cable 300 may be a power cable (eg a high voltage power cable), or another type of cable, or a cable-like structure such as a conduit. System 100 includes a guide rail 110, which is typically (although not necessarily) a monorail track that can be placed on and/or attached to a typically ground surface (e.g., corresponding to a work surface or floor/bottom along a cable runway). surface) on a supporting surface or supporting structure; a plurality of independent carts 130 can be installed or installed on the guide rail 110 in sequence, in series or in series, wherein the carts 130 can freely slide relative to each other along the guide rail 110, each A cart 130 each carries a surface, a support frame or seat/saddle portion 138 for receiving a selected or specific portion of the cable 300 laid on the surface 138; and at least one prime mover positioned forward of the foremost cart 130 (e.g., a device, machine, or component that converts energy from energy to power) or tractor 180 (also known as a buggy), where one end 303 of cable 300 is carried, coupled, or fixed to a particular tractor 180, and the tail of the cable 300 is selected or a specific part is Placed on, or supported or suspended from, the plurality of carts 130 trailing the tractor locomotive 180 (e.g., the selected tail portion of the cable 300 has been placed on and supported by the cart surface 138 or hanging).

In various embodiments, traction locomotive 180 includes a housing, a body, a frame, a chassis, and/or a set of platform structures coupled to or carrying electric motors coupled to a set of wheels ( For example, typically four or six wheels, which may include tire patterns readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art) 182, and are configured to propel tractor locomotive 180 by rotationally driving wheels 182 (e.g., along a surface 105). Thus, rotation of wheels 182 against ground surface 105 may move, drive, or push tractor locomotive 180 along ground surface 105 . A first subset of wheels 182 is disposed on a first side (or left side) of traction locomotive 180 and may be disposed or disposed on a corresponding first or left side of guide rail 110; a right subset 184 of wheels is disposed on a traction locomotive On a second (opposite or right) side of the locomotive 180 , it is thus possible to locate or be disposed on a corresponding second, opposite or right side of the guide rail 110 . In various embodiments, traction locomotive 180 and wheels 182 coupled to traction locomotive may thus straddle guide rail 110 (e.g., such that guide rail 110 is approximately between a first or left side of traction locomotive 180 and a second side of traction locomotive 180). or the midpoint between the right sides). As an alternative or in addition to the foregoing, in some embodiments tractor locomotive 180 may be coupled to a set of treads (eg, a pair of treads, namely a first or left tread and a second or right tread), the set The treads are driven by specific drive elements such as wheels 182 to propel tractor locomotive 180 .

Traction locomotive 180 is positionable or positioned, configurable or configured to be aligned (e.g., longitudinally aligned) with guide rail 110 on the track at a selectable, selected, or predetermined speed (e.g., up to a predetermined maximum speed) travel (e.g., along a portion of guide rail 110 and/or over it) in a direction of travel at or at least approximately along or toward a target or first destination to apply tension to connect cable 300 to vehicle 130 pull together, the tail end of cable 300 on the carrier 130 has been along the target direction Or placed towards the target destination, so that the carrier vehicle 130 slides along the guide rail 110, and when the traction locomotive 180 moves towards the target destination, the cable 300 slides along the target direction or direction by the carrier vehicle 130 sliding along the guide rail 110 Target destination displacement. In various embodiments, when the traction locomotive is above or longitudinally aligned with the guide rail 110 (e.g., such that the guide rail 110 is between the first or left subset of wheels 182 and the second or right subset of wheels 182 of the traction locomotive midpoint, substantial midpoint, or about the midpoint), for example, the traction locomotive 180 itself does not or does not need to be in intentional or direct contact with the guide rail 110 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the guide rail 110 generally includes or is formed with a plurality of rail supports 111 and elongated rail segments or segments, and the aforementioned components may be simply referred to as rails 114 . Each track 114 may be a rod-shaped, rod-shaped or shaft-shaped structure, member or configuration. Rail 114 is generally hollow to reduce weight. The track supports 111 reside or remain on or above the ground surface 105 or are anchored to the ground surface 105 . At least one of the rails 114 may be fixed or fastened to at least one of the rail supports 111 (in the manner shown).

In several embodiments, rail 110 may be constructed from multiple units of rail assembly 120 (eg, rail 110 may be constructed by coupling, linking, or linking multiple rail assemblies 120 in series). For example, each unit of track assembly 120 includes a plurality of track supports 111, such as a pair of track supports 111, and an elongated track 114 extendable between track supports 111 (eg, a single track in a single track embodiment). track 114). A given track support 111 may be in the form of a rod or shaft, for example an inverted U-shaped frame with a top and two lateral side walls or feet extending downwardly from the top. The distal ends of the feet of the track support may rest on the ground surface 105 and may provide the bottom or foundation portion of the track support 111 . In some embodiments, track support 111 may include a structural base or base member connected to the distal ends of the legs of the track support.

The stubs 121 may protrude upward from the top of the rail support frame. For each rail assembly 120 , its pair of rail supports 111 rests or rests on the ground surface 105 . The pair of track supports 111 are spaced apart from each other on the ground surface 105 at a distance not exceeding the length of the track 114, so that the stub 121 of each track support 111 can be inserted into a prefabricated rail 114 on and near its end. Holes 115 are provided to anchor the elongated rail 114 to the rail support 111 and support the rail 114 relative to or above the ground surface. In some embodiments, stud 121 includes two distinct parts or components, namely an enlarged base 122 directly adjacent to the top of the frame and a narrower or angled extension 123 extending further away from enlarged base 122 . In the aforementioned embodiments, the enlarged base 122 is formed to have a larger diameter than the prefabricated hole 115 , and the diameter of the inclined extension 123 is smaller or not larger than the diameter of the prefabricated hole 115 . The angled extension 123 can be fabricated to carry threads and its tip can protrude slightly beyond the top surface of the rail 114 so that a nut can be coupled to the tip of the angled extension to secure or lock the rail 114 to the rail support 111 . Accordingly, in several embodiments, the track 114 of each track assembly 120 is attached to a corresponding stub 121 , resulting in the track 114 on the enlarged base 122 being suspended or raised above the top of the track support 111 above. In various embodiments, track support 111 positions or spaces track 114 secured thereon out of direct contact with ground surface 105 .

In various embodiments, each track 114 has a first end 116 and a second end 117 . A forward or second end 117 of a first track 114 may be positioned or positioned in front of or in front of the first end 116 of a rearward or second track 114 that is immediately adjacent or directly adjacent, i.e., a second track 114 is disposed thereon. The first track 114 is directly behind. In several embodiments, the ends of the rails 114 include one or more vias 119 so that two directly adjacent rails 114 can be linked in tandem, series, or sequentially by a rail coupler 160 . The track coupler 160 includes a block body 163 and a plurality of protrusions 164 standing up from the top of the block body 163 sequentially or in series. Among the plurality of protrusions 164, a specific protrusion 164 can be associated with two adjacent rails 114. Corresponding through-holes 119 at or at the ends are separately or individually coupleable or coupled, joinable or joinable to connect adjacent rails 114 to form part of the guide rail 110 . By using track couplers 160 and track supports 111 to connect multiple elongated tracks 114 together in this manner, a modular track system (e.g., a modular monorail track system) can be easily and quickly constructed and/or dismantled on-site, To lengthen and/or reduce the guide rail 110 (eg, in association with or corresponding to the route and/or length of the cable trough in the tunnel). In such a system 100, the guide rail 110 can be built or assembled along or adjacent to the trough that receives the cable 300 (e.g., in a straightforward, simple, and often fast manner, even in such space-constrained areas as cable tunnels). Environment).

4 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a cart 130 that may be slidably coupled or mounted to rail 110 and may support a portion of cable 300 such that cable 300 may slide along rail 110 . Cart 130 includes a main body 131 having or being fabricated with a cutout portion 132 for receiving therein a portion of guide rail 110 (more specifically, linked rail 114). In some embodiments, the main body 131 of the cart 130 may be a partially or substantially hollow block such that the cut-out portion 132 extends from the front or forward portion of the block to the rear or rearward portion and has a bottom portion thereof. Opening 134 for accessing cutout portion 132 and mounting cart 130 to track 114 .

In various embodiments, the cart 130 includes a set of roller elements or rollers 133 . For example, one or more rollers 133 can reside in the cutout portion 132 of the cart 130 and can be coupled or contacted with the guide rail 110 to facilitate or enable the cart 130 to follow the guide rail 110 (e.g., along the length of the guide rail 110). Reduced friction/low friction sliding of track 114). In various embodiments, each roller 133 may be located on a particular lateral side of the cutout portion 132 and at a particular location or location between the front and rear of the block, and may surround a plane (e.g., an inclined plane transverse to the length of the track 114). Or the axis perpendicular to the vertical plane of the length of the track 114) and rotate relative to the side surface of the track 114. Each roller 133 may comprise or may be a ball roller that grips or grips the side surfaces of the track 114 to help slide the cart 130 along the track 110 with reduced or minimal friction. move. In some embodiments, the set of rollers 133 includes a first set of rollers 133 corresponding to a first (or left) side of the cart 130/a first (or left) side or edge of the guide rail 110; The second set of rollers 133 corresponds to an opposite second (or right) side of the cart 130 / a second (or right) side or edge of the guide rail 110 .

A pedestal portion or pedestal 136 may be raised from the top of the main body 131 of the load bearing surface 138 to seat or lay selected portions of the cable 300 thereon. In some embodiments, surface 138 is formed as a concave structure with a radius substantially corresponding to, equal to, or greater than the outer radius of cable 300 for receiving a portion of cable 300 laid on surface 138 . A slightly raised side edge of the stand 136 around the concave surface 138 can improve the grip of the surface 138 on the portion of the cable 300 that is laid on it, thereby limiting unwanted intrusions during the sliding of the cart 130 along the guide rail 110. The lateral movement of the seating cable 300 is provided.

As further depicted in connection with FIG. 5 , the cart 130 may be attached to or include a cable securing device or mechanism such as at least one strap, a strap, a strap, or a wrapping structure 139 . For example, strap 139 may include a first end that may be coupled or coupled, attachable or attached to a first side of surface 138, and a second end that may extend over or across surface 138 For adjustably engaging with the fastening mechanism and/or the buckle 174 on a second side of the surface 138 to secure the portion of the power cable 300 laid on the surface 138 . More specifically, in various embodiments, a pair of generally C-shaped arms or handles 170 may be located on opposite sides of the pedestal 136 . One end of the strap 139 may be fixed or attached to one of the handles 170, and the other end of the strap 139 may be fixed to/inserted into a fastening mechanism or buckle 174 carried by the , coupled or fixed to another handle 170 on the opposite side of the pedestal 136. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism or buckle 174 includes one or more structures, such as a slot or loop 176, to facilitate retaining the strap 139 in or around the slot or loop 176 for secure A portion of the cable 300 surrounded by the strap 139 is retained. Fastening mechanism or buckle 174 can further be engaged with latch or ratchet mechanism 178, and this latch or ratchet The wheel mechanism 178 is capable of quickly securing/locking and/or disengaging/releasing the strap 139 from the fastening mechanism or buckle 174 via a release mechanism such as a lever or lock button.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a representative traction locomotive 180 that may be used in system 100 to generate sufficient force and/or torque to pull vehicle 130 and cable 300 along guide rail 110 . A control panel 185 may be located on the tractor locomotive, the front panel for receiving user input so that the user of the system 100 can manage the speed and direction of the tractor locomotive 180 . The traction locomotive 180 moves in a first direction and in turn pulls the vehicle 130 and the cable 300 secured thereto in a first direction (generally aligned with or parallel to the cable slot). With the trolley 130 carrying a portion of the cable 300 so that the cable 300 is suspended relative to the guide rail 110, the movement and slippage of the traction locomotive 180 and the cable 300 in a first direction can be considered as a function of the system 100. - A first or primary mode of operation. The primary mode of operation of the system 100 is to introduce and position the cable 300 in the cable tunnel, and to organize, position and/or Arranging the cable 300 (e.g., usually below the slot, because when the cable 300 is carried by the cart 130, the slot will usually be above the level of the cable 300), and the front opening slot is intended to hold the cable 300 places.

In some embodiments, traction locomotive 180 may be coupleable, coupled to, or itself include a steering mechanism (for example, it may be a simple joystick mechanism) such that a system user may steer traction locomotive 180 or relative to the rails 110 length to adjust the actuation of the tractor locomotive (eg, when the tractor locomotive 180 travels in the first direction). As noted above, in several embodiments traction locomotive 180 does not or need not directly engage guide rail 110; however, in some embodiments traction locomotive 180 may itself include one or more structures or elements (e.g. Rollers intended to contact or engage guide rail 110 ), for example, may or are intended to engage directly with guide rail 110 to facilitate or enable automatic guidance or automatic steering of tractor locomotive 180 along guide rail 110 .

FIG. 7 illustrates one representative manner in which system 100 may couple, engage, secure, or secure cable 300 to traction locomotive 180 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the traction locomotive 180 is located in front of the foremost carrier 130 and one end of the cable 300 is connected to the rear of the traction locomotive 180 using a set of wire ropes 187 (eg, a pair of wire ropes 187 ). , rear end or back. Advancement of traction locomotive 180 in a first direction exerts a force on wire rope 187 pulling the end of cable 300 connected to wire rope 187 . At the same time, since the cable 300 is fixed or fastened to a plurality of vehicles 130 , the action of the cable 300 when being pulled by the traction locomotive 180 drags or slides the vehicles 130 along the guide rail 110 . The sliding of the cart 130 allows the cable 300 to be transported into and/or along the cable tunnel easily or more easily, with reduced or minimized friction.

In various embodiments, the carts 130 on the rails 110 are not or need not be physically linked to each other by one or more chains, rods, wire ropes, or similar structures (e.g., non-rail structures), and the frontal structure system may or will be in the absence of The case of the cable 300 couples or links the vehicle 130 . Conversely, (a) when the cart 130 on the rail 110 is not carrying or suspending a portion of the cable 300, the cart 130 is slidably coupled to the rail 110, and thus is coupled along the rail 110 only by the rail 110 itself. and (b) when a portion of the cable 300 is carried or suspended by the carts 130 on the guide rail 110, those carts 130 that carry or suspend the cable 300 are further coupled, linked or connected to each other by the cable 300 itself. Portions of the cable 300 itself thus serve as a structure or member for the vehicle to couple or connect to the vehicle, and these portions of the cable 300 itself transmit/distribute the pull of the traction locomotive on the vehicle 130, rather than using or requiring a cable Carriage car coupling or connection structure beyond the line 300 to transfer/distribute or assist in the transfer/distribution of the traction locomotive pull on the cart 130 . Therefore, in the absence of cables 300, a particular vehicle 130 on the guide rail 110 interferes or restricts the sliding of the vehicle 130 along the guide rail 110 only due to the presence of other vehicles 130 adjacent to it; In the absence of cables 300, the carts 130 along the rails 110 are coupled to each other only by the rails 110 (e.g., not by means such as one or more chains, rods, wire ropes, or wires between the cart bodies 131). similar structure). Nevertheless, in some embodiments, at least some subsets of carts 130, such as specific pairs of adjacent carts 130, are coupled or linked by cables 300 along longitudinal portions of rails 110 (e.g., In addition to at least some subsets of vehicles 130 being coupled in this manner), they may also be physically coupled or linked to each other by one or more chains, rods, wire ropes, and/or similar structures.

In view of the foregoing, the system 100 is operable in a first/primary mode of operation, the forward mode of operation corresponding to the delivery and placement of cables in the cable tunnel. In at least some embodiments, the system 100 is operable in, or switched to, an additional second/secondary or reverse mode of operation to gradually lift up the portion of the cable 300 and move the portion of the cable 300 These lifted portions are guided towards the cable trough, and after the cable 300 has been successfully initially positioned/arranged relative to or along the cable trough (e.g., on or near the cable tunnel plane), it is also possible to place the cable The wire 300 is put into the cable groove. The second mode of operation may also be referred to as a cable lifting mode of operation. In such an embodiment, at least one traction locomotive 180 may be coupled or has been coupled to a ramp structure constructed to lift or elevate a portion of the cable 300 such that the continuous portion of the cable 300 is in contact with the traction The movement of the locomotive 180 is associated with a gradual upward lift towards the cable trough. For example, the traction locomotive 180 used to transport the cable to and place it in the cable tunnel may also be configured to move in a second or opposite direction (opposite or nearly opposite to the first direction) to , a part of the cable is lifted, conveyed and/or placed into the groove through the ramp structure. Additionally or alternatively, another or different traction locomotive 180 may lift, convey and/or place a portion of the cable into the trough via a ramp structure that may be or has been coupled to another traction locomotive 180 .

In order to achieve such progressive cable lifting and guiding towards the trough and placing the cable into the trough, the system 100 may also include a platform, stand or ramp that may be coupled or coupled to or carried by the traction locomotive 180 Structure 150 (e.g., which may be selectively attached to or removed from traction locomotive 180) in which platform 150 provides an inclined path 152 (e.g., upward relative to a horizontal plane parallel to guide rail 110 Tilt), so that when the traction locomotive 180 moves in the second or opposite direction, the cable 300 may travel and/or be guided along the path. The inclined path 152 extends upwards at a selectable/adjustable or predetermined angle (for example, towards the cable groove), thereby forming an upper portion (or end) 151 and a lower portion (or end) 154 thereof such that the upper portion (or end) 154 of the inclined path 152 The end 151 is positionable or has been positioned at a selectable/adjustable or predetermined height, eg substantially corresponding to or at least slightly higher than the height of the cable groove.

The platform 150 also typically includes a set of cable positioning or guiding structures that can be configured or tied to move laterally (e.g., to the left and/or right) as the portions of the cable 300 travel along the inclined path 152. ) to guide, route or pull the portion of the front cable 300. For example, in various embodiments, platform 150 includes a plurality of guide elements 156 , for example, spaced from one another along the length of inclined path 152 , as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 .

Associated with the cable hoist/second mode of operation, a portion or section of the cable 300 that is near or adjacent to the pulling locomotive 180 (which may initially be the end of the cable 300) and an adjoining portion or section of the cable 300 Can be positioned on the inclined path 152 and displaced from the lower end 154 of the inclined path 152 toward the upper end 151 of the inclined path 152, and can be further positioned on the upper end 151 of the inclined path 152 so that by the movement of the traction locomotive 180 (for example, in the The traction locomotive in the second direction opposite to the first direction) and by means of the plurality of guide elements 156, a part of the power cable 300 is guided to, led to and/or introduced into the cable groove. During the cable hoist/second mode of operation, at least some portions of the cable 300 are generally freed from being secured to at least some of the vehicles 130 (eg, one or more of the vehicles 130 immediately adjacent to or behind the traction locomotive 180 ). For example, a particular strap 139 wrapped around the cable 300 in the first/primary mode of operation may be released or unwound (e.g., gradually released or unwrapped) for at least a portion of the cable 300, the aforementioned cable 300 At least a portion of it will then be gradually lifted onto the inclined path 152 and transported or placed into the tank. The portion of the cable 300 that is no longer tied to the vehicle 130 can be pushed or moved to, or placed on, the ground surface 105 Above, these portions of the cable 300 can then be "scooped up" and displaced upward along the inclined path 152 by actuation of the tractor locomotive (eg, in the second direction).

In addition to the inclined path 152, the platform 150 may also include a base or base frame 153 mounted and/or attached to the traction vehicle 180, wherein the base frame 153 assists or assists in establishing the inclined path relative to the traction vehicle 180 152. One or more pairs of wheels may be coupled to or secured beneath base frame 153 to allow platform 150 to slide over ground surface 105 in response to actuation of tractor locomotive 180 in the second direction. In some embodiments, the system 100 sets and/or places the platform 150 on the traction locomotive 180 only before the start of the cable lift/second mode of operation, and when in the first/primary mode of operation, the traction locomotive 180 may not carry platform 150 . In other embodiments, the traction locomotive 180 may carry the platform in the first/primary mode of operation.

According to several embodiments, the cable 300 may be placed and slid (eg, up) on the inclined path 152, which may include or be a ladder-like structure, for cable placement. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , inclined path 152 includes a pair of support bars that extend longitudinally in parallel, such as between the rear end and front end of tractor locomotive 180, and are vertically inclined (e.g., to establish an upward angle for inclined path 152). / bar or stringer 199 (e.g., an external or outward support bar / bar or stringer 199), wherein the rear end and front end of the traction locomotive are transverse or perpendicular to the guide rail 110 and the traction locomotive 180 is configured to A portion of the cable 300 is carried or supported between the rear end and the front end. The stringers 199 may be vertically raised and/or supported longitudinally at specific locations along their length by a series of progressively longer support rods 197 (e.g., in at least some embodiments, the support rods 197 may have optional or adjustable length so that the angle of the inclined path 152 can be selected or adjusted). A plurality of crosspieces 198 protrude from one stringer 199 and are connected to another stringer 199 in a direction perpendicular to the length of the stringer 199 . The rungs 198 are divided by adjustable/selectable or predetermined distances The opening is provided to support the cable 300 laid on the inclined path 152 without causing the cable 300 to bend significantly or fall into the space between two rungs 198 (eg, immediately adjacent rungs 198 ).

At least some, or each, of the crosspieces 198 can carry a guide element 156, wherein at least some of the guide elements 156, or each guide element 156, are positioned (eg, laterally) relative to the traction locomotive 180, the inclined path 152, and/or the girder. The longitudinal axis of strip 199 is selectable or adjustable (eg, the position of at least some or each guide element 156 is adjustable laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of inclined path 152 ). In some embodiments, guide member 156 is coupled or connected to crosspiece 198 and is slidably adjustable along or thereon. In addition, guide member 156 may include a pair of substantially vertically raised prongs 157 containing a gap or space therebetween for use when a segment, section or portion of slidable cable 300 is lifted or placed on an inclined path. 152, restricts lateral movement of the segment, section or portion in the front gap or space.

In some embodiments, a given guide element 156 may be shaped as part of a hollow rectangle or square including two prongs 157 on the sides to define a gap or space at a central region through which the cable 300 passes. Side yoke 157 limits and controls the lateral movement of cable 300 on inclined path 152 as cable 300 is placed or pushed into the slot in response to movement of traction locomotive 180 in the second direction. In several embodiments, the guide elements 156 are organized such that the position of one guide element 156 offsets the position of a previous guide element 156 located closer to the cable channel. As shown in FIG. 9, by organizing the guide elements 156 in progressively offset positions, the system 100 gradually bends the cable 300 toward the slot. As such, guide elements 156 collectively define a sliding path of travel (eg, a curved or curved path) for actuating power cable 300 along inclined path 152 to direct power cable 300 toward, to, and/or into the cable trunking. To bring the cable 300 closer to the slot, the last few rungs 198 on the inclined path 152 may extend further beyond the stringers 199, allowing the guide elements 156 to remain closer to the slot.

In further embodiments, at least some of the rungs 198 and/or at least some of the guide elements 156 (eg, each of the guide elements 156 ) include one or more rollers that can contact the power cables 300 placed on the inclined path 152 (not shown), wherein the one or more rollers are rotatable to help direct the power cable 300 toward and/or into the cable groove (eg, with reduced friction). The rollers are coupled to the prongs 157 and/or a portion of the crosspiece 198 to smooth the sliding of the cable 300 on the inclined path 152 .

According to a related aspect of the present invention, a procedure or method for placing a portion of an unshielded cable 300 (e.g., power cable 300) into a cable trough for containment therein is performed by a given pull The locomotive 180 is coupled to or carries an inclined structure (such as the platform 150 described above), the procedure or method includes providing or positioning the unshielded portion of the cable 300 longitudinally along or parallel to a portion of the cable trough (e.g., by The same or different displacement of the traction locomotive 180 in the first direction associated with the aforementioned first mode of operation, and the corresponding sliding displacement of the cable 300 along the guide rail 110), wherein the unshielded portion of the cable 300 and the cable groove At a first level and at a second level above the first level in a vertical plane (e.g., perpendicular to the ground surface 105); placing a section of the unshielded power cable 300 on an inclined path 152 of the platform 150 on (e.g., by moving a given traction locomotive 180 in a second direction after releasing the strap securing that section of cable 300, and generally placing the section of cable on the ground surface 105 On), a lower end 154 of the inclined path 152 extends towards an upper end 151, wherein the height of the upper end 151 corresponds substantially to the second level, and is close to or adjacent to a top opening of the cable groove; and by pulling The locomotive 180 displaces or actuates (e.g., in a second direction) toward the portion of the power cable 300 placed on the first level, thereby displacing or actuating the platform 150, wherein the lower end 154 to the upper end 151 of the inclined path 152 is configured to scoop and raise the unshielded power cable 300 from the first level onto the inclined path 152, and further raise and guide the unshielded power cable as it travels along the inclined path 152, and on the platform During or in connection with an actuation of 150 and traction locomotive 180 (eg, in the second direction) the power cable 300 is guided into or into the cable trough.

Troughs are typically installed in the walls of the cable tunnel, while in the cable hoist/second mode of operation, the unshielded cable 300 may be left or laid on the ground or ground surface 105 before moving the traction locomotive 180 and platform 150 on (eg, in some embodiments, along or substantially parallel to the groove). Platform 150 may be carried by or coupled to, mounted on, or attached to traction locomotive 180 capable of generating sufficient power to move platform 150 in a predetermined direction (e.g., a second direction) to scoop up cable 300, The cable 300 is raised upwards towards the slot and the cable 300 is guided into and/or into the slot. As noted above, platform 150 may include a base or base frame 153 mounted and/or attached to traction vehicle 180, wherein base frame 153 facilitates establishment of inclined path 152 and achieves desired (e.g., optional or adjustable) height and/or angle to guide and pull the cable 300 into the slot. One or more pairs of wheels may be coupled to or secured beneath the base frame 153 to allow the platform 150 to slide along the ground surface 105 in a manner corresponding to the actuation of the tractor locomotive 180 .

The inclined path 152 may comprise a pair of elongated shafts, rods, rods or stringers 199 extending in parallel with a plurality of crosspieces 198 projecting from a stringer 199 at an angle perpendicular to the length of the stringers 199 And join in another stringer 199. The rungs 198 may be spaced or separated by an adjustable/selectable or predetermined distance to properly support the cable 300 . In various embodiments, platform 150 includes a plurality of guide elements 156 spaced longitudinally from each other along inclined path 152 . Each guide element 156 may be coupled to a respective crosspiece 198 such that the position of each guide element 156 , relative to the longitudinal axis of the inclined path 152 , is adjustable on the respective crosspiece 198 . In some embodiments, the guide element 156 may comprise or be formed as a pair of substantially vertically raised prongs 157 with the front detaching prongs containing a gap or space therebetween for use as the power cable 300 travels along the inclined path 152. When guided, accommodates a portion of the power cable 300 Swipe through it. Side prongs 157 limit and/or control lateral or lateral movement of cable 300 on inclined path 152 . With reference to several embodiments, the process or method further includes organizing the guide elements 156 on the inclined path 152 such that a vertically taller one of the guide elements 156 is located at a position laterally offset from a previous or vertically lower one of the guide elements 156 position such that the vertically higher guide element 156 is closer to the cable groove than the previous or vertically lower guide element 156 . Such a process or method may gradually bend a portion of the cable 300 along the inclined path 152 toward the slot by organizing the guide elements 156 in a series of progressively offset positions (e.g., laterally offset positions relative to each other). fold. Thus, the guide elements 156 may collectively establish or limit the lateral sliding of the cable 300 along the inclined path 152 toward the cable slot for guiding the cable 300 into and/or into the cable slot.

Additionally, in some embodiments, at least some of the guide elements 156 also include one or more rollers that may contact a portion of the cable 300 along the inclined path 152, wherein the one or more rollers facilitate The cable 300 is directed towards, to and/or into the cable channel with reduced friction.

In view of the foregoing, (a) in the cable placement/first mode of operation, a specific traction locomotive 180 associated or combined with the guide rail 110 and the carrier 130 can gradually slidably displace the cable 300 into the cable tunnel, until the cable 300 is at a desired and/or target location within the cable tunnel; (b) in the cable hoist/second mode of operation, an identical or different traction locomotive 180 associated or combined with the inclined path 152 may Gradually "scoop up" a portion of the cable 300 and lift or elevate the scooped-up portion of the cable 300 toward and into the cable trough. In various embodiments, in a first mode of operation, the combination of traction locomotive 180, guide rail 110, and carrier vehicle 130 operates as a first type of cable pulling machine that is configurable or configurable To pull or displace the cable 300 horizontally relative to the ground surface 105 (e.g., over a vertical height or distance, such as a substantially constant vertical distance from the ground surface 105, such that in the first mode of operation, the cable 300 remains or Usually kept parallel to the ground surface 105, and/or a vertical distance or a set vertical distance, which remains closer to the ground surface 105 than the cable trough); and in the second mode of operation, the combination of the inclined path 152 and a same or different pulling locomotive 180 operates as a second type of cable pulling machine The second type of cable pulling machine may be configured or configured to pull and guide the cable 300 upwardly or laterally upward along the inclined path 152 .

Accordingly, according to at least some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a system 100 in which at least one traction locomotive 180 can be configured (eg, in a selectable or adjustable manner) as a drive or power component in the following applications: ( i) Horizontal cable pulling or displacement machines (e.g. for gradually pulling the cable 300 into a cable tunnel so that the cable 300 can initially be positioned in the cable tunnel relative to a cable groove, e.g. below and generally parallel to the cable trough); (ii) vertical or vertical-transverse cable pulling or displacement machines (e.g., After the tunnel is positioned, a portion of the cable 300 is gradually scooped and lifted towards and possibly into the cable trough). Depending on the embodiment and/or the details of the situation, the pulling or displacement of the horizontal cable and the pulling or displacement of the vertical or vertical-transverse cable may be performed by the same traction locomotive 180 (e.g., a single traction locomotive 180) Or different traction locomotives 180 and implement.

A given traction locomotive 180 may travel in a first direction to transport the cable 300 from a starting location to a target destination entering the cable tunnel, and the same or different traction locomotive 180 may then travel in the opposite second direction. Direction travel away from the target destination to lift the cable 300 toward, to, and/or into a cable trough (eg, until the aforementioned starting location is reached). Alternatively, a selected traction locomotive 180 may travel in a first direction to transport the cable 300 from a starting location to a target destination entering the cable tunnel and corresponding to or located at the same or at the starting location. Different traction locomotives 180 may (e.g., subsequently in time) travel in a first direction from the starting location to the target destination to lift the cable 300 toward, reach and/or enter a cable trough (e.g., until reaching the aforementioned target destination).

Those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that a cable tunnel may be entered from ground level or the surface by a shaft (e.g., extending 50 to 60 meters from the earth's surface) and the shaft may be docked or led to a cable tunnel. An enlarged section of wire channel connection. The enlarged section may be coupled or linked to different parts of the cable tunnel to which it is connected, for example, a first section of the cable tunnel extending away from the enlarged section, and a first section of the cable tunnel extending away from the enlarged section. Second subsection. The first and second sections of the cable tunnel can extend away from the enlarged section in opposite directions. By means of the shaft and the enlarged section, one or more power cables 300 and various objects and/or equipment can be shifted and positioned relative to and/or in the cable tunnel.

In this case, the cable 300 may initially be positioned along or within the cable tunnel, including along or across the cable tunnel, by a given pulling locomotive 180, such as in the manner previously described or disclosed. The first subsection, the expanded section and the second subsection of or within the preceding subsection and section. Thereafter, a pair of traction locomotives 180 may be driven, displaced or moved in opposite directions (e.g., away from each other) (one of which may, but need not be, be used to initially position the cable 300 along and within the cable tunnel the specific traction locomotive 180) towards different or opposite lengths or ends of the cable tunnel 10, wherein each of the pair of traction locomotives 180 scoops and lifts Lifting/lifting a portion of the cable 300 towards, to and/or into the cable channel. Thus, (a) a first traction locomotive 180 can be moved or driven into a first section of the cable tunnel, the first portion extending away from the enlarged section, while providing a first section of the aforementioned inclined path 152 a platform or ramp structure 150 that progressively raises the portion of the cable 300 disposed in the first section of the cable tunnel (e.g., on the ground surface 105 of the first section of the cable tunnel) and directs that portion towards, reach and/or enter the cable trough; and (b) a second traction locomotive 180 can be moved or driven into a second section of the cable tunnel that extends away from the enlarged section while simultaneously By means of a second platform or ramp structure 150 providing the aforementioned sloping path 152, the cable 300 is gradually lifted up in the first section of the cable tunnel. The other part of the second section (for example, on the ground surface 105 of the second section of the cable tunnel), and directing that part towards, to and/or into the cable trough. Such a pair of traction locomotives 180 may operate simultaneously, or individually/sequentially (eg, as needed) to facilitate time-efficient loading of the cable 300 into the cable trough.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may provide an efficient, friction-reduced, fast, low-cost, and minimally labor-intensive way (e.g., requiring a minimum of only two workers, or even one worker) to deliver the cable 300 to the cable tunnel 10, and/or lift or hoist the cable 300 toward, to and/or into a receiver or long-term/final destination (eg, cable trough 20). It may additionally be noted that, in various embodiments, raising the rails 110 off the ground surface 105, coupled with each cart having a set of rollers 133, provides a low or very low noise system for cable transport and placement 10 (eg, a system 10 that operates silently).

It should be understood that aspects of the invention may be embodied in other specific forms, and that the embodiments described and illustrated in this disclosure are representative for purposes of understanding. Embodiments according to the present invention are not limited only to the embodiments described and illustrated herein. For example, one or more vehicles 130 may themselves carry a prime mover or electric motor (e.g., a set of rollers 133 configured to rotatably drive each such powered vehicle 130 to propel those powered vehicles 130 along rails 110 ), so that (a) at least in some cases it may not be necessary or necessary to use the traction locomotive 180; and/or (b) after the cable 300 is positioned in the cable tunnel 10 or loaded into the cable trough 20, One or more powered traction locomotives 130 (e.g., possibly associated with a set of non-powered vehicles 130 coupled thereto) may convey or connect other objects and/or equipment (e.g., objects and/or equipment other than cable 300). The scope of the present invention includes additional or other modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts, devices and structures, such as can be readily imagined by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

105: ground surface

110: guide rail

111: track support

114: track

130: Carrier

131: subject

139: strap

160: Track coupler

180: traction locomotive

182: Wheel

185: control panel

187: wire rope

300: cable

Claims (16)

A system for displacing an elongated cable having a first end, a second end, and a length between the first end and the second end, the system comprising: a modular rail, Including a plurality of rail assemblies that can be coupled or coupled together to form an assembled rail and can be decoupled from each other to form a disassembled rail, wherein each rail assembly includes: an elongated rail that can another elongated track coupled or coupled to an adjacent track assembly; and a fixed track support structure configured to lift or suspend the elongated track of the track assembly upwardly away from the space where the assembled track is located ground surface; a plurality of vehicles, each of which can be slidably mounted by sliding along the track of the mounting rail or has been mounted on the mounting track and is slidably displaced along the mounting track, wherein Each cart is configured to hold and support or suspend a selected portion of the cable relative to the guide rail, wherein each cart includes: a main body having a selected portion configured to receive the cable supported or suspended by the cart; a surface of a portion, a seat, a notch, a slot or a channel; a set of rollers attached to the body and configured to engage the track of the assembly rail; and a strap, a tie, a strap or a a strap engageable or tied to a selected portion of the cable supported or suspended by the vehicle and configured to facilitate retention of the selected portion of the cable to the body; and a traction locomotive along which the The length of the assembly rail is displaceable in at least one first direction and is coupleable or coupled to the first end of the cable to exert a pulling force on the first end of the cable, wherein when the traction locomotive is coupled to the first end of the cable and displaced in the first direction, (a) the traction locomotive a first end facing the first direction, (b) an opposite second end of the pulling locomotive facing a second direction opposite the first direction, and (c) a second end of the pulling locomotive facing the cable and wherein, when the first end of the cable is coupled to the traction locomotive, and a selected portion of the cable trailing the first end of the cable in a direction towards the second end of the cable is supported or suspended from the assembly The cable is displaceable or displaceable along the assembly track when the plurality of vehicles on the track are on board in response to (i) displacement of the traction vehicle in a first direction in combination with (ii) the plurality of vehicles Slip in the first direction. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein each vehicle mounted on the mounting rail is in the first direction only by the presence of at least one other vehicle mounted on the mounting rail without cables and the slip system along the rail in the second direction is disturbed or constrained. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the vehicles installed on the assembly track do not carry any part of the cable, the vehicles installed on the assembly track are connected to each other only by the assembly track coupling. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the vehicle mounted on the assembly track carries a selected portion of the cable, the vehicles mounted on the assembly track only pass through the assembly track and the cable And coupled with each other. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein in each track assembly, the set of track support structures is a pair of track support structures, wherein a first track support structure is coupleable or coupled to the track support structure of the track assembly On the underside of a first end of the track, a second track support structure may be coupled or coupled to the underside of a second end of the track of the track assembly. The system of claim 3, wherein in each track assembly, the set of track support structures is a pair of track support structures, wherein a first track support structure is coupleable or coupled to the track support structure of the track assembly On the underside of a first end of the track, a second track support structure may be coupled or coupled to the underside of a second end of the track of the track assembly. The system of claim 4, wherein in each track assembly, the set of track support structures is a pair of track support structures, a first track support structure being coupleable or coupled to one of the tracks of the track assembly On the lower side of a first end, a second track support structure may be coupled or coupled to the lower side of a second end of the track of the track assembly. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting rail is a monorail rail. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the set of rollers of each cart includes a first roller configured to engage a left portion of the mounting rail, and a second roller configured to engage a right portion of the mounting rail engaged to facilitate or enable the vehicle to slide along the rail with reduced friction. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the traction locomotive itself is not directly coupled to the assembly track. The system of claim 1, wherein the traction vehicle is configured to straddle the assembly rail when the traction vehicle is displaced in a first direction. A system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a platform, a stand or a ramp structure mountable or mounted to the tractor vehicle and providing an inclined path, wherein the inclined path is relative to a horizontal plane parallel to the ground surface upwardly inclined, wherein a high end of the inclined path corresponding to one end of the traction vehicle is vertically higher than a low end of the inclined path corresponding to the opposite end of the traction vehicle, and wherein as the traction vehicle approaches the low end of the inclined path towards the cable A portion of the cable may be progressively traveled upwards and/or guided along the inclined path, but has not yet traveled through other parts of the inclined path. The system of claim 12, wherein the platform, frame or ramp structure is removably mounted to the tractor vehicle, and the platform, frame or ramp structure further includes a plurality of wheels to facilitate The displacement of the platform, support or ramp structure along the ground surface when the ground surface is displaced. The system as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the platform, support or ramp structure comprises: a pair of rails extending upwardly between the lower end of the inclined path and the upper end of the inclined path; and a plurality of support rods on the extends between the pair of rails, wherein each support bar is positioned vertically above the other, and wherein during movement of the tractive locomotive towards the cable near the lower end of the inclined path but not yet traversed the other part of the path, when the The plurality of support rods are configured to gradually raise portions of the cable as they travel from the lower end of the inclined path toward the higher end of the inclined path. The system as claimed in claim 12 or 13, further comprising a set of cable guiding structures coupled to the platform, support or ramp structure, and when the traction locomotive approaches the lower end of the inclined path towards the cable but has not yet passed the The set of cable guiding structures may be configured or configured to be routed, routed or guided laterally by the platform, support or ramp as the portions of the cable travel along the inclined path during movement of other portions of the path. The portion of the cable carried by the structure. The system of claim 15, wherein the set of cable guiding structures includes a plurality of cable guiding structures that are laterally positionable relative to each other along the inclined path, and wherein the pulling locomotive faces Each cable guiding structure is configured to confine or constrain the portion of the cable as it travels along the inclined path while the cable is approaching the lower end of the inclined path but has not traveled through the rest of the path. Partial lateral displacement.

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