Leitner: Newly Developed Bi-Cable Technology Brings Together The Best Of Both Worlds
LEITNER ropeways is setting new standards by comprehensively re-developing bi-cable technology. The exclusive innovations form a symbiosis between 1S and 3S technology, thereby combining the best of both worlds. The system benefits are particularly reflected in lower noise levels, fewer maintenance requirements and a longer service life. The comprehensively improved 2S package will be launched on the Nebelhorn in Oberstdorf.
The carriage is a central element of the new design. In contrast with conventional running rollers, the rollers of the new carriage are only made from plastic. The newly developed plastic rollers are finished with specially shaped side boards. If necessary, these can bear the weight of the entire carrier and rope lifting loads from the carrying rope to the auxiliary track when crossing towers. The service life of the carrying rope and the carrying rope shifting intervals are extended by this rope-protecting new development.
Manufacturing technologies and precision components like those used in aircraft construction are the hallmark of the high technical standard of the new LEITNER 2S carriage. Most parts are milled from solid pieces, eliminating the need for numerous safety welds and nondestructive testing. The design offers significantly more stability with less weight. This also significantly reduces the effort required for the intended on-site inspections. Even the carrying rope guides on the towers are now made from plastic and therefore no longer need to be lubricated. The hauling rope rollers with elasticated springs is a further development. In operation, they result in a significant reduction in vibrations and are therefore markedly quieter.
An additional result of the symbiosis between the tried-and-tested 1S and 3S technology is the station design. In future, these will be tilted by three degrees to best use the downhill force. As a consequence, less energy is required when accelerating and decelerating the chairs and cabins. The stations can therefore be designed to be more compact and space-saving. Based on monocable lift technology that has been tried-and-tested for many years, LEITNER ropeways has integrated the acceleration and deceleration mechanisms, hauling rope deflection, and drive and deflection units into the new 2S technology.
Nebelhorn makes the most of personalized design options
The comprehensively re-worked 2S package will – subject to receiving authorization and public financial commitment – celebrate its launch on the Nebelhorn in Oberstdorf. The aerial tramway in operation since 1977 will be replaced by a LEITNER ropeways bi-cable unidirectional ropeway. The positioning of the installation and its all-year use speak clearly in favor of this technology. On the one hand, the location of the valley station in the center of the village calls for particularly quiet operation. On the other hand, the individual personalization options make the unique 2S offering stand out. The ropeway on the Nebelhorn will be equipped with Symphony 10 cabins. In addition to significantly improving comfort, long waiting times will also be cut down in future. Thanks to the Symphony cabins designed by Pininfarina, guests will experience a new feeling of convenience from the moment they step into the cabin. The wide boarding area, sliding doors and maximum all-round view through panorama glazing all contribute to this.
