Pedal Mechanism in Wire Bridge 

Wire Bridge is the most common structures for river crossing in rural Nepal. It offers moderate carrying capacity, takes less construction time and is less costly than suspension bridges. In the Wire Bridge history, many modifications and advancements have occurred till now. But even today, in most Wire Bridges in Nepal, the users have to pull the bare rope/rope directly with their hands and have to apply a huge effort continuously. There is still risk of accidents and such incidents have been frequently reported. Keeping these problems in mind, we have tried to put forward a concept of Pedal Mechanism in the Wire Bridge.  

General Description 

 Figure: 3D model of the Pedal Mechanism in Wire Bridge 

Pedal Mechanism consists of four Track Pulley, two big sprocket, ten small sprocket, sixteen bearings, chains and pedals. Structure of the trolley is made up of rectangular and circular sections. Mild steel and Cast iron is used as the material for the trolley structure and track pulley respectively. The structure in which two people will drive the pedal is designed for four people. 

Working Principle  

Figure: Working Principle of Pedal Mechanism 

 

The main objective of the whole system is to rotate the track pulley by taking power from the pedaling action of the users’ through some intermediate mechanism. Chains and sprockets are used as intermediate mechanism.The driving sprocket is placed below the seat at a required distance so that the user will be comfortable during driving with minimum force. That force will be transferred with the aid of chain in order to drive the track pulley. The pulley movers in the track rope which result in the forward movement of the trolley.