Funicular from an inclined elevator by the presence of two vehicles which counterbalance each other. The name "funicular" itself is derived from the Latin word "", the diminutive of , which translates as "rope". The basic idea of funicular operation is that two cars are always attached to each other by a cable, which runs through a pulley at the top of the slope. Counterbalancing of the two cars, with one going up and one going down, minimizes the energy needed to lift the car going up. Winching is normally done by an electric drive that turns the pulley. Sheave wheels
Wire rope sheave and rope diameters. A general dimensioning method of rope drives (and used besides the technical regulations) calculate the five limits The calculation of the rope drive limits depends on: The wire ropes are stressed by fluctuating forces, by wear, by corrosion and in seldom cases by extreme forces. The rope life is finite and the safety is only ensured by inspection for the detection of wire breaks on a reference rope length, of cross-section loss, as well as other failures so that the wire rope can be replaced before a dangerous situation occurs. Installations should be designed to facilitate