Synthetic rope for system-level recoil control

Abstract

A rope system for system-level recoil control and a method for preparing a rope system for system-level recoil control are provided. The rope system includes a first rope component and a second component, the second rope component being connected in series to the first rope component. The first rope component includes a first rope subcomponent and a second rope subcomponent, the first rope subcomponent having a predetermined failure strength and designed and configured to be a controlled failure point for the system, and the second rope subcomponent having a predetermined elongation function. Upon failure of the first rope subcomponent, the second rope subcomponent is configured to elongate to absorb a predetermined amount of a predetermined operating strain energy of the rope system and to elongate for a predetermined distance and / or a predetermined period of time before the second rope subcomponent fails.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS)

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 381,814, filed November 1, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to rope systems comprising synthetic ropes, and more particularly to rope systems comprising synthetic rope components having controlled recoil upon rope breakage, and methods of preparing rope systems for system-level recoil control. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] Ropes are used in many high tension applications, including ship mooring, marine towing, and land towing and vehicle recovery. As a result of cumulative damage from environmental exposure, wear, and external forces from normal use, these ropes are subject to potential failure, which can lead to failure of the rope system, with potentially catastrophic consequences if the failure occurs while the rope is under tension and in use.

[0004]

[0004] To date, the reduction of safety risks in these cases has largely focused on controlling the strain energy released within the tensioned rope section that breaks, and the potential recoil hazards associated with that release. Methods have been presented to mitigate the release of strain energy or to guide the potential paths that a recoiling rope may take upon failure. However, the main assumption of these efforts is that the strain energy of a broken or failing rope must be addressed.

[0005]

[0005] Typically, however, the rope that breaks in these types of high-tension applications is simply one component of a larger system, i.e., a rope system. The system will often include many individual ropes of different types in series, with each rope component selected for specific desired characteristics for use within the system, along with various types of hardware such as shackles, chocks, and cleats. Each of these components has some strain energy stored within it when the entire rope system is under tension in use. If the system breaks at any point, the strain energy of all the components can be released and converted into recoil of any or all parts of the system.

[0006]

[0006] Thus, controlling the strain energy in just one of the rope components in a system is not sufficient to ensure safety. Furthermore, many ropes in a system are selected for special characteristics resulting from their specific construction and fiber selection. It is also impractical to specify that all rope components in a system must be designed to contain their own strain energy when under tension at the time of system failure. Moreover, some forms of hardware can contain sufficient strain energy, and their contribution to the system recoil probability must also be addressed to ensure overall safety.

[0007]

[0007] When designing and constructing rope systems, there are several industry standards and guidelines for components to ensure that each component does not fail under the design conditions. However, the rope system may still fail due to, for example, a sudden impact force, other loads not considered in the design conditions, or wear and tear on the system, and there is still a possibility of a recoil hazard.

[0008]

[0008] Therefore, there remains a need for a rope system that has controlled recoil to prevent or reduce system-level recoil risks. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009]

[0009] Exemplary embodiments address these deficiencies in current rope systems by providing a rope system involving a synthetic rope for use as a component of the rope system that provides system-level recoil control upon failure of the rope component, and by providing a method for designing such a rope system and rope.

[0010]

[0010] Exemplary embodiments provide a rope system with system-level recoil control by controlling where breaks occur in the rope system and the amount of energy absorption that will be required given the operating environment.

[0011] In some embodiments, a rope system for system-level recoil control includes a first rope component and a second rope component, the second rope component being connected in series to the first rope component. The first rope component includes a first rope subcomponent and a second rope subcomponent, the first rope subcomponent having a predetermined failure strength and designed and configured to be a controlled failure point for the system, and the second rope subcomponent having a predetermined elongation function. When the first rope component and the second rope component are in tension, the rope system contains strain energy, with each rope component containing a portion of the rope system's strain energy. Upon failure of the first rope subcomponent, the second rope subcomponent is configured to elongate to absorb a predetermined amount of the rope system's predetermined operating strain energy and to elongate for a predetermined distance and / or a predetermined period of time before the second rope subcomponent fails.

[0012] In some embodiments, a rope system for system-level recoil control includes a rope component including a first rope subcomponent and a second rope subcomponent. The first rope subcomponent has a predetermined failure strength and is designed and configured to be a controlled failure point for the system. The second rope subcomponent has a predetermined elongation function. When the rope components are in tension, the rope system contains strain energy, and the rope component contains a portion of the strain energy of the rope system. Upon failure of the first rope subcomponent, the second rope subcomponent is configured to elongate to absorb at least 70% of the predetermined operating strain energy of the rope system before failure of the second rope subcomponent.

[0013] In another embodiment, a method for preparing a rope system for system-level recoil control includes identifying a component of a rope system having at least two rope components connected in series, at least one of the rope components having a first rope sub-component and a second rope sub-component; determining a total maximum strain energy of the at least two rope components when the rope system is subjected to a predetermined operating load; determining an elongation of the second rope sub-component such that the first rope component absorbs at least 50% of the determined total strain energy upon failure of the first rope sub-component; and providing the first rope component having the first rope sub-component with a predetermined failure strength and the second rope sub-component with an elongation equal to or greater than the determined elongation.

[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1]

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing several exemplary rope systems in the context of a moored vessel. [Figure 2]

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating rope components of an exemplary rope system. [Figure 3]

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary rope system. [Figure 4]

[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rope system shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5]

[0019] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016]

[0020] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same parts.

[0017]

[0021] The illustrative embodiment provides a rope system with synthetic ropes having strain energy control structures that are purposefully designed to control the overall strain energy within the system. While initially described with respect to ship mooring for contextual purposes, it will be apparent that this is merely exemplary and that the principles of the present invention may be applied to any multi-rope system where it is desired to provide rope components that consider and provide recoil control for a significant portion of the total rope system's potentially stored strain energy in the event of a break.

[0018]

[0022] When a vessel is moored by a rope system, the vessel is exposed to and under various environmental loads, such as wind and ocean currents, and these environmental / operating loads cause relative motion of the vessel. The relative motion of the vessel then exerts loads on each component of the rope system. The loads exerted on the rope components generate tension in the rope components, which are stored as strain energy. When a rope component breaks, the strain energy stored in not only the rope component but also other components of the rope system is released in the form of recoil, thus creating a potential recoil hazard in the surrounding area.

[0019]

[0023] The rope system according to the present disclosure is useful in any mooring system, particularly in the context of marine vessel mooring, whereby the inventive rope component acts as a controlled failure point for the rope system. The rope system of the present invention provides a rope system for system-level recoil control when compared to single rope component recoil control known in the art. In particular, the rope system provides system-level recoil control by using a strength rope component as the intended controlled failure point of the system and a high-elongation rope component that enables the rope system to provide a predetermined elongation upon failure of the system, whereby such elongation absorbs strain energy stored in the system and provides a predetermined extended warning time to prevent or mitigate potential recoil hazards upon failure of the rope system.

[0020]

[0024] The degree and extent to which system-level recoil control is required may vary depending on various demands on the rope system, such as the size of the vessel, the number of ropes that can be used in the rope system, the required minimum strength and length of the ropes, and environmental conditions such as local wind and currents. The present invention may provide system-level recoil prevention or system-level recoil mitigation depending on the specific needs. For example, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more of the determined total rope system strain energy may be dissipated through elongation of the elongation components.

[0021]

[0025] This involves considering the individual contributions of the many, and potentially each, components of the overall rope system to the strain energy of the system, and structuring the rope to absorb the requisite proportion of the system's strain energy, thereby limiting the likelihood of recoil hazards.

[0022]

[0026] In some embodiments, the main line may be the strain energy capture component of the rope system. According to exemplary embodiments, the strain energy capture component of the overall rope system has two or more subcomponents, each with a different failure characteristic. At least one of the rope components is incorporated for rope strength. A second subcomponent of the rope component is incorporated for high-elongation capabilities. Additional subcomponents may be incorporated to enhance the contribution of strength, elongation, or other desired characteristics of the rope. However, in other embodiments, the tail may be the strain energy capture component of the rope system.

[0023]

[0027] In the event of an overall rope system failure, the strength sub-components of a particular rope component according to an exemplary embodiment are designed to be the weak point of the overall rope system, acting as a controlled failure point. Because the strength sub-component is a controlled failure point, the load under which the rope system will fail can be determined in terms of the characteristics of the strength sub-component. It will be apparent that the load under which the rope system will fail can be expressed in a variety of ways.

[0024]

[0028] After the strength subcomponent fails, the high elongation subcomponent of the rope component is free to elongate in response to the current system tension. This elongation absorbs strain energy from the system and negates the recoil risk.

[0025]

[0029] The degree of elongation that will absorb enough strain energy to reduce the risk of recoil depends on a number of factors of the potential rope system, including the component parts to be used, and is generally not simply empirical due to the large number of possible variations for different rope systems. In some embodiments, a mathematical model allows for the calculation of the strain energy stored in each component of the rope system, as well as the energy absorption rate of high elongation sub-components of a strain energy controlled rope. The results of these calculations can then be used to design a rope for use based on a safety factor of the maximum strain that can be expected at failure with the components identified across a variety of possible configurations, or can be used to inform rope construction for a specific configuration identified for a particular set of components.

[0026]

[0030] Turning to FIG. 1 , a multiple rope system 50 is shown in the context of a moored vessel 100. A rope system according to an exemplary embodiment includes at least two rope components. As shown in FIG. 1 , the rope system includes a main line 110 as a first rope component and a tail or stub 120 as a second component spliced ​​or otherwise connected in series with the main line 110. The main line 110 ( FIG. 1 ) is the strain energy capture component of the rope system 50, while the tail 120 may have a tensile strength greater than the main line 110, for example, about 25% to 30%. However, it will be apparent that the tail 120 may have a different range of tensile strength relative to the main line 110. In some applications, a third rope component, such as an auxiliary line (not shown), is spliced ​​or otherwise connected in series to the main line 110 at an end of the main line 110 opposite the end to which the tail 120 is attached. Many more rope components may be employed within the rope system.

[0027]

[0031] 1 also include one or more non-rope hardware components, such as a winch 130, a rake 140, a chock 150, a mast 160, and / or a cleat 170. As shown with respect to moored vessel 100, the hardware components have fixed locations on or relative to the vessel, but rope system 50 may also include hardware components that do not have fixed locations. In other embodiments, such as in land-based applications, the one or more non-rope hardware components may be, for example, a tow hitch or a come-along.

[0028]

[0032] It will be apparent that the system shown in Figure 1 is merely exemplary, and that other configurations of rope systems and components used therewith may be employed as known to those skilled in the art. It will further be apparent that the systems and components may vary depending on the particular application in which the rope system is employed, such as, for example, land and sea towing and land vehicle recovery in addition to the mooring of vessels shown in Figure 1.

[0029]

[0033] Once the components that will be used in a given rope system are known, the components can be individually assessed for the likely amount of strain energy they may release upon failure of any part of the rope system under the planned maximum operating load (which may further include an additional safety factor). As a result, the total amount of strain energy to be considered can be determined. The determined strain energy includes at least two rope components under tension and may include all rope components and / or all rope and non-rope components in the system depending on their expected relative contributions, and may further take into account wear and tear within the system (e.g., if the main line is most likely to fail after its initial strength is reduced by 75% as a result of operation, the determined strain energy that the component contributes to the system may be adjusted accordingly).

[0030]

[0034] Evaluation of individual component contributions may be performed through analysis using known material and mechanical characteristics of the part or device, including the rope component's material of construction, length, diameter, number of strands, braiding, etc. Alternatively, or in combination, testing may be performed on samples of one or more of the system components if the mechanical characteristics are such that analytical methods for calculating stored strain energy are complicated. For rope-based components of the overall rope system, empirical analytical methods are used, and testing of similar ropes under controlled conditions allows for the development of strain energy models that can be used to evaluate the strain energy of other diameters and lengths.

[0031]

[0035] Some non-rope components of a rope system, such as chocks and cleats that contact the rope components over a limited distance, may in some instances not appreciably contribute to the overall strain experienced by the system, in which case they may or may not be taken into account when determining the total strain to be considered by the recoil prevention mechanism. Non-rope components are generally well supported by girders, frames, beams, or other structures, such as docks, piers, or wharves, and deform to a lesser extent than the rope components. The strain energy stored in non-rope components is generally small relative to the strain energy of the rope components, i.e., the high-modulus main line and the low-modulus stretch tail, and is likely to be absorbed by other structures in the event of a rope system failure. As a result, in some systems, it may be determined that non-rope components are likely to have a smaller effect on recoil and thus may not be considered in the system's operating strain energy. However, strain energy stored in non-rope components may be considered in determining the strain energy to be absorbed if the non-rope components are not well supported by other structure.

[0032]

[0036] Rope component 20 of rope system 50 is shown in FIG. 2 and may be the rope component used as main line 110 (FIG. 1), which may be designed as the first part of the rope system to wear, providing the anticipated part of the system where final failure is expected to occur first. Assuming main line 110 (FIG. 1) is the strain energy capture component of rope system 50 (FIG. 1), if the load reaches a determined load, main line 110 (FIG. 1) will break and snap. Tail 120 (FIG. 1) will elongate until main line 110 (FIG. 1) breaks, but will not break at the determined load because tail 120 (FIG. 1) has greater strength than main line 110 (FIG. 1).

[0033]

[0037] The rope component 20 has a first rope subcomponent 22 and a second rope subcomponent 24 that are physically interlocked such that the rope component 20 does not fail in a single stage when subjected to excessive tension loads. Instead, the properties of the first rope subcomponent 22 and the second rope subcomponent 24, and the manner in which the first rope subcomponent 22 and the second rope subcomponent 24 are interlocked, cause the rope component 20 to fail in at least two stages under excessive tension loads. The first rope subcomponent 22 of the rope component has a predetermined tension failure characteristic designed to meet a maximum tensile load defined by the intended use of the rope component 20. As such, the first rope subcomponent 22 may also be referred to as a strength subcomponent. This first rope subcomponent acts as an intended failure point, such that the first rope subcomponent 22 fails when the tensile strength of the first rope subcomponent 22 is exceeded, either because the load exceeds a defined maximum or because the tensile strength has decreased as a result of service-induced wear.

[0034]

[0038] The first stage of tensile failure begins with the failure of the first rope subcomponent 22. The first rope subcomponent has low elongation, so that when its tensile strength is exceeded, the first rope subcomponent fails quickly. The first rope subcomponent 22 will fail at a certain breaking strength, and the minimum breaking strength for the first rope subcomponent 22 of the main line may be determined by design conditions, such as the size or dimensions of the vessel to be moored by the main line, industry standards or guidelines, or specific needs. The operating load under which the first rope subcomponent 22 will fail defines the planned maximum operating load (which may further include an additional safety factor). The strength of the first rope subcomponent 22 may be determined by the total denier of the tenacity fiber. The material forming the first rope subcomponent 22 of the rope component 20 is a material with lower elongation than the second rope subcomponent 24 and may be any single yarn or yarns with a tenacity greater than, for example, approximately 6 grams per denier (gpd) to act as a strength component. In some embodiments, the tenacity of the first rope subcomponent 22 may be greater than 18 grams per denier (gpd). The first rope subcomponent 22 may be comprised of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), high molecular weight polyethylene (HMPE), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), para-aramid fiber, or a combination thereof. It will be apparent that other materials suitable for the first rope subcomponent 22 may be employed. Surface modification may be achieved through blending with one or more other fibers having high tenacity strength components to obtain desired surface characteristics.

[0035]

[0039] Before or when the first rope sub-component 22 breaks, the entire load is transferred to the second rope sub-component 24, which also elongates until it breaks. Without the second rope sub-component 24, the strain energy stored in the rope system, particularly in the main line and tail until the main line breaks, would be released, posing a potential recoil hazard to the surrounding area by displacing the broken main line along with the possibility of physical harm to the surrounding area. However, with the second rope sub-component 24 in the rope system, the second rope sub-component 24 absorbs the strain energy that would be released by a rope system break and guides the potential path that the broken main line could take, providing an extended warning time and thus preventing and mitigating the potential recoil hazard.

[0036]

[0040] The operational strain energy to be absorbed by the tension component can be determined by the strain energy stored in the first rope sub-component of the main line, the tail, and other components in the event of failure of the first rope component. If the main line is the strain energy capture component of the rope system, the operational strain energy can be calculated as follows: "operating strain energy = strain energy 第1のロープ副構成要素 +Strain energy 尾部 +Strain energy 他の構成要素 The operating strain energy can be determined in its general form, including non-mainline / tail configurations, as follows: Operating strain energy = strain energy 第1のロープ副構成要素 +Strain energy 第2のロープ副構成要素 +···+Strain energy 第Nのロープ副構成要素 +Strain energy 他の構成要素 " where the strain energy capture component includes N subcomponents. Strain energies stored in other components, e.g., non-rope components, may be included and considered in determining the strain energy if they are not small relative to the strain energy in the first rope subcomponent and the tail.

[0037]

[0041] The strain energy stored in the first rope subcomponent can be determined by taking into account the length of the first rope subcomponent, the elongation of the first rope subcomponent when it will fail, the determined load under which it will fail, and the characteristics of the first rope subcomponent. The strain energy stored in the first rope subcomponent can be a function of the breaking strength of the first rope subcomponent, the elongation of the first rope subcomponent when it breaks, and the length of the first rope subcomponent. The strain energy stored in the first rope subcomponent can be represented by a linear or nonlinear function. The elongation of the first rope subcomponent when it will fail can be obtained by testing the first rope subcomponent at its breaking strength.

[0038]

[0042] The strain energy stored in the tail can be determined by taking into account the length of the tail, the elongation of the tail when the first rope subcomponent will fail, the determined load under which the first rope subcomponent will fail, and the characteristics of the tail. The elongation of the tail at a given load can be obtained by using the axial stiffness of the tail and a given load. The axial stiffness can be expressed as a function of the applied load, which can be a nonlinear function. The strain energy stored in the tail can be a function of the breaking strength of the first rope subcomponent, the elongation of the tail when the first rope subcomponent breaks, and the length of the tail. The strain energy stored in the tail can be expressed as a linear or nonlinear function. The elongation of the tail when the first rope subcomponent will fail can vary based on the material of the tail. The tail comprises a polymer with high elongation, such as nylon, polyolefin, or polyester. It will be apparent that other materials suitable for the tail may be employed.

[0039]

[0043] Once the maximum operating load of the system to be absorbed by the tension component (i.e., the maximum strain energy under load the system is expected to experience without breaking) is determined, details of the tension component can be determined to enable the rope system to provide system-level recoil control by providing a predetermined extension in the event of a system break. The predetermined extension of the tension component can be such that the extension absorbs strain energy stored in the system and provides a predetermined extension of the warning time, thus preventing or mitigating a potential recoil hazard in the event of a rope system break. The energy to be absorbed can be determined by taking into account the length of the tension component, the predetermined extension, the determined load under which the tension component will stretch, and the characteristics of the tension component. The tension component can be comprised of multiple strands.

[0040]

[0044] When the first rope subcomponent 22 fails, the load is transferred to the second rope subcomponent 24. The second rope subcomponent 24 may or may not be under tension until the first rope subcomponent 22 has failed. The second rope subcomponent 24 has a higher extensibility than the first rope subcomponent 22, allowing the second rope subcomponent 24 to stretch a predetermined distance and / or period of time before also failing. The elongation at break of each of the first rope subcomponent 22 and the second rope subcomponent 24 can vary based on various design considerations, but generally the relative difference in elongation at break between the two rope subcomponents ranges from 6% to 19%, e.g., if the elongation at break of the first rope subcomponent 22 is 100, the elongation at break of the second rope subcomponent will be between 106 and 119, and in some embodiments may range from 2% to 200%. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to minimize the difference in elongation at break between the two while still achieving system-level strain energy dissipation. The exact difference in elongation at break between the two rope sub-components 22, 24 will be used in the analytical design model used to develop the structural parameters for the strain energy controlled rope. The material forming the second rope sub-component 24 of the rope component 20 can be, for example, any single yarn or yarns having a tenacity greater than approximately 0.5 grams per denier (gpd).

[0041]

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment, the elongation of the second rope sub-component 24 prior to failure is predetermined to occur over a range of time and / or distance corresponding to that which allows for the release of the determined cumulative strain energy for two or more components of the rope system, such that by the time the second rope sub-component 24 finally fails, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more of the determined total rope system strain energy has been dissipated through the elongation of the second rope sub-component 24.

[0042]

[0046] Like the initial determination of cumulative strains for multiple system components and / or the entire rope system, determining the structural parameters for the high-elongation subcomponent 24 of the rope component 20 requires a similar empirical analytical approach. When the complex interactions between rope subcomponents are difficult to fully address analytically, testing is typically performed to provide an empirical basis. The analytical models resulting from testing can be specific to the nature of the high-elongation subcomponent of the strain-controlled rope component, and in some cases, specific to the type of rope construction, e.g., 3-strand, 8-strand, 12-strand, etc. Use of the models allows prediction of the required structural parameters along a range of diameters and levels of desired strain energy to be absorbed.

[0043]

[0047] In some embodiments, since the first rope sub-component 22 has low elasticity, the second rope sub-component 24 may be employed in the following ways: inside the strand, beside the strand, loose strand, or multiple ends per carrier, at the replacement of the strand, as a load-bearing core wrap, disposed inside the rope as a separate unit or separate rope. The second rope sub-component 24 may be determined to maximize the strength and elongation of the main line at break and configured to offset the total system energy.

[0044]

[0048] 3, 4, and 5, the rope components may be structured as a core 32 and sheath 34 configuration forming a core / sheath rope component 30, with a first rope sub-component 22 provided as either the core or the sheath and a second rope sub-component 24 provided as the other. FIG. 4 also shows that the core 32 and sheath 34 may themselves comprise a plurality of strands 36 and 38, respectively. FIG. 5 shows that the strands 36 and 38 comprise a plurality of single yarns 40 and 42, each comprising a plurality of fibers 44 and 46, respectively. Thus, it will be apparent that in some embodiments, a single yarn of a first strand comprises the first rope sub-component 22, while a single yarn of a second strand comprises the second rope sub-component 24.

[0045]

[0049] Fibers 44 and 46 are the basic building blocks of a rope component. Example single yarns 40 and 42 are formed of synthetic fibers 44 and 46. Fibers 44 and 46 are combined to form single yarns 40 and 42 using any one or more of a number of techniques. Strands 36 and 38 are formed by combining single yarns 40 and 42, also using any one or more of a number of techniques. The techniques for combining fibers to form single yarns and for combining single yarns to form strands are, or may be, conventional and will not be described in detail herein.

[0046]

[0050] Whether a core / sheath configuration is used, the rope components are typically constructed via a braiding or twisting process. The rope components may be 3-strand (3 strands), 8-strand (8 strands), 12-strand (12 strands), or any other configuration as may be known in the art. Other rope constructions in which first and second rope sub-components may be used in constructing the rope are also contemplated, including, for example, those described in U.S. Patent No. 7,127,878, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0047]

[0051] In some embodiments, a method for preparing a composite rope for system-level recoil control includes identifying components of a rope system having at least two rope components connected in series, at least one of the rope sections having a first rope sub-component and a second rope sub-component; determining a total maximum strain energy of the at least two rope components when the rope system is subjected to a predetermined operating load; determining an elongation of a second rope sub-component of the first rope component to absorb at least 50% of the determined total maximum strain energy upon failure of the first rope sub-component of the first rope component; and providing the first rope component having the first rope sub-component with a predetermined failure strength and the second rope sub-component with an elongation equal to or greater than the determined elongation.

[0048]

[0052] In some embodiments, determining the total maximum strain energy includes taking into account wear and tear on the rope system during operation.

[0049]

[0053] In another embodiment, the method further includes using a mathematical model in determining the total maximum strain energy of the at least two rope components when the rope system is subjected to a predetermined operating load.

[0050]

[0054] In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises determining a relative difference in elongation at break between the first rope sub-component and the second rope sub-component ranging from 2% to 200%. It will be apparent that different ranges may be employed.

[0051]

[0055] While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt to a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope of the invention. Therefore, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but rather that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, all numerical values ​​specified in the detailed description, both exact and approximate, should be construed as if explicitly specified.

Claims

1. 1. A rope system for system level recoil control, comprising: A first rope component, a first rope sub-component having a predetermined failure strength and designed and configured to be a controlled failure point for the rope system; and a second rope sub-component having a predetermined elongation capability; a first rope component comprising: a second rope component connected in series to the first rope component; Equipped with when the first rope component and the second rope component are in tension, the rope system contains strain energy, each rope component containing a portion of the strain energy of the rope system; Upon failure of the first rope sub-component, the second rope sub-component is configured to elongate to absorb a predetermined amount of a predetermined operating strain energy of the rope system, and to elongate for a predetermined distance and / or a predetermined period of time before failure of the second rope sub-component. Rope system.

2. The rope system of claim 1 , wherein the first rope sub-component further comprises a surface modification.

3. 2. The rope system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined elongation function of the second rope sub-component corresponds to at least 50% of the predetermined operating strain energy of the rope system, and wherein the at least 50% of the predetermined operating strain energy of the rope system is dissipated through the elongation of the second rope sub-component before failure of the second rope sub-component.

4. The rope system of claim 1 , wherein the first rope component includes 3, 8, or 12 strands.

5. 2. The rope system of claim 1, wherein the rope component includes a core and an sheath, the first rope subcomponent forming the core and the second rope subcomponent forming the sheath.

6. 10. The rope system of claim 1, wherein the rope component further comprises a core and an sheath, the first rope subcomponent forming the sheath and the second rope subcomponent forming the core.

7. 10. The rope system of claim 1, wherein the first rope sub-component has a tenacity greater than approximately 6 grams per denier.

8. 10. The rope system of claim 1, wherein the second rope sub-component has a tenacity greater than approximately 0.5 grams per denier.

9. The rope system of claim 1 , wherein the first rope component is a braided or twisted rope.

10. 2. The rope system of claim 1, wherein the first rope component is a main line and the second rope component is a tail.

11. 10. The rope system of claim 1, further comprising at least one non-rope hardware component that contributes to strain energy of the rope system.

12. 12. The rope system of claim 11, wherein the at least one non-rope hardware component comprises a winch, a leader, a chock, a mast, a cleat, or a combination thereof.

13. The rope system of claim 1 , wherein the second rope component comprises a first rope subcomponent and a second rope subcomponent.

14. 10. The rope system of claim 1, wherein the relative difference in elongation at break between the first rope sub-component and the second rope sub-component ranges from 2% to 200%.

15. 10. The rope system of claim 1, wherein the relative difference in elongation at break between the first rope sub-component and the second rope sub-component ranges from 6% to 19%.

16. 1. A rope system for system level recoil control, comprising:

1. A rope component comprising: a first rope sub-component having a predetermined failure strength and designed and configured to be a controlled failure point for the rope system; and a second rope sub-component having a predetermined elongation capability; rope components, including Equipped with the rope system contains strain energy when the rope component is in tension, the rope component containing a portion of the strain energy of the rope system; wherein, upon failure of the first rope subcomponent, the second rope subcomponent is configured to elongate to absorb at least 70% of a predetermined operating strain energy of the rope system prior to failure of the second rope subcomponent.

17. 1. A method for providing a rope system for system level recoil control, comprising: Identifying a component of a rope system having at least two rope components connected in series, at least one of the at least two rope components having a first rope sub-component and a second rope sub-component; determining a total maximum strain energy of the at least two rope components when the rope system is subjected to a predetermined operating load; determining an elongation of the second rope subcomponent to absorb at least 50% of the determined total maximum strain energy upon failure of the first rope subcomponent of the first rope component; providing a first rope subcomponent having a predetermined breaking strength and a second rope subcomponent having an elongation equal to or greater than the determined elongation; A method comprising:

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein determining the total maximum strain energy includes considering wear during operation of the rope system.

19. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising using a mathematical model in determining the total maximum strain energy of the at least two rope components when the rope system is subjected to a predetermined operating load.

20. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising determining a relative difference in elongation at break between the first rope subcomponent and the second rope subcomponent ranging from 2% to 200%.

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