Abseiling Device Torque Limiter for Rescue Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing abseiling devices for rescue operations face challenges such as excessive torque causing injury to individuals being lifted and damage to device components, and require manual actuation which limits their efficiency and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectionally rotatable abseiling device with a mechanical torque limiter that decouples the drive means and guiding arrangement when a torque threshold value is exceeded, allowing for external drive means connection while preventing excessive torque, and incorporating a braking mechanism for controlled descent and ascent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual actuation is used to operate the guiding arrangement, then the abseiling device can be operated without external power sources, but the operation efficiency and productivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The abseiling device is designed to accept multiple types of drive means (manual crank, electric motor, pneumatic motor, hydraulic motor) through a universal interface on the guiding arrangement, allowing the same device to function in both manual and automated modes depending on the application requirements
2Power
If excessive torque is transmitted to the pulling means, then the lifting power increases, but the person being lifted may be injured and device components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical torque limiter is integrated into the power transmission path between the drive means and the guiding arrangement to preemptively limit the maximum torque before it can reach harmful levels. This preventive mechanism ensures that even if the drive means generates excessive torque, it will be mechanically restricted at the torque limiter rather than transmitted to the person being lifted
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical torque limiter acts as an intermediary element in the power transmission system, positioned between the drive means and the guiding arrangement. It mediates the torque transmission by allowing normal operation torque to pass through while blocking excessive torque, thus protecting both the person and device components without compromising the lifting capability under normal conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device ensures safe and efficient lifting of individuals by limiting torque, protecting device components, and enabling versatile operation with external drive means, enhancing safety and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical torque limiter that decouples the drive means and guiding arrangement when a torque threshold value is exceeded
Implementation Method 2
a braking mechanism that is coupled with the guide arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an abseiling device comprising a bidirectionally rotatable guiding arrangement (25) for guiding a pulling means (26); further comprising a braking mechanism (30) that is coupled to the guiding arrangement (25); a driving means (34; 35) can be connected to the guiding arrangement (25) so as to actuate the guiding arrangement (25). In order to create an abseiling device that prevents an individual from being injured or parts of the abseiling device from being damaged during rescue operations in particular of people, a mechanical torque limiter (33) decouples the driving means (34; 35) and the guiding arrangement (25) or the pulling means (26) when the torque exceeds a certain threshold value.