Adjustable Cam Locking Assembly for Precise Crack Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cam locking devices using steel cables or Dyneema webbing for rigidity face issues with precise placement in cracks due to length discrepancies and complex assembly, leading to reduced lifespan and difficulty in repair.

Innovation Solution

A cam locking device with a length-adjustable rod and blocker mechanism that ensures rigidity perpendicular to the axis, allowing for precise placement and easier assembly and repair by adjusting the rod's length to match the wire element's length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a steel cable or Dyneema webbing is used to connect the head to the annular end, then the device can be assembled, but the placement precision in cracks is reduced due to length discrepancies and the assembly becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the connection from a flexible cable/webbing to a rigid rod with adjustable length. The rod's length can be modified to precisely match the distance between the head and annular end, eliminating placement precision issues while simplifying assembly through direct rigid connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The rod is designed with adjustable length capability, allowing it to adapt to different crack dimensions. This dynamic adjustment feature enables precise placement in various crack configurations while maintaining a simple rigid rod structure rather than complex flexible cable arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the rod length is fixed, then the assembly is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different crack sizes and placement precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to crack sizesVSAvoidrod structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rod incorporates an adjustment mechanism that allows its length to be modified. This dynamic feature enables the same rod structure to adapt to different crack sizes and distances between mounting points, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed-length rod components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rod can be divided into adjustable segments or sections that can be extended or retracted. This segmentation allows the rod to achieve different lengths as needed, adapting to various crack configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to flexible cable systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If the wire element is made taut to ensure rigidity, then placement precision improves, but the rod must be precisely length-matched which complicates assembly and repair

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement precisionVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on tensioning a flexible wire element to achieve rigidity, the patent uses a rigid rod whose length is the adjustable parameter. By directly adjusting the rod length to match the required distance, the system achieves both rigidity and precision without the complexity of precise tensioning and length-matching operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides improved rigidity and precision in crack placement, simplifies assembly, and facilitates repairs by allowing for easy adjustment and replacement of components.

Implementation Method 1

a spring (11) coupled to the at least one cam (3) to urge the at least one cam (3) towards the extended position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

extend the rod to apply a tensile force and stretch the wire element and apply a compressive force on the rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTensile force: Tension

Implementation Method 3

apply a compressive force on the rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressive force: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4389244B1Cam locking device and method for adjusting a wire element of a cam locking device
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 ZEDEL CORP
  • EP4389244B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4389244B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4389244B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A cam locking device comprises a head (1) with a cam (3) pivotally mounted about a pivot shaft (4) between retracted and extended positions. An annular end (2) is mechanically coupled to the head (1). A variable-length rod (8) connects the head (1) to an annular end (2) designed to receive a carabiner. A textile wire element (5) passes through the rod to connect the head (1) and the annular end (2). A trigger (7) is slidably mounted to selectively engage the retracted position of the cam (3). A rod length adjustment device (8) defines at least one distance between the head (1) and the annular end (2) that is greater than a threshold distance for extending the wire element (5) and compressing the rod (8) in the first direction (XX).