Ball-Socket Wilderness Lifting Assembly for Ultralight Load Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an ultralight system to assist in moving heavy objects during outdoor activities, as existing equipment lacks such functionality.

Innovation Solution

A wilderness lifting system comprising a first and second wall with ball sockets, connected by a neck portion and a rotatable ball, allowing ropes to pass over and providing mechanical advantage for lifting heavy loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If traditional lifting equipment is used, then lifting capability is sufficient, but weight and volume are excessive for wilderness activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of lifting systemVSAvoidlifting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting system is segmented into three essential components: two walls with ball sockets and a connecting neck portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity, achieving lightweight design without sacrificing lifting capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ball and ball socket design utilizes spherical geometry to create a compact, efficient lifting mechanism. The spherical ball rotates within the ball sockets defined by the walls, providing mechanical advantage with minimal material usage, thus reducing weight while maintaining strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If more components are added to improve reliability, then system reliability increases, but device complexity and potential failure points increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple structural functions are merged into the wall and neck portion assembly. The walls not only provide structural support but also define the ball sockets that guide the lifting motion, eliminating the need for separate guiding components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ball serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a bearing surface, a mechanical advantage lever, and a connection point for the lifting rope. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the system while ensuring reliable operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system offers reduced weight and volume, increased strength, and improved reliability, enabling efficient movement of heavy loads with minimal components and potential failure points.

Implementation Method 1

providing mechanical advantage for lifting heavy loads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS12552646B2Wilderness lifting system

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 WISE SHANE ALDEN

AI summary

A wilderness lifting system includes a first wall that defines a first ball socket and a second wall that is spaced from the first wall. The second wall defines a second ball socket. The wilderness lifting system also includes a neck portion that connects the first wall and the second wall together, and a ball rotatably received in the first ball socket and the second ball socket.