Modular Braided Rope Attachment for Fast Anchor Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SPIE rigs require time-consuming and costly manual work to replace or insert attachment devices into braided ropes, as the rope must be unbraided to access damaged or additional anchor points.
Innovation Solution
A modular attachment device comprising braiding segments and lateral fixation segments that can be inserted or removed without unbraiding the rope, utilizing a modular design with secure form-fit connections for easy replacement and adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the braided rope is opened to replace or insert attachment devices, then the attachment devices can be accessed and replaced, but the process becomes time-consuming and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into modular components: a rigid body with anchor points, a first braiding segment for insertion into the rope strands, and a second braiding segment for closing. This segmentation allows the device to be inserted and closed without opening the entire braided rope structure, enabling rapid replacement while maintaining rope integrity.
2Ease of repair
If the braided rope is opened to access attachment devices, then replacement is possible, but manual work and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device comprises separable modular components including a rigid body and two distinct braiding segments. This allows the device to be inserted into the braided rope without manipulating or opening the rope itself, significantly reducing manual work and making the process more cost-effective while enabling easy insertion of additional attachment devices.
3Device complexity
If a non-modular attachment device is used, then the structure is simpler, but replacement requires unbraiding the entire rope
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is segmented into a rigid body with anchor points and two braiding segments that interface with the rope strands. This modular structure maintains relative simplicity while enabling easy replacement through insertion and closing actions without requiring unbraiding of the entire rope, thus improving ease of repair without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The braiding segments are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing the attachment device to be dynamically inserted into and closed within the braided rope structure. This dynamic capability enables the device to integrate with the rope while maintaining ease of replacement, balancing structural simplicity with repairability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is related to a modular attachment device 11 for insertion into a plurality of strands 14 of a braided rope 7, comprising: at least one braiding segment 11a that is braidable into the plurality of strands; at least one first lateral fixation segment 11b that is mountable to the at least one braiding segment at a first lateral attachment interface; and at least one second lateral fixation segment 11c that is mountable to the at least one braiding segment at a second lateral attachment interface 16b, wherein at least one of the first and second lateral fixation segments comprises at least one anchor point 12b, 13b; 12c, 13c for attachment of an external component, and wherein the first and second lateral fixation segments are mountable to the at least one braiding segment for securing the plurality of strands on the at least one braiding segment.