Movable Cable Loop Descent System with Eddy Current Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing descent control systems using fixed cables and multiple sheaves constrain the positioning and angle of descent, require significant site preparation, and incur high labor and material costs due to complex designs and mechanical wear issues.
Innovation Solution
A movable cable loop descent system with a receiver, brake assembly, and carriage that forms a loop, allowing the cable to be easily reconfigured and positioned, using a rotor with magnets to induce eddy currents for controlled descent with minimal mechanical wear and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed cables and multiple sheaves are used in descent control systems, then reliable descent control is achieved, but positioning flexibility and installation complexity are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed cable system into a dynamic movable cable loop system. The cable loop can be repositioned along the descent path, allowing the brake assembly to engage at different locations. This dynamic configuration maintains reliable descent control while significantly improving positioning flexibility and adaptability to various site conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the descent control function by separating the brake assembly from fixed cable anchors. The movable cable loop divides the cable into functional segments that can be independently positioned, allowing the brake to be placed optimally while maintaining tension and control through the segmented cable structure.
2Reliability
If fixed cables and multiple sheaves are used in descent control systems, then descent control is achieved, but site preparation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable cable loop system requires minimal site preparation compared to fixed cable systems. The cable can be easily looped and repositioned without requiring permanent anchor points or extensive structural modifications, significantly reducing site preparation complexity while maintaining descent control reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple sheaves and fixed cables are used, then descent control is achieved, but mechanical wear and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the braking function from a complex multi-sheave mechanical system and concentrates it in a single brake assembly that engages with the movable cable loop. This extraction eliminates the need for multiple sheaves and their associated bearings, seals, and alignment requirements, significantly reducing mechanical wear points and maintenance costs while preserving descent control reliability.
4Reliability
If complex designs with multiple sheaves are used, then descent control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and consolidates the descent control function into a simplified system with a movable cable loop and single brake assembly. This extraction removes the complexity of multiple sheaves, cable routing, and alignment requirements, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable descent control through the essential brake-cable interaction.
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
Enables flexible and controlled descent with reduced mechanical wear, lower operational and maintenance costs, and improved positioning options, facilitating efficient and safe transport of loads.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the rotor relative to the conductors creates relative motion between the magnets' magnetic field and the conductor and induces eddy currents in the conductor that oppose the magnetic field and create a rotational braking force
Implementation Method 2
rotation of the rotor relative to the conductors creates relative motion between the magnets' magnetic field and the conductor and induces eddy currents in the conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A movable cable loop descent system comprises a cable for forming into a loop, a receiver for attachment to a structure having a receiver pulley for engaging the cable loop, a brake assembly, having a drive pulley for being rotated by the cable loop, the brake assembly for slowing a rate of travel of the cable loop and a carriage supporting a load for attachment to the cable loop at a point and for movement between the structure and the ground. A rotor and substantially parallel conductive frame is mounted on an axle through the drive pulley. Magnets on a surface of the rotor and/or the frame induce eddy currents, as they are relatively rotated, which create a rotational braking force controlling descent of the carriage and load. The brake assembly may be removably positioned by a drive-on anchor. The cable is removable and the system may form a kit.