Cam Locking Device With U-Shaped Wire Ring Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam locking devices for climbing, particularly those using rigid metal rods or Dyneema straps, face challenges with weight, ease of installation, and maintenance, as well as complexity in replacing the wire elements, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A cam locking device with a wire element in the form of a ring, bent to define legs and loops, mechanically connecting the head and annular end, allowing for easier production, installation, and replacement, using a textile material like Dyneema, and a hollow rod for improved mechanical continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid metal rod is used to connect the head and annular end, then mechanical strength is improved, but weight and ease of installation in curved cracks deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to flexible textile (Dyneema), transforming the rod's properties to achieve both light weight and sufficient mechanical strength for climbing applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the rigid metal rod with a flexible textile rod, allowing the device to adapt to curved cracks while maintaining mechanical continuity and strength
2Weight of moving object
If a cable is used to connect the head and annular end, then weight is reduced, but transverse rigidity and control during placement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the cable properties by using high-modulus textile material (Dyneema) that provides both light weight and sufficient transverse rigidity for controlled placement
3Strength
If crimping is used to fix cable ends to the head, then mechanical connection strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and repair difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex crimping operation from the design by using simple knot-tying instead, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and enabling easy field replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The knot-based connection system allows climbers to easily replace the rod themselves in the field without specialized tools or complex procedures
4Weight of moving object
If a textile strap is used instead of metal cable, then weight is reduced, but ease of replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the difficult-to-replace textile strap design by implementing a knot-based system that can be easily untied and re tied in the field
Solution Approach 2:
The knot-based connection enables climbers to perform maintenance and replacements themselves without requiring specialized equipment or complex procedures
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~8
AI summary
A cam locking device comprises a head (1) with an anchor (6). A cam (3) is mounted to rotate about at least one shaft (4) between a retracted and an extended position. A spring is functionally coupled to the cam (3) to move the cam (3) towards the extended position. An annular end (2) is mechanically coupled to the head (1). A wire element (5) connects the head (3) and the annular end (2). The wire element (5) is in the form of a ring. The ring is folded into a U-shape with two legs (5a) connected by a central portion (5b). The two legs (5a) are attached to the anchor (6). Four strands of the wire element (5) connect the head (1) and the annular end (2). An actuation system (7) has a trigger (7) configured to selectively engage the retracted position and mounted to slide.