Cam Stem System Cord Connection Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active camming devices are excessively heavy due to their connection systems, particularly the metal cables and terminals, which hinder optimal use by increasing weight without corresponding strength or flexibility improvements.
Innovation Solution
The use of a continuous cord configuration wrapped around the head member and loop, eliminating the need for metal terminals and cables, and splicing the cord to form a continuous loop for enhanced tensile strength and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal cables and terminals are used in the connection system, then the structural strength and rigidity are improved, but the overall weight of the camming system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metal terminals and cables from the connection system, extracting the heavy components that cause weight increase while maintaining the essential connection function through alternative means
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical metal cable and terminal connection system with a different mechanical approach using a loop integrated into the head member, eliminating the need for separate metal connection components
2Device complexity
If a single stem system is used instead of double stem, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tensile strength and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stem and loop functions into a single integrated head member structure, combining what would traditionally be separate components (stem and loop) into one unified element that maintains strength while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite construction for the head member, combining rigid structural elements with the loop integration to achieve both strength and flexibility in a single component
Data Source
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AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention relates to an improved camming stem system including a head member, a plurality of cam lobes, a connection system, and a retraction system. The cam lobes may be selectively rotatable between an extended state and a retracted state with respect to at least one axle of the head member. The connection system may create an elongated, substantially rigid region by intercoupling the head member with a loop. The connection system includes a cord continuously wrapped around the head member and loop. The continuous configuration of the cord around both the head member and the loop creates the necessary minimum tensile strength for operation of the camming system. The cord may be wrapped around a rivet or one or more axles of the head member. Independent regions of the cord may be spliced together to form the continuous configuration.