Camming Stem Retraction Sleeve for Wear-Free Articulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active camming devices face durability issues due to exposed retraction wires or sleeves that lead to wear and tear or operational hindrance when articulating around objects, compromising both performance and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A retraction system with a concealed retraction sleeve externally shielded by independent, conically shaped sleeves that articulate independently, protecting the sleeve from obstruction and allowing the stem region to bend over objects without pinching or translation restriction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If externally extending retraction wires are used along the stem region, then operational performance is improved with independent cam lobe operation, but durability decreases due to wire abrasion damage
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction wires are nested within a retraction sleeve that is coupled to the cam lobes. The sleeve contains multiple wires (first retraction wire for first cam lobe, second retraction wire for second cam lobe) arranged in a nested configuration, protecting them from external abrasion while maintaining independent operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The retraction sleeve acts as an intermediary protective element between the external environment and the retraction wires. It shields the wires from abrasion damage while still allowing the trigger to selectively engage the retracted state of cam lobes through the sleeve
2Reliability
If an exposed sleeve is used in the retraction system, then durability is improved over exposed wires, but operational performance is compromised due to obstruction during articulation
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction sleeve is designed to be slidable along the stem region rather than fixed. It can slide to accommodate articulation movements of the camming device around objects, maintaining operational flexibility while providing continuous protection for the retraction wires
Solution Approach 2:
The protective covering is segmented into multiple components: the retraction sleeve that covers the wires, and independent conically shaped sleeves that cover portions of the retraction sleeve. This segmented approach allows each component to move and articulate independently, preventing obstruction while maintaining durability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the retraction system is designed to articulate around objects, then operational flexibility is maintained, but durability decreases due to potential obstruction and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction sleeve and independent sleeves form a flexible protective shell system that can articulate around objects. The conical shape of independent sleeves allows them to compress and expand during articulation, protecting the retraction wires from obstruction and wear while maintaining the device's ability to move around irregular surfaces
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 solution enhances durability and operational performance by shielding the retraction sleeve from damage and maintaining flexibility during articulation, ensuring optimal functionality and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The cam lobes are spring biased into an expanded position and are able to rotate or pivot about an axle to retract
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention relates to an active camming device including a head member, a set of cam lobes, a connection system, and a retraction system. The cam lobes are configured to rotate between a retracted state and a spring biased extended state. The connection system includes a lengthwise cable coupled to the terminal. The retraction system is uniquely configured to enable selective engagement of the retracted state of the cam lobes with respect to the cam head. The retraction system includes slidably externally coupling a trigger and retraction sleeve to the cam lobes over the cable. A set of independent sleeves are also slidably coupled to the cable over the retraction sleeve between the trigger and cam lobes. The independent sleeves may be conically shaped and oriented to adjacently internest with one another so as to protect the retraction sleeve during operation of the refraction system.