Carabiner Separation Bar Prevents Self-Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carabiners used in climbing and work at height often malfunction due to self-rotation during belaying, which affects the proper functioning of the belay system, and existing solutions are either bulky, impractical, or weaken the carabiner structure.
Innovation Solution
A carabiner design featuring a separation bar with clip-on fastening members that surround the metal body, allowing for secure attachment and preventing unintended movement of safety devices, while maintaining compactness and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bar is added to separate the space inside the carabiner into two distinct zones, then the safety device is prevented from moving beyond the predefined area, but the carabiner becomes bulkier and less practical
Solution Approach 1:
The bar is segmented into two separate ends that can be independently attached to the carabiner body at different locations, allowing the space inside the carabiner to be divided into two distinct zones while maintaining a compact overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The bar is configured to attach at opposite ends of the carabiner body rather than extending linearly across the entire width, utilizing the three-dimensional space of the carabiner to achieve zone separation without increasing external dimensions
2Ease of manufacture
If a bar is fixed to the carabiner by introducing an end into a hole made in the carabiner, then the connection is simplified, but the carabiner structure is weakened and requires special manufacturing precautions
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into a bar with distinct ends, where each end can be attached to the carabiner body independently at optimally positioned locations, distributing structural stress and avoiding concentration of weakness at a single hole location
Solution Approach 2:
The bar ends are designed with specific attachment features (such as clips, tabs, or interference-fit geometries) that provide localized strengthening at the attachment points without requiring holes through the entire carabiner body, maintaining overall structural integrity
3Ease of operation
If a bar is fixed at only one end to the carabiner, then device connection is facilitated, but the device can inadvertently depart from the predefined zone
Solution Approach 1:
The bar is divided into two ends with attachment capabilities, allowing it to be fixed at both ends to the carabiner body, creating effective zone confinement while still allowing device connection at the gate end without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The bar is designed with flexible or adjustable attachment mechanisms at its ends that allow for controlled movement and positioning, enabling easy device connection while maintaining reliable zone confinement through the predefined geometric constraints
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 effectively confines safety devices in a predefined zone, preventing self-rotation and ensuring proper belay system function without compromising the carabiner's integrity or increasing bulkiness.
Implementation Method 1
The first fixing member is configured so that the first end of the separation bar is clip-on mounted on the metal body. The first fixing member comprises a first recess and a first inlet able to allow the introduction of the metal body into the first fixing member so as to allow the clipping of the bar on the metal body by elastic deformation of the first fixing member.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a carabiner (1) comprising a metal body (2) and a gate (3) movably rotatable at a first end (2a) of the metal body (2) between a closed position and open positions of the carabiner (1), the gate (3) being in contact with a second end (2b) of the metal body (2) when the carabiner (1) is in the closed position. The carabiner (1) is provided with a separating bar (5) fixed to the metal body and configured to define two distinct containment zones. The bar (5) is clip-mounted onto the metal body (2) at opposite first and second ends of the bar (5). The first and second ends respectively comprise first and second fastening elements (5a, 5b) surrounding the metal body (2), the first fastening element (5a) and/or the second fastening element (5b) completely surrounding the metal body (2).The separating bar (5) is also configured to allow the opening of the finger (3) when the first and second fixing members (5a, 5b) surround the metal body (2).