Chain Lanyard Termination With Smooth Surface for Rope Adjusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain lanyards lack effective termination solutions that allow for smooth external surfaces compatible with rope adjustment devices, and they are prone to easy cutting by large chainsaws.
Innovation Solution
A lanyard assembly with a chain as the tensile element, featuring a terminator body with a chain recess and swivel connector that securely holds the chain links, allowing independent connection and disconnection of the swivel and chain from the terminator body, and a cover to protect the links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a steel cable or wire rope core is used in the lanyard, then cut resistance is improved, but the lanyard can still be cut through by large chainsaws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a steel cable core with an outer textile cover to create a composite lanyard structure. The steel core provides tensile strength while the outer cover provides cut resistance, creating a material composite that addresses both strength and protection requirements simultaneously
2Strength
If a chain is used as the tensile element to provide cut resistance, then cut resistance is improved, but the external surface becomes non-smooth and incompatible with rope adjustment devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible textile cover as a shell that encases the chain tensile element. This cover provides a smooth external surface that is compatible with rope adjustment devices while the chain inside maintains high cut resistance, thus resolving the contradiction between surface smoothness and cut resistance
3Device complexity
If the swivel connector is integrated directly into the terminator body, then device complexity is reduced, but versatility in construction and maintenance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the terminator assembly into distinct components: the terminator body, the swivel connector, and the chain connection element. This segmentation allows each component to be independently connected or disconnected, providing versatility in construction and maintenance while maintaining reasonable overall device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A lanyard assembly and apparatus incorporating a lanyard assembly are disclosed. The lanyard assembly comprises an elongate lanyard that includes a chain of multiple interconnected links, including an end link that forms one end of the chain and a second link immediately adjacent in the chain to the end link. A terminator includes a terminator body having a lanyard recess, in a floor of which a chain recess is formed. At least the end link is received within which chain recess. A retainer passes through the end link to prevent its removal from the chain recess. A connector element can be connected to an object to effect connection of the lanyard assembly to that object. The connector element is typically connected to the terminator body though an intermediate component, such as a swivel.