Climbing Cam Lobe Rotation for Wider Gripping Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring loaded camming devices for rock climbing have limited working distance due to restricted lobe rotation, which is approximately ninety degrees, and increased weight with improved range variations.
Innovation Solution
A spring loaded climbing cam device with rotateable lobes that pivot from below a horizontal axis to well above it, allowing approximately three-quarters of a circle rotation, utilizing a combination of metals and polymeric materials to maintain a wide gripping range while minimizing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the lobe rotation is restricted to approximately ninety degrees as in prior art devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the working distance and gripping range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lobe rotation mechanism is made dynamic, allowing the lobes to rotate through a wide arc (approximately three-quarters of a circle) from below the horizontal axis to well above it. This dynamic rotation capability increases the working distance and gripping range without requiring a completely redesigned static structure, resolving the contradiction between limited rotation and increased device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lobe rotation is increased to approximately three-quarters of a circle as in the improved device, then the gripping range is widened, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes a combination of metals and polymeric materials to maintain structural integrity while minimizing weight. This composite material approach allows the lobes to achieve the enhanced three-quarters circle rotation range without proportionally increasing the overall device weight, thus resolving the contradiction between improved gripping range and weight penalty.
3Length of moving object
If a hinge mechanism is used to achieve greater working range as in the link cam device, then the range is improved, but the device weight and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The complicated hinge mechanism is extracted and removed from the design. Instead of using hinges to achieve greater working range, the invention employs a simplified lobe rotation mechanism that achieves the same effect without the additional weight and complexity of hinge components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic lobe rotation instead of static hinge mechanisms. The lobes rotate freely through a wide arc range, providing improved working distance without requiring the complex hinge structures that would increase weight and mechanical complexity.
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 device provides a wider gripping range and reduced weight, enhancing versatility and usability without the weight penalty associated with previous improvements.
Implementation Method 1
spring loaded camming device
Implementation Method 2
the logarithmic spiral—essentially a triangle wrapped around an axle providing a constantly enlarging outside diameter as the camming device is actuated
Implementation Method 3
the lobe rotation in these devices is only approximately ninety degrees. This amount of rotation limits working distance
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor assembly is described and which includes two bodies with a common axle between them and with a shaft mounted to each body distal to the axle, there being a plurality of lobes, each having a first end, a distal tip, and a raised portion, mounted on the shafts and axle, the shaft receiving lobes rotating in the opposite direction to the axle receiving lobes and with the lobes caused to rotate by a slideably moveable trigger from a first position with the tips below a horizontal plane defined by the shaft and axle centerline to a second position with the tips on the opposite side of the horizontal plane causing the anchor assembly to have a first dimension, and a second position where the rotation of the lobes causes the anchor assembly to have a second dimension which is lesser than the first dimension.