Cloverleaf Connecting Means for Crossing Cable Strands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting means for crossing rope strands in rope play systems, such as cloverleaf rings, face issues with geometry requirements and unequal tension leading to potential shifting under load, resulting in reduced durability and ease of assembly/disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A connecting means with an inner rope guide opening adapted to a cloverleaf shape, where the rope strands are deflected at an angle, featuring a wall height equal to or greater than the cable diameter to increase the wrap angle and friction, and optional recesses and support troughs for enhanced stability and material efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wall height of the connecting means is increased to increase the wrap angle and friction, then the durability of the connection point is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases the wall height of the connecting means in the vertical dimension to create a larger wrap angle between cable strands. This dimensional change transforms the connection geometry from a flat configuration to a three-dimensional structure with increased friction surface, thereby improving connection durability without adding complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameter of wall height to be equal to or greater than the cable diameter. This parameter change directly increases the wrap angle and friction between strands, enhancing connection reliability while maintaining a simple structural form that avoids excessive complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the geometry within the net is made clear and tension is equalized, then the position stability of the crossing point is improved, but the ease of assembly and disassembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting means is designed with an inner rope guide opening in the shape of a cloverleaf that automatically guides and centers the cable strands as they are inserted. This self-aligning feature ensures proper geometry and equal tension distribution without requiring precise manual positioning, thereby maintaining ease of assembly while achieving position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The symmetrical cloverleaf geometry creates equipotential conditions for cable tension distribution, ensuring that forces are evenly distributed across all strands. This geometric design inherently balances tensions without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms, preserving simplicity of assembly while achieving stable positioning.
3Force
If the wall height is increased to create a larger wrap angle, then the friction between rope strands is increased, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a clear quantitative relationship by setting the wall height parameter to be equal to or greater than the cable diameter. This parameter definition provides a straightforward manufacturing criterion that is easy to control and verify, avoiding complex precision requirements while ensuring sufficient wrap angle and friction force for durable connections.
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
This design enhances the durability of the connection point by increasing friction and maintaining the position of the wrap area, allowing for firm compression and rapid assembly/disassembly while ensuring equal tension and stability.
Implementation Method 1
A larger distance between the upper and lower edge of the wall leads to a larger angle of wrap between the two rope strands and thus increases the friction between the rope strands and thus the durability of the connection point
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting means (1) for two crossing cable strands (2.1, 2.2) of cable play systems having a cloverleaf-shaped inner cable guide opening (5) in which, in a wraparound region (6), cable strands deflected by a wraparound angle (7) are fixed, wherein a height (3) of the connecting means is equal to or greater than a cable diameter (4) of the cable strands to be connected.