Composite Coupling Link Assembly for Cold-Weather Tool Carry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling links used in rock and ice climbing are prone to failure due to cold temperatures and are cumbersome when carrying multiple tools, leading to clutter and difficulty in managing equipment, especially with gloves or mittens.
Innovation Solution
A coupling link assembly featuring a C-shaped rigid core structural member made of metal or metal alloy, overmolded with Nylon 6/6 and glass fill, and a gate member for secure tool attachment, along with a keeper system for precise belt attachment, enhancing structural strength and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal coupling link is used to ensure strength, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling link employs a composite structure combining a metal core structural member with a plastic overmold. The metal core provides the necessary structural strength and rigidity, while the plastic overmold reduces overall weight and provides additional functional features. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are carried on the climbing belt, then tool availability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling link integrates multiple functional features into a single component: the gate member for tool attachment, the overmold with molded-in tool slots for organized storage, and the keeper system for secure belt attachment. This consolidation reduces clutter compared to using multiple separate carabiners and organizers, while maintaining versatility through the integrated tool-carrying capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional carabiner gate is used, then ease of operation is improved for opening/closing, but reliability deteriorates in cold temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The gate member is constructed as a composite of metal and plastic components. The metal portion provides structural strength and cold-temperature reliability, while the plastic portions provide flexibility and ease of operation. This composite construction ensures the gate remains functional and reliable in cold temperatures while maintaining user-friendly operation.
4Weight of moving object
If the coupling link is made lightweight, then weight is reduced, but strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling link uses a composite structure with a metal core structural member that maintains strength, combined with a plastic overmold that reduces weight. The metal core is strategically designed to provide strength where needed, while the plastic overmold covers areas where full metal construction would be unnecessary for strength but would add unwanted weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The design applies different material properties to different regions of the coupling link. The metal core structural member provides localized strength at critical load-bearing points, while the plastic overmold provides weight reduction and additional functionality in non-critical areas. This localized application of material properties optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling link includes a substantially C-shaped rigid core structural member, an overmold of a plastic material that substantially follows the contour of the rigid core structural member and provides an additional thickness thereto, and a gate member configured to shift between open and closed configurations, wherein in the closed configuration, a closed loop is formed in the coupling link.