Composite Rigging Toggle for Lightweight High-Load Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toggles used in sailboat and crane rigging are heavy, complex to install, and often fail to withstand demanding mechanical and environmental conditions, particularly in large sailboats and cranes with high load capacities.
Innovation Solution
A toggle comprising a first and second coupling end with closed-loop connecting means made from fibre-reinforced plastic, looped about both axes of engagement, providing mechanical interconnection and enhanced mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high grade stainless steel is used for toggles, then durability and corrosion resistance are improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining fibre-reinforced plastic (such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, or aramid fiber reinforced plastic) to manufacture the entire toggle. This composite material provides both the necessary mechanical strength and durability while significantly reducing weight compared to conventional stainless steel toggles. The fibre-reinforced plastic structure maintains reliability under demanding mechanical and environmental conditions without the excessive weight penalty of metal alternatives.
2Strength
If conventional metallic toggles are used, then mechanical strength is sufficient, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fibre-reinforced plastic toggle can be manufactured as modular components that are easier to install. The toggle consists of a body portion with coupling means that can be pre-assembled and then installed as a unit, reducing on-site installation complexity compared to traditional metallic toggles that require complex assembly procedures.
3Weight of moving object
If fibre-reinforced plastic is used for toggles, then weight is reduced, but durability under demanding conditions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifically uses fibre-reinforced plastic materials (carbon fiber, glass fiber, or aramid fiber) that provide high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent durability. These composite materials maintain mechanical integrity and resist degradation under demanding environmental conditions including UV exposure, moisture, and temperature variations, while keeping the toggle weight significantly lower than metallic alternatives.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a toggle 1 for rigging of a boat or a crane, comprising a first coupling end 100 comprising a first coupling means 110 having a first axis of engagement 120 and a second coupling end 200 comprising a second coupling means 210 having a second axis of engagement 220. The first and the second coupling means 100, 200 are arranged a distance apart from each other. A closed-loop connecting means 300 is made from a fibre-reinforced plastic. The closed-loop connecting means 300 is looped about the first axis of engagement 120 and about the second axis of engagement 220, mechanically interconnecting the first coupling means 110 with the second coupling means 210.