Descender Device With Control Bar For Tether Descent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing descender devices require user manipulation to control descent, leading to potential prolonged suspension and vulnerability if the user cannot manage the rope, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A descender device with a frame having apertures for the tether, a control bar, and a control member that limits the control bar's sliding extent, allowing controlled descent by gripping or releasing the tether, with pre-set rate adjustment via the control member's positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user must positively manipulate the rope to control descent, then the descent can be controlled, but the user becomes vulnerable to prolonged suspension and trauma if unable to manipulate the rope
Solution Approach 1:
The descender device automatically controls descent without requiring active user manipulation. The tether passes through apertures and loops around a control bar, creating automatic friction-based speed control. The system serves itself by using the tether's passage through the device to generate the necessary friction force, eliminating the need for continuous user intervention while maintaining reliable descent control
Solution Approach 2:
The control bar is pre-positioned within the second aperture at a specific distance from the proximal end, establishing the descent rate before descent begins. The control member is pre-adjusted to limit the control bar's sliding extent, setting the friction characteristics in advance. This preliminary configuration ensures immediate controlled descent upon activation without requiring user manipulation during the descent process
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control bar can slide freely along the second aperture, then the descent rate can be adjusted, but the descent rate becomes unpredictable and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The control bar is designed to slide dynamically along the second aperture, allowing the descent rate to be adjusted during operation. The control member provides a sliding connection that permits the control bar to move to different positions, changing the friction characteristics and thus the descent rate. This dynamic adjustment capability allows adaptation to different descent requirements while maintaining control
Solution Approach 2:
The control member acts as an intermediary between the control bar and the frame, mediating the control bar's movement. It provides a sliding connection that allows controlled movement while limiting the extent of sliding through its physical boundaries. This intermediary component enables adjustable descent rates while preventing excessive or uncontrolled movement of the control bar
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
Enables controlled and adjustable descent along a tether, ensuring user safety by allowing controlled arrest or release of descent, suitable for various loads and applications.
Implementation Method 1
The control bar is arranged to grip the tether between itself and a side of the second aperture... the control bar is arranged to control the rate at which the tether can pass between the first and second apertures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A descender device is disclosed for enabling a controlled descent of a load along a tether. The device comprises a frame having a front and rear side, and a first and second aperture disposed therein for receiving a tether. The first and second aperture extend between the front and rear side of the frame and the tether being arranged to pass between the first and second apertures substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame. The device further comprises a control bar disposed within the first aperture. The control bar extends across the first aperture and is constrained to move in a plane of the aperture, substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the bar. In use, the tether is arranged to loop around the control bar within the second aperture and the free ends of the tether are arranged to extend out from the first aperture, away from the front side of the frame.