Edge Protector Mat with Removable Metal Bars for Rope Abrasion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge protector mats fail to effectively prevent abrasion and damage to climbing ropes while passing over abrasive surfaces, and lack load-bearing support and visual safety indicators.
Innovation Solution
A deformable edge protector mat with removable metallic bars and high-visibility materials, featuring receptacles for securing the bars, which reduces friction and provides load-bearing support and visual safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plastic components are used for edge protection, then flexibility and ease of positioning are improved, but resistance to abrasion and heat is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a flexible mat made of abrasion-resistant material with removable metallic bars. The mat provides flexibility and ease of positioning, while the metallic bars provide superior resistance to abrasion and heat. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
2Reliability
If metallic components are used for edge protection, then resistance to abrasion and heat is improved, but weight and difficulty of transport are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is segmented into two separate components: a lightweight flexible mat and removable metallic bars. The mat provides the base protection and flexibility, while the metallic bars are only attached when needed for high-abrasion or high-heat situations. This segmentation allows the user to carry the lightweight mat and only add weight when necessary, resolving the contradiction between protection and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static metallic protector to a dynamic configuration where the metallic bars can be removed and attached as needed. This dynamic approach allows the protection level to be adjusted based on the specific situation, providing heavy protection when needed while maintaining light weight during transport.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible mat is used for rope protection, then ease of positioning and transport are improved, but load-bearing support capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines a flexible mat with metallic bars to create a composite protective device. The mat provides flexibility and ease of positioning, while the metallic bars provide the necessary load-bearing support. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating materials that complement each other's strengths.
Data Source
AI summary
An edge protector mat is formed from a mat with a top surface, a bottom surface, and a number of metal bars. The top surface contains a number of receptacles grouped into one or more pairs sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to receive opposing ends of the metal bars therein. Each of the metal bars define opposing ends, different ones of which are positioned within corresponding ones of the pair of the receptacles of the top surface. The metal bars are configured to prevent friction from being imparted onto the mat. At least one pair of the receptacles are positioned opposite one another on the mat allowing receipt of different portions of at least one of the metal bars.