Electric Ascender Cam Mechanism Rope Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ascenders require significant human labor for ascending, as they rely on manual power, which is labor-intensive and burdensome for operators.
Innovation Solution
An ascender design that incorporates a pulley system connected to a rotary electric tool, featuring a cam mechanism to control rope movement and a transmission mechanism to transmit rotation force, allowing for rope ascent without manual effort, using a rechargeable electric screwdriver as the drive source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional ascender using manual power is used, then the device complexity is low, but the labor burden on the operator is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an electric drive system. A rotary electric tool (such as a drill or screwdriver) is used to rotate the pulley, substituting human physical effort with electric power. This directly reduces the labor burden on the operator while accepting increased device complexity due to the addition of electric motor components, battery, and control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The ascender is designed to be self-propelling through the integration of a rechargeable battery and rotary electric tool. The system serves itself by using its own onboard power source to drive the pulley mechanism, eliminating the need for external power supply or manual cranking. The operator simply needs to activate the electric tool, and the system autonomously performs the ascent function.
2Ease of operation
If a rechargeable rotary electric tool is used as drive source, then the ease of operation is improved, but the weight of the moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a rotary electric tool that can serve multiple functions: it acts as both the drive motor for the pulley and a tool that operators are already familiar with and carry for other tasks. By selecting a common power tool platform, the design leverages existing operator skills and potential existing equipment, reducing the need for specialized training while accepting the weight of the tool battery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for parameter changes in the electric tool selection, enabling operators to choose tools with different battery capacities and power outputs. This flexibility allows optimization between weight and performance based on specific operational requirements. The system can be adapted to use smaller, lighter batteries for shorter ascents or larger batteries for extended operations, providing parameter adjustment to balance weight and ease of operation.
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
Significantly reduces the labor burden for operators by utilizing a rotary electric tool to power the ascender, eliminating the need for special drive sources and minimizing the hassle of power cord routing due to rechargeability.
Implementation Method 1
a cam pivotally supported on the support member so as to move freely toward and away from the pulley, the cam being configured such that, when the rope is going to move in the descending direction, it moves toward the pulley to bite into the rope wound on the pulley to thereby prevent the movement of the rope
Implementation Method 2
a transmission mechanism interposed between the input shaft and pulley for transmitting the rotation force of the input shaft to the pulley
Implementation Method 3
a pulley capable of removably winding a rope thereon
Implementation Method 4
an energizing member for energizing the cam in a direction to move toward the pulley
Data Source
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AI summary
A pulley (16) and a large diameter gear (18) are axially supported integrally on a fixed plate (10), an input shaft (17) and a small diameter gear (19) are axially supported integrally above the pulley (16), and the gears (19, 18) mesh with one another. A guide roller (33) and a guide plate (31) are disposed spaced apart to the left of the input shaft (17) to form a rope inlet path (35), and a guide roller (34) and a guide plate (32) are disposed spaced apart to the right of the input shaft (17) to form a rope outlet path (36). A support shaft (41) with a hole (40) for hanging a carabiner is installed on the fixed plate (10) below the pulley (16), and a guard plate (42) which closes an opening portion (30) on the front surface of the fixed plate (10) is axially supported with freedom to pivot. Further, a cam (50) which is free to approach and move away from the pulley (16) is axially supported with freedom to pivot, and the cam (50) is urged in the direction approaching the pulley (16) by means of a tension coil spring (50A). The cam (50) can be moved away from the pulley (16) by means of an operating member (54).