Self-Retracting Extension Limiting Device for Slack Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rigging devices face challenges in accommodating varying distances between objects while minimizing slack and ensuring alignment, particularly in applications like floating docks where tidal variations cause issues with entanglement and wear.
Innovation Solution
A self-retracting extension limiting device with overlapping and self-contained elements that provides a staged restoring force, using tension springs and apex blocks to maintain tension and alignment, and prevent excessive wear through stabilizing features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cable is used to connect two blocks with varying distance, then the cable can accommodate distance variations, but slack develops causing entanglement and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the cable from a slack state to a taut state at a specific extension limit. The cable's physical state changes based on the distance between blocks, providing adaptability while eliminating slack through the defined limit geometry that prevents cable looping or sagging when taut.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a spring is added to create restoring force, then the cable can be kept taut and slack minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs self-service by utilizing the geometric configuration of the extension limit and cable attachment points to automatically generate restoring force. When blocks move apart, the cable becomes taut at the defined limit, creating a mechanical constraint that naturally pulls blocks together without requiring external springs or active control systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cable is made taut to prevent entanglement, then alignment is improved, but the restoring force becomes too strong for gradual motion control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing restoring force only when the cable reaches the defined extension limit and becomes taut. Within the normal operating range, the cable remains slack and exerts minimal force, allowing gradual motion control. The strong restoring force is activated only partially when needed to prevent entanglement and maintain alignment.
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
The device effectively minimizes unwanted slack and maintains alignment, providing a weak restoring force within a defined range and a stronger force when extended, reducing wear and entanglement risks while accommodating varying distances.
Implementation Method 1
A tension spring is connected between the loop apices... exerts a restoring force tending to draw the two objects together. A first, relatively weak restoring force is exerted over a range of distance. Then, when the objects have been separated to a defined limit of travel, the tension spring exerts a much greater restoring force.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-retracting extension limiting device. It is designed to be attached between a first object and a second object, where the distance between the first and second objects is variable. The device exerts a restoring force tending to draw the two objects together. A first, relatively weak restoring force is exerted over a range of distance. Then, when the objects have been separated to a defined limit of travel, the device exerts a much greater restoring force. The invention includes overlapping and self-contained elements so that unwanted slack is minimized.