Fiber Rope Discard State Detection Using Embedded Magnetic Indicators
Solution Overview
Problem
High-strength fiber ropes used in lifting gear, such as cranes, lack visible signs of wear, making it difficult to determine their discard state reliably, which can lead to unexpected failures and safety risks due to the influence of various strains and external factors.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that uses a combination of magnetic, mechanical, optical, and electronic detection means to monitor multiple rope parameters, including transverse compressive stiffness, cross-sectional changes, and magnetic properties, to determine the discard state by evaluating changes and dependencies between these parameters, providing a discard signal when limit values are exceeded or fallen below.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If high-strength fiber ropes are used instead of steel ropes, then weight is reduced and payload capacity is increased, but wear detection becomes difficult and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
An indicator section made of magnetically conductive material is embedded within the fiber rope to serve as an intermediary element. This indicator section exhibits magnetic properties that change in response to rope wear and damage, allowing indirect detection of rope condition without requiring direct observation of the fiber rope itself. The indicator section acts as a mediator between the invisible fiber degradation and the detectable magnetic field changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces visual/mechanical wear detection methods with magnetic field-based detection. Instead of relying on visual inspection of fiber wear or mechanical probing, the system uses magnetic detection means to sense changes in the magnetic properties of the indicator section, which correlates with rope degradation. This substitution enables automated, non-contact monitoring of rope condition.
2Measurement precision
If multiple rope parameters are monitored using multiple detection means, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation device is designed as a universal system that can process multiple different types of detection signals (magnetic, mechanical, optical, electronic) through a single integrated evaluation unit. This multi-functional approach allows the system to accommodate various detection means without requiring separate evaluation systems for each parameter, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection means and their associated signals into a single integrated evaluation device. Instead of having separate systems for magnetic detection, mechanical measurement, optical sensing, and electronic monitoring, the invention merges these into one unified evaluation unit that processes all inputs to determine the discard state. This consolidation reduces device complexity while improving measurement precision through cross-parameter correlation.
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
This approach allows for a reliable and precise determination of the discard state, ensuring safe and economic utilization of the remaining service life of the fiber rope, even under challenging conditions, by considering the specific changes in different parameters and their interactions.
Implementation Method 1
detection means for a magnetic, mechanical, optical and/or electronic detection of a plurality of different rope parameters
Implementation Method 2
monitor a change in the transverse compressive stiffness or in the rope cross-section and to use it as an indicator for the discard state
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to lifting gear such as cranes which use high-strength fiber ropes instead of steel ropes. In this respect, the invention in particular relates to an apparatus for recognizing the discard state of a high-strength fiber rope in use at such lifting gear comprising a detection device for detecting at least one rope parameter as well as comprising an evaluation unit for evaluating the rope parameter and for providing a discard signal in dependence on the rope parameter evaluation. In accordance with the invention, the detection device of the apparatus for recognizing the discard state comprises a plurality of differently configured detection means for a magnetic, mechanical, optical and/or electronic detection of a plurality of different rope parameters which can be evaluated by the evaluation unit individually and/or in combination with one another for recognizing the discard state.