Flexible Connection Member With Self-Locking Curved Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shackles used for connecting non-metallic chains and cordages often lack the flexibility and secure locking mechanism required for dynamic applications like mooring, hauling, and lifting, particularly in marine and transportation industries.
Innovation Solution
A flexible connection member with a loop formed of a flexible material, featuring a first and second end with respective insertion regions, where the ends are arranged to form curved sections that lock over an intermediate portion, allowing for secure abutment and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional metallic shackles are used for connecting non-metallic chains and cordages, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shackle is constructed from flexible material (such as braided rope or webbing) instead of rigid metal, allowing it to conform to dynamic loads and flexible connections while maintaining connection strength through the flexible body's structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The shackle combines flexible material with a rigid locking mechanism (metallic or non-metallic) to create a composite structure that provides both flexibility from the flexible body and secure locking from the rigid components
2Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then the locking function is achieved, but the security against accidental release is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shackle features self-locking mechanisms where the flexible body's configuration or the locking components automatically engage and secure the connection without requiring additional manual locking actions, preventing accidental release while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to dynamically respond to load conditions, automatically adjusting or engaging under tension to secure the connection, providing enhanced security that activates when needed without adding permanent complexity
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shackle is divided into distinct functional segments (flexible body, locking mechanism, release mechanism) that can be independently operated, allowing the user to engage and disengage the locking function separately from the flexible body manipulation, improving ease of operation while maintaining secure locking
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring a connection member. The connection member comprises a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion between said ends. Each end comprises respective first and second insertion regions. In the operative state, first and second curved sections are arranged on opposite sides of each of the first and second ends. The first and second ends are movable to be arranged in the vicinity of each other, and abut against each other, and thereby form a lock over the intermediate portion. The connection member may be a loop formed of a flexible material or a flexible elongated body having a first end and a second end, separated by an intermediate portion and comprising at each end respective first and second insertion regions. The connection member may be formed from a rope having first and second ends formed by braiding or other technique.