Foldable Plate Ice Climbing Anchor Resolves Torsional Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice climbing anchors are rigid, leading to loosening or breakage of screws due to torsional forces, require multiple screw lengths for varying ice thicknesses, and are cumbersome with additional equipment like quick straps and cranks.
Innovation Solution
A clampable anchor with a movable actuating part allows the strap to function as a crank for screwing/unscrewing, eliminating the need for multiple screw lengths and reducing rigidity by allowing the clamp to lock/unlock along the screw, incorporating a carabiner for easy attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid plate structure is used to attach the carabiner to the screw, then the carabiner can be securely attached, but the system becomes rigid and transmits torsional forces to the screw causing loosening or breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the plate foldable along a hinge line. The plate can be folded parallel to the screw axis during installation to avoid obstruction, and unfolded perpendicular to the screw axis during use to provide a stable carabiner attachment surface. This dynamic transformation allows the structure to adapt between different functional states, eliminating the need for a rigid fixed plate while maintaining carabiner security.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed plate position on the screw head is used, then the crank can transmit rotation to the screw, but the screw orientation is limited and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable plate design enables dynamic repositioning relative to the screw head. Before screwing, the plate is folded parallel to the screw axis to allow free rotation and orientation adjustment. After the screw is set in the ice, the plate is unfolded perpendicular to the screw axis to provide a stable surface for carabiner attachment. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between rotation transmission and orientation adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple screws of different lengths are carried for varying ice thicknesses, then the anchor can be adapted to different ice conditions, but the equipment becomes cumbersome and requires additional quick straps
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a crank handle for screwing/unscrewing the anchor, provides a mounting surface for the carabiner, and can be folded parallel to the screw axis to minimize protrusion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate quick straps and reduces the number of components the climber must carry, while still providing adaptability to different ice thicknesses through the adjustable screw length.
Data Source
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AI summary
Anchor for ice climbing, comprising: - a screw with a cylindrical tubular body, cutting teeth, a threaded section and a rear perimeter protrusion; - a clamp arranged externally with respect to the screw and comprising an actuating part movable between a locking position, in which the clamp is tightened and fixed at any point along the screw; and an unlocking position allowing for the clamp to be rotated with respect to the screw and positioned at any point along said screw; - a folded strap attached by a first end to the clamp and having at its second end a closed loop for fitting a carabiner suitable for hitching the climbing rope in a position of use, or to a climber's harness in an inoperative position.