Folded Rope Assembly with Common Sleeve for Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Textile fibre ropes used in winch and drive pulley applications face issues with uneven load distribution and twisting, leading to potential overloading and failure, and are difficult to tether due to sensitivity to lateral pressure, especially when using high-strength fibre materials with low transverse compressive strength.
Innovation Solution
A rope assembly is created by folding a single textile fibre rope back 180° to form two parallel portions, which are then encased in a common sleeve to ensure load distribution and stability, preventing twisting and allowing for secure tethering without impeding load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If two separate ropes with different directions of rotation are arranged next to each other and fastened by a joint rope sheath, then torque-free operation is achieved, but uneven load distribution occurs and the risk of rope overload or failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate ropes into a single folded rope structure, creating a unified load-bearing element where both rope portions are inherently connected. This ensures that load is automatically distributed evenly between the two portions as they are part of the same continuous rope, eliminating the uneven load distribution problem while maintaining torque-free operation through the folded configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single folded rope into two parallel portions that run alongside each other, allowing independent load bearing while maintaining structural unity. The common sleeve further segments the structure to provide stabilization without impeding load distribution, resolving the contradiction between torque-free operation and load distribution uniformity
2Reliability
If clamps are used to tether the rope, then secure tethering is achieved, but the rope material is damaged due to lateral pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common sleeve as an intermediary element between the rope portions and the tethering mechanism. The sleeve distributes the clamping force evenly across both rope portions, preventing concentrated lateral pressure that would damage the high-strength fibre material, while still providing secure tethering through the stabilized structure
Solution Approach 2:
The common sleeve acts as a flexible protective shell that encases the rope portions. This flexible structure provides stabilization and protection during tethering without rigid clamping, accommodating the low transverse compressive strength of the fibre material while maintaining tethering security through friction and geometric constraint
3Stability of the object's composition
If a common sleeve surrounds both rope portions, then stabilization is achieved, but load distribution may be impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The common sleeve is designed with local quality variations - it provides stabilization through its overall structure while incorporating features like longitudinal slots or flexible sections that locally allow rope portions to move independently. This enables the sleeve to simultaneously stabilize the rope assembly and permit load distribution between portions by allowing them to displace relative to each other when needed
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rope assembly (1) consisting of at least one rope (2) that is made of textile fibre material and is folded back to form two substantially parallel rope portions (2′, 2″), wherein load distribution between the two rope portions is enabled and the rope portions are surrounded by a common sleeve (4). The rope assembly according to the invention is particularly suitable as a winch rope or as a rope for drive pulley drives, e.g., as a lift cable, in Koepe hoists and in capstans.