Hinged Side Plate Pulley With Double-Action Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pulleys with hinged side plates and locks are prone to accidental actuation by taut elements, leading to unintended configuration changes, posing safety risks and requiring two-handed operation for secure use.
Innovation Solution
A pulley design featuring a double-action lock that requires two distinct actions to transition between locked and unlocked configurations, preventing accidental opening and allowing single-handed operation by incorporating a combination spring and interface components for secure and safe use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple spring-biased button lock is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to accidental actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The lock actuation process is segmented into two distinct actions: a first action that moves the button laterally to disengage the locked position, and a second action that moves the button longitudinally to fully unlock. This segmentation prevents accidental unlocking because both actions must be deliberately performed in sequence, addressing the reliability issue while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The first action of laterally moving the button is performed as a preliminary step before the second unlocking action. This preliminary action positions the button in an intermediate state where it must be deliberately pushed further to unlock, preventing unintended configuration changes while preserving ease of operation through the straightforward two-step process
2Reliability
If a carabiner is used to lock the pulley, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to separate the pulley from the support to add or remove elements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the pulley body itself, eliminating the need for separate carabiners or external locking devices. The button lock is integrated into the pulley structure, providing reliable locking while allowing easy operation for adding or removing elements without separation from the support
Solution Approach 2:
The pulley's lock mechanism serves itself by providing both the locking and unlocking functions through the integrated button system. The operator can easily add or remove elements by simply actuating the button lock without needing to detach the pulley from the support, combining reliability with operational convenience
3Ease of operation
If the lock is laterally offset from the thimble axis, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to snagging by taut elements
Solution Approach 1:
The button lock is positioned asymmetrically with lateral offset from the thimble axis, making it easily accessible for operation. The asymmetric positioning is compensated by the two-action mechanism that requires deliberate sequential movements, preventing accidental actuation by snagging while maintaining the operational advantage of lateral accessibility
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 pulley design enhances safety by preventing unintentional configuration changes and allows single-handed operation, reducing the risk of accidents and improving user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring that biases the lock interface component toward the first position
Implementation Method 2
a second spring that biases the lock interface component toward the second position
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed toward a pulley. The pulley preferably has a fixed side plate, an operable side plate, a sheave, and a double-action lock. The operable side plate is preferably transitionable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The sheave is preferably disposed between the fixed side plate and the operable side plate. The double-action lock is preferably transitionable from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration upon completion of two separate and distinct actions. The lock in the locked configuration preferably prevents transition of the operable side plate from the closed configuration to the open configuration. The lock in the unlocked configuration preferably permits transition of the operable side plate from the closed configuration to the open configuration.