Hook Assembly with Variable Angular Orientation Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hook assemblies with fixed angular orientations require multiple configurations and associated chain lengths, leading to inefficiencies in storage, transportation, and job interruptions due to the need for anticipating different angular requirements, and current reconfigurable designs are not commercially viable due to feasibility and cost issues.
Innovation Solution
A hook assembly with a indexing mechanism that allows the hook and support subassemblies to be reconfigured between two angular orientations using a coil spring biasing force, enabling relative movement and turning to change the hook's orientation, while maintaining strength and integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed hook assembly configurations are kept on hand to meet different angular requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The indexing mechanism allows the hook subassembly to be rotated to different angular orientations (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) relative to the support subassembly, enabling a single assembly to replace multiple fixed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
A single hook assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating different angular orientations. The indexing mechanism with multiple indexed positions allows the same hardware to adapt to various application requirements, eliminating the need to maintain separate hook assembly types for different angles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hook assembly configurations and chain lengths are maintained in inventory, then adaptability is improved, but storage space and handling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly is designed as a universal component that can be configured for different applications through angular adjustment. This eliminates the need to store multiple specialized configurations and various chain lengths, as the same assembly can be adapted to different requirements by changing its angular orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, pre-configured assemblies to a dynamic configuration system. The indexing mechanism enables on-demand angular adjustment, allowing the hook assembly to be reconfigured at the point of use rather than requiring pre-stored variants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heavy hook assemblies are transported to job sites to ensure configuration availability, then adaptability is improved, but weight and transportation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal hook assembly that can be reconfigured on-site through the indexing mechanism, the system eliminates the need to transport multiple specialized assemblies. A single lightweight assembly can serve multiple purposes by adjusting its angular orientation at the job site.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable design allows the hook assembly to adapt to different requirements dynamically at the point of use, rather than requiring all possible configurations to be transported and stored. The indexing mechanism enables quick angular adjustments without requiring heavy-duty transportation equipment.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed hook configurations are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly is divided into separable subassemblies (hook subassembly and support subassembly) connected by an indexing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, while the assembled system provides reconfigurability through the indexing mechanism that enables angular adjustment.
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 solution allows for versatile angular adjustments of the hook assembly without compromising strength, reducing the need for multiple configurations and associated chain lengths, thereby improving efficiency and reducing storage and transportation challenges.
Implementation Method 1
The indexing mechanism has a coil spring that acts between the hook and support subassemblies and generates the biasing force that acts generally parallel to the first axis
Data Source
AI summary
A hook assembly made up of a hook subassembly with a hook having a first axis, a support subassembly, and an indexing mechanism. The indexing mechanism: a) releasably biasably maintains the hook and support subassemblies in a first operative relationship wherein the hook has a first angular orientation around the first axis; and b) permits the hook and support subassemblies to be changed from the first operative relationship to be releasably maintained in a second operative relationship, wherein the hook has a second angular orientation around the first axis.