Integral Link Connector Assembly to Reduce Link Swaying

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional link extensions for elevators in drilling rigs exhibit undesired swaying and uncontrolled movement due to multiple degrees of freedom, posing safety risks and potential equipment damage.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a link connector directly into the link extensions eliminates the need for a separate connector, reducing movement freedom and incorporating a latch mechanism for secure attachment, thereby stabilizing the link assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate connectors are used to connect link extensions to links, then the link assembly can be assembled, but multiple degrees of freedom cause undesired swaying and uncontrolled movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidlink assembly stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the separate connector and link extension into a single integral connector assembly. The integral connector includes a body with a first end for connecting to the link and a second end for connecting to the link extension, eliminating the need for separate connectors and reducing degrees of freedom that cause swaying and uncontrolled movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If multiple separate components are used for link extensions, then assembly is possible, but the number of parts increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components (connector and link extension) into a single integral connector assembly, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining assembly capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integral connector is designed to perform multiple functions: connecting to the link via the first end, connecting to the link extension via the second end, and providing structural support to reduce swaying. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If link extensions have multiple degrees of freedom, then movement flexibility is provided, but uncontrolled movement and swaying occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement flexibilityVSAvoiduncontrolled movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the connector and link extension into a single rigid assembly, the patent reduces the degrees of freedom from multiple independent movements to controlled rotation about a single axis, eliminating uncontrolled movement and swaying while maintaining necessary adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3601716B1Link extension connector

Publication Date: 2021.04.14 FORUM US INC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A

AI summary

A link extension (105B) having an integral link connector (130) disposed at one end (135) and an eyelet (166) disposed at an opposite end (155). The link connector (130) is configured to connect to another link (105A). The link connector has body having an upper portion (325) and a lower portion (350), and a blocking member (310) pivotably coupled to the upper portion by a pin (305).