Ladder Hook Rope Grip Mechanism Prevents Unintended Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladder anchoring equipment with hinged hooks fails to prevent unintentional sideways movement and improper opening of the hook, leading to potential falls and uncoupling from support cables.
Innovation Solution
A rope grip mechanism with semi-cylindrical elements and side latches installed on the ladder steps using self-locking screws and nuts, ensuring the hook remains closed and the equipment is locked sideways, preventing lateral movement and unintended release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hinged hook is used to attach the ladder to the cable, then the ladder can be securely anchored, but the hook may inadvertently move or open, causing the ladder to become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a locking mechanism that prevents the hook from opening before any unintended movement can occur. The locking apparatus is designed to engage with the hook and cable assembly, creating a pre-established barrier against harmful motion. This proactive approach ensures that even if the hook experiences force or movement, it cannot inadvertently open and release the cable, thus eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining reliable anchoring.
2Ease of operation
If the hook is allowed to move freely to grip the cable, then the anchoring function is achieved, but sideways movement of the device can destabilize the ladder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the anchoring device into distinct functional components: a hook for gripping the cable, a locking mechanism to secure the hook position, and a lateral restraint system to prevent sideways movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the hook can move freely to grip the cable while the locking and restraint systems prevent unwanted movement, thus maintaining both ease of operation and ladder stability.
3Strength
If the rope fastening the hook is made secure, then the hook remains attached to the ladder, but the rope may untie from its tying point, causing release from the support cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the traditional rope knot tying system with a mechanical fastening mechanism. Instead of relying on the strength and security of hand-tied knots, the invention uses a dedicated fastening apparatus that mechanically secures the rope to the ladder frame. This mechanical system provides more reliable and consistent attachment strength while eliminating the risk of knots untieing, thus improving both the strength of attachment and the reliability of the connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present patent application belongs to the field of workplace safety equipment and proposes an improvement to a device provided with a hook for anchoring a ladder to cables. The ladder is formed by a main structure (1) having in the center thereof an articulated hook (2). The main structure (1) comprises an extensible shaft in the upper portion thereof, allowing it to be coupled between two steps of a service ladder. In order to overcome drawbacks, a rope holder (8) has been developed, which is arranged in the lower portion of the main structure and locks the rope tying the hook (2), preventing the hook (2) from turning upside down or from opening. The rope holder also has two lateral toroidal locks (18) coupled to the step (20) of the ladder, each on one side of the main structure (1), preventing the main structure from shifting.