Line Shortening Device With Self-Equalizing Finger Sections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional line-shortening devices for winch operations, such as the 'dog bone' device, often result in 'bight-on-a-bight' formations that can lead to line breakage and device dislodgement, especially under heavy loads or when tension is not evenly distributed, posing safety risks during vehicle recovery.
Innovation Solution
A unitary rigid device with a central opening and curved finger sections that allows for self-equalization of tension without risk of line breakage, eliminating 'bight-on-a-bight' issues and ensuring the device remains securely attached to the line, even when tension is reduced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional 'dog bone' device is used to shorten the line, then the line can be shortened, but the device can become dislodged from the line when the line goes slack, resulting in catastrophic results
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the line management function into separate components: a retrieval mechanism for collecting excess line and a ratchet mechanism for maintaining tension. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, improving both efficiency and reliability without the device becoming dislodged
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary ratchet mechanism that acts as a mediator between the line tension and the retrieval mechanism. This ratchet ensures unidirectional movement and maintains constant tension, preventing the device from becoming dislodged while allowing continuous line shortening
2Productivity
If a 'daisy chain knot' is used with the 'dog bone' device, then the line can be shortened, but a 'bight-on-a-bight' formation occurs that can creep under tension and lead to line breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic 'daisy chain knot' and 'bight-on-a-bight' formation from the system. By using a streamlined design with a central opening and curved finger sections, the invention removes the source of line creping and breakage while maintaining line shortening capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating complex knots and bights to achieve line shortening, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple passage-through design where the line passes through curved finger sections. This reverses the conventional method of knot-tying and eliminates the associated hazards
3Reliability
If tension on the three lines is not properly equalized when the 'dog bone' device is inserted, then the bight can creep leading to line breakage, but proper equalization is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs self-equalizing curved finger sections that automatically balance tension distribution across the line. As the line passes through these curved sections, tension naturally equalizes without requiring manual adjustment, eliminating the complexity of proper equalization while maintaining line integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A device for use with one or more lines that includes a unitary rigid body having an annular portion surrounding a central opening and at least four finger sections that extend from the annular portion of the rigid body. A first finger section and a second finger section curve toward each other on one end of the rigid body and terminate in blunt tips that are spaced apart from each other by a gap. Similarly, a third finger section and a fourth finger section curve toward each other on an opposite end of the rigid body and terminate in blunt tips that are spaced apart from each other by a gap. The device maximizes the pulling strength of lines while reducing the possibility of line failure. Also disclosed are methods of using the device for shortening a line, belaying an object, joining two lines together and for forming a V-bridle.