Load-bearing device locking mechanism for remote eye hook attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load-bearing devices for elevator installations face challenges in attaching eye hooks due to lateral deflection of flexible load loops, especially when using spring-loaded locks, and stiffening these loops complicates their storage.

Innovation Solution

A load-bearing device with a locking element that secures the load-bearing element in an unfolded position, allowing easy attachment of eye hooks remotely and preventing accidental pivoting into a compact design, featuring a spring-mounted or gravity-assisted locking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the load-bearing element is designed with high stiffness to allow attachment of eye hooks with spring locks, then the attachment capability is improved, but the difficulty of swinging the element back into the storage box increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestiffness of load-bearing elementVSAvoidease of swinging back into storage box
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The load-bearing element is designed to be dynamically switchable between two states: a stiff extended position for attachment operations and a folded position for storage. The element can pivot between these positions around a pivot axis, allowing it to transition from a rigid attachment state to a compact storage state without requiring permanent high stiffness in both configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the load-bearing element is made flexible to ease storage, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to attach eye hooks with spring locks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of storageVSAvoidability to attach eye hooks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The element uses a pivot mechanism to dynamically adjust its effective stiffness. When extended, it provides sufficient stiffness for attachment; when folded, it becomes compact and easy to store. The locking element provides dynamic stabilization during the extended position to maintain rigidity when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element acts as an intermediary that provides mechanical stabilization to the extended load-bearing element. This locking mechanism engages with the element to prevent lateral deflection during attachment operations, enabling the use of spring-loaded eye hooks without requiring the element itself to be permanently stiff

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a locking element is added to secure the load-bearing element in the unfolded position, then the attachment capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of remote attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to automatically engage with the load-bearing element when it is in the extended position. The element's own geometry and position trigger the locking action, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations or complex control systems. The locking and unlocking actions are performed simply by moving the element between positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates easy and remote attachment of eye hooks while minimizing protrusion into the working space, ensuring a simple, compact, and efficient operation with minimal effort.

Implementation Method 1

the locking element is spring-mounted in the direction of its locking position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring (elasticity): Spring

Implementation Method 2

The locking element can be designed to be compact, as it only needs to prevent the load-bearing element from folding into the folded position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the locking element may also be mounted without springs. According to the invention, in a design without springs, the locking element falls into its locking position due to gravity when the load-bearing element is moved into the unfolded position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3643854B1Load-bearing device
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 LEVIAT GMBH
  • EP3643854B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3643854B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A load-bearing device (1) comprises a storage box (3) for embedding in concrete (2) and at least one load-bearing element (11). The load-bearing element (11) is pivotably mounted between a folded position (30) and an unfolded position (31). In the folded position (30), the load-bearing element (11) is arranged in an interior space (4) of the storage box (3). In the unfolded position (31), the load-bearing element (11) projects at least partially from the interior space (4). To allow for the easy attachment of eyelets, hooks, or the like to the load-bearing element (11) in the unfolded position (31), even from a distance, a locking element (12) is provided, which secures the at least one load-bearing element (11) in the unfolded position (31) against pivoting into the folded position (30).