Modular Rope Connector for High-Tension Hoisting Extensions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rope extension systems lack flexibility in extension capacity and tension tolerance, limiting their ability to adapt to varying hoisting needs.

Innovation Solution

A rope extension system featuring a rope connector with complementary parts that form a strong, detachable connection using shaped recesses and contact surfaces, allowing easy extension of rope length by adding segments and distributing load effectively through a robust design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional rope extension system is used, then the system maintains structural simplicity, but the extension capacity and flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextension capacityVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rope connector is divided into two separate complementary parts that can be assembled together to connect rope segments. This segmentation allows the system to achieve greater extension capacity by connecting multiple rope segments while maintaining manageable complexity through modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complementary parts of the rope connector are designed with shaped recesses that can accommodate different rope configurations and connection requirements. This universal design enables the same connector structure to handle various extension scenarios, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Length of moving object

If rope segments are connected to extend length, then the extension capacity increases, but the tension tolerance and connection strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverope lengthVSAvoidtension capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The shaped recesses of the complementary parts are designed to receive and nest around rope eyes or prepared ends of rope segments. This nesting arrangement creates a secure mechanical interlock that maintains high tension capacity while allowing the rope to be extended through multiple connected segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The rope connector combines different structural elements (complementary parts with shaped recesses, contact surfaces, and mounting mechanisms) into a composite connection system. This composite structure distributes and manages tension forces across multiple contact points, preserving strength while enabling extended rope length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If a robust connector design is used to increase tension tolerance, then the strength increases, but the ease of operation and assembly may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetension toleranceVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The complementary parts of the rope connector are pre-configured with shaped recesses and contact surfaces that align naturally during assembly. This preliminary design of the geometric features guides the assembly process, making it easier to operate while maintaining the robust structural integrity needed for high tension tolerance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3670961B1A rope connector for connecting prepared ends of two rope segments, a rope extension system and a hoisting system comprising such rope connector
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 NOV INT HLDG CV
  • EP3670961B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3670961B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a rope connector (200) for connecting prepared ends (150sp) of two rope segments (150-1, 150-2), wherein said prepared ends (150sp) each comprise a rope eye, wherein the rope connector (200) comprises at least two complementary parts (200-1, 200-2), wherein each of said parts (200-1, 200-2) is configured with a shaped recess (210) for receiving at least part of said prepared end (150sp) of a respective one of said rope segments (150-1, 150-2), and wherein said parts (200-1, 200-2) are detachably mountable to each other to establish a firm connection there between that is strong enough to sustain the required tension capacity. The invention further relates to a rope extension system (100) comprising such rope connector (200) and a hoisting system (10) comprises such rope extension system. The invention provides for a more flexible set-up for extending the rope on-site, by simply adding more wire-rope segments via further rope connectors.