Pulley With Two-Step Rod And Shutter Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pulleys with push-button mechanisms for opening and closing can be dangerous due to the risk of accidental activation by external elements, as they often require a single movement for disengagement, which can lead to unintended operation.

Innovation Solution

A pulley design featuring a fixed closing position with a complex disengagement mechanism, utilizing a rod and shutter system that requires two distinct movements to open, ensuring the pulley remains closed unless intentionally unlocked with a specific sequence of actions, enhancing safety and preventing accidental activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a push button mechanism is used to open the pulley, then the opening operation can be performed with a single movement, but the pulley becomes vulnerable to accidental activation by external elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening operationVSAvoidaccidental activation risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The opening operation is divided into two distinct sequential movements: first pressing the push button to release the blocking function, then performing a second movement to actually open the pulley. This segmentation prevents accidental single-movement activation while maintaining ease of intentional opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The push button performs a preliminary action by releasing the blocking function before the actual opening movement. This preliminary release prepares the system for the second movement while preventing premature or accidental opening, as the pulley remains closed until both actions are completed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a complex disengagement mechanism is implemented to prevent accidental opening, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccidental opening preventionVSAvoiddisengagement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The push button acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the user's opening action and the actual pulley opening. It provides a controlled interface that requires deliberate input while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple, avoiding the need for complex multi-component locking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a single movement disengagement is used, then the pulley is easy to open, but the risk of unintended operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedisengagementVSAvoidunintended operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The disengagement is segmented into two required movements: first pressing the push button to release the block, then performing the second movement to open. This segmentation ensures that only intentional two-step actions can open the pulley, preventing unintended single-movement operation while maintaining ease of deliberate opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3798175B1Pulley with secure opening
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 ZEDEL CORP
  • EP3798175B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3798175B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6B
  • EP3798175B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The pulley (1) comprises a mounting head (2) and a first flange (3). A first shaft (4) extends from the first flange. A second flange (6) and a sheave are rotatably mounted around the first shaft relative to the first flange. A rod is fixed to the first flange and movably mounted between a first position and a second position according to a first movement. In the first position, the rod engages with the second flange to hold the second flange in the first position. In the second position, the rod allows the second flange to rotate. A shutter (8) is fixed to the second flange and movably mounted between a first position and a second position according to a second movement different from the first movement. The shutter partially covers the rod to prevent the rod from moving from the first position to the second position.