Quick Link Connector Locking With Rotating Disk Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing belay devices for climbing and descender systems have costly, difficult-to-attach harness connectors and high-wear anchor components, leading to safety issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A connector apparatus with a housing and locking mechanism featuring a rotatable disk and latch arms, using identical quick link connectors and magnetic actuation to secure and release connectors, ensuring safe and efficient attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specialized shape connector is used for harness connection, then connection security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and attachment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector apparatus uses a universal quick link connector design that can be used for both harness connection and anchor connection. The same connector type with standardized geometry replaces specialized shaped connectors, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining secure connection through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses identical or substantially similar quick link connectors for both harness and anchor attachments. Instead of creating specialized unique shapes, the system copies the same connector design across different applications, simplifying manufacturing while the locking mechanism provides the necessary security differentiation.
2Reliability
If a key with ground/wall anchor component is used, then connection security is improved, but component durability deteriorates due to high wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional key-based mechanical release system with a magnetic actuation system. Magnets embedded in the connector interact with magnetically actuable elements in the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for high-wear mechanical keys and significantly improving component durability while maintaining secure connection and release functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary between the connector and the locking mechanism. Instead of direct mechanical contact through high-wear keys, the magnetic field transmits the release force, reducing mechanical wear and extending component life while maintaining the security of the connection system.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with rotational disk is used, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into the rotational disk component. The disk simultaneously serves as the locking element, the magnetic actuation target, and the connector retention mechanism. By merging these functions into a single integrated component rather than separate elements, the system achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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
The apparatus prevents miss-connections and unintended line releases, enhancing user safety and efficiency by allowing secure attachment of harnesses and anchors with cost-effective, durable connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The latch arm includes a magnet, and the second quick link connector magnetically actuates the at least one latch arm towards the unlatched position
Data Source
AI summary
A connector apparatus includes a first connector and a second connector. A housing defines a first channel and a second channel and a locking mechanism configured to secure one of the first and second connectors within the first channel or the second channel. The locking mechanism includes a disk with a rotational stop, and a latch arm pivotable between at least a latched position and an unlatched position. When the first connector is secured within the first channel by the disk and the second connector is inserted into the second channel, the second connector actuates the latch arm towards the unlatched position such that the disk is enabled to pivot and secure the second connector to the housing while simultaneously releasing the first connector from the housing.