Quick-Release End Attachment Assembly for Tool-Free Rigging Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material handling devices lack a reliable and efficient quick release endpoint attachment system for connecting to suspension/rigging components, which complicates the process of attaching and detaching these components without tools.
Innovation Solution
A quick release endpoint attachment assembly that includes a first shaft with grooves, a collar assembly that slides relative to the shaft, and load carrying fingers with protrusions that engage with the grooves to secure the assembly in open or closed positions, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of suspension/rigging components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional attachment system is used to connect material handling devices to suspension/rigging components, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the attachment and detachment process requires tools and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a collar assembly that slides along the shaft, load carrying fingers with protrusions, grooves in the shaft for engagement, and a locking mechanism with pin and holes. This segmentation allows the collar to independently move between locked and unlocked positions, enabling quick attachment and detachment without tools while maintaining secure connection when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar assembly is designed to be dynamically movable along the shaft between a first position (locked) and a second position (unlocked). This dynamic positioning allows the connection state to change quickly from secure to released without requiring tool intervention, directly addressing the need for rapid attachment and detachment while maintaining reliability when engaged.
2Productivity
If a quick release mechanism is implemented, then the attachment and detachment speed is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the collar's movement. When the collar slides to the first position, the pin automatically engages with the first hole to lock the connection. When the collar moves to the second position, the pin automatically disengages from the second hole to release the connection. This self-service mechanism achieves quick release functionality without requiring additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The load carrying fingers with protrusions are nested within the collar assembly structure, with the protrusions fitting into grooves on the shaft. The pin and holes are integrated into the collar and shaft respectively. This nesting arrangement consolidates multiple functional elements into a compact configuration, reducing overall device complexity while enabling the quick release functionality through coordinated movement of nested components.
3Reliability
If multiple engagement points are used to secure the connection, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the difficulty of quick release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar assembly is designed to dynamically control the engagement state of multiple connection points simultaneously. When the collar is in the first position, the pin engages the first hole to lock multiple load carrying fingers in place, providing secure connection. When the collar moves to the second position, the pin simultaneously disengages from the second hole, releasing all connection points at once. This dynamic control maintains reliability through multiple engagement points while preserving ease of quick release through single-motion operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release end point attachment assembly for connecting to a material handling device such as a hoist or the like. A first shaft may be provided with external threads for engaging with the material handling device. A second shaft extends downward from the bottom of the assembly and may be configured to support suspension/rigging components such as, but not limited to, hooks, wire grips, eyelets, dynamometers, or the like. The device provides for a quick release end point attachment assembly to provide for changing the suspension/rigging components without the use of tools.