Removable Handle Connector for Configurable Pulley Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulley systems for activities like zip lining often require separate configurations with and without handles, increasing costs and posing challenges in certification and maintenance due to the need for two sets of pulleys, and existing solutions complicate the removal of handles, which can lead to unsafe user interactions.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a removable handle that is easy to install and remove without altering the force distribution between the user and the anchor point, featuring a connector with a ring that can open and close, a handle with extensions, and a wire element that forms a loop to secure the handle and wire element to the connector, allowing for adaptable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a handle is permanently attached to the pulley, then the user has a stable attachment point during descent, but the system requires separate configurations with and without handles, increasing costs and complicating certification and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into separable components: a first part that attaches to the pulley body and a second part that connects to the wire element. This segmentation allows the handle to be easily assembled and disassembled, enabling a single pulley to function with or without a handle configuration, thereby reducing the need for multiple pulley types and simplifying certification and maintenance procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable component. The first part of the handle can be detached from the pulley body and the second part removed from the wire element, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs. This dynamic capability enables versatility without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the handle is made removable, then cost and certification are simplified, but existing solutions complicate the removal process and may alter force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is segmented into two distinct parts with specific attachment mechanisms. The first part attaches to the pulley body through a simplified interface, and the second part connects to the wire element through a separate mechanism. This segmentation allows each part to be independently installed and removed, simplifying the overall process while maintaining secure attachment during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanisms are designed to allow easy extraction of the handle parts from their mounting points. The first part can be readily detached from the pulley body, and the second part can be easily removed from the wire element, enabling quick configuration changes without complex tools or procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the handle extensions are made longer, then the user has better hand placement options, but the risk of user errors increases and the handle can interfere with proper force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The handle extensions are designed with optimized dimensions that provide sufficient length for comfortable hand placement while maintaining appropriate structural properties. The extensions have a length and cross-section that balance usability with safety, ensuring they are long enough for hand placement but not so long as to interfere with force distribution or create leverage for improper user actions.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A connection device (1) includes a ring-shaped connector (2) with an open and a closed position. A handle (4) is attached to the connector (2) and has two extensions (8) for the user's hands. The handle (4) defines a tube (7) extending in a first direction (AA) and a through hole (9) arranged to pass through the tube (7) perpendicular to the first direction (AA). One end (3a) of a wire element (3) forms a loop (3b) attached to the connector (2) within the tube (7). The second end of the wire element (3) is attached to the user. The connector (2) passes through the through hole (9) and the loop (3b) to attach the handle (4) and the wire element (3) to the connector (2).