Compact Rope Access Pulley Assembly for Hands-Free Ascent and Descent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rope access devices are bulky and unsuitable for use as a self-contained portable unit, lacking the ability to perform all three functions of locking, ascending, and descending without manual handling, and are not compact enough for easy portability.
Innovation Solution
A rope access device with a frame incorporating a grip pulley, a guide pulley, and a clamping pulley, arranged to wrap the rope around the grip pulley over at least half its circumference, allowing for compact design and autonomous operation with motorized control, enabling locking, ascending, and descending functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rope access devices are designed to perform lock, ascent, and descent functions, then functional capability is improved, but device size and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lock, ascent, and descent functions into a single integrated device unit. The grip pulley, guide pulley, and clamping pulley are merged into one compact assembly that performs all three functions, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall volume while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a multi-functional unit where the same pulley assembly performs locking, ascending, and descending operations. The grip pulley can lock the rope in position, the guide pulley enables controlled descent, and the clamping pulley assists in ascent operations, all within a single portable device.
2Reliability
If rope wrap angle around grip pulley is increased to improve grip, then grip reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pulley-based curved surface design where the rope wraps around the grip pulley at an angle of at least 180 degrees. This curved geometry naturally provides mechanical advantage and secure grip through friction and normal forces distributed along the wrap angle, achieving high reliability without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping pulley automatically applies pressure to the slack strand of the rope, creating self-adjusting tension that enhances grip reliability. The system uses the rope's own tension to activate the clamping action, eliminating the need for external locking mechanisms or complex control systems.
3Device complexity
If manual rope handling is required for extraction, then device simplicity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping pulley automatically clamps and extracts the slack strand from the grip pulley groove without requiring manual intervention. The mechanical action of the clamping pulley on the slack strand automatically feeds the rope through the system, keeping both of the operator's hands free while maintaining simple device architecture.
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 device provides a compact, portable, and safe solution that allows for controlled ascent and descent of unlimited rope length, reducing physical effort and enabling one-handed operation, with enhanced grip and wear resistance, suitable for semi-static ropes.
Implementation Method 1
a grip pulley mounted on said frame and comprising on the periphery thereof a groove enabling the rope to be hauled by grip
Implementation Method 2
the guide pulley and the clamping pulley are arranged close to one another in the first region of the frame so as to wrap the rope around the grip pulley over at least half of the circumference of the latter
Implementation Method 3
a clamping pulley exerting pressure on the rope toward said grip pulley at the slack strand
Implementation Method 4
clamping pulley exerting pressure on the rope toward said grip pulley
Implementation Method 5
a guide pulley located close to said grip pulley, the guide pulley being capable of guiding the rope under tension in the groove of said grip pulley
Data Source
AI summary
The application provides a rope access device for moving along a rope including a frame having, in service, a first region facing toward a portion of the rope under tension, a grip pulley mounted on the frame and including on the periphery thereof a groove enabling the rope to be hauled by grip, the grip pulley being coupled to rotational drive means attached to the frame, a guide pulley located close to the grip pulley, the guide pulley being capable of guiding the rope under tension in the groove of the grip pulley, and a clamping pulley exerting pressure on the rope toward the grip pulley at the slack strand. The guide pulley and the clamping pulley are arranged close to one another in the first region of the frame so as to wrap the rope around the grip pulley over at least half of the circumference of the latter, and the lifting rope exits from the grip pulley at the first region of the frame.