Rope Access Pulley Integration for Compact Blocking, Ascent, and Descent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rope access devices are bulky and lack the capability to perform all three functions of blocking, ascent, and descent without direct user manipulation, making them unsuitable for portable use.
Innovation Solution
A compact rope access device design incorporating an adhesion pulley, guide pulley, and tightening pulley, allowing for controlled ascent and descent with a motorized option, and featuring a clamping mechanism to eliminate the need for manual rope extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rope access devices are used to provide blocking, ascent, and descent functions, then the device can perform all three functions, but the device becomes bulky and unsuitable for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines blocking, ascent, and descent functions into a single integrated device that attaches to the user's harness. The adhesion pulley system integrates multiple functions (locking, ascent, descent) into one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate bulky equipment for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesion pulley device is designed to perform multiple functions (blocking, ascent, and descent) through a single mechanism. The same adhesion pulley system provides all three functions by manipulating the rope in different ways, making the device universal and eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Force
If the rope is wound around the adhesion pulley for sufficient traction, then the lifting force is guaranteed, but the device becomes more complex and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent guides the rope to wrap around the adhesion pulley in a specific three-dimensional path that maximizes the winding angle (at least 180 degrees) without requiring additional complex mechanisms. The guide pulley and tensioning pulley arrange the rope in space to achieve sufficient traction through geometric arrangement rather than mechanical complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the device is designed for portability and compactness, then it can be used as a stand-alone unit, but it may lack the capability to perform all three functions without manual manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesion pulley device is designed to automatically perform blocking, ascent, and descent functions without requiring manual manipulation by the user. The mechanical design includes self-locking features and automatic rope tensioning that enable the device to service itself and perform all functions autonomously once attached to the rope.
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 enables secure, compact, and portable operation with controlled ascent and descent along unlimited rope lengths, reducing physical effort and ensuring one hand's freedom for speed control, while integrating a clamping pulley for enhanced lifting force and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesion pulley mounted on said frame and comprising at its periphery a groove allowing the rope to be pulled by adhesion
Implementation Method 2
a guide pulley located near said adhesion pulley, the guide pulley being capable of guiding the rope under tension in the groove of said adhesion pulley
Implementation Method 3
a tightening pulley exerting pressure on the rope in the direction of said adhesion pulley on the slack strand side
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention provides a rope access device for moving along a rope (20) comprising a frame having (12), in use, a first region (12a) facing a portion of the rope under tension (20a), an adhesion pulley (14) mounted on said frame (12) and comprising at its periphery a groove (22) allowing the rope (20) to be pulled by adhesion, the adhesion pulley being coupled to rotational drive means fixed to the frame, a guide pulley (16) located near said adhesion pulley (14), the guide pulley being capable of guiding the rope (20) under tension in the groove (22) of said adhesion pulley (14); and a tightening pulley (18) exerting pressure on the rope (20) in the direction of said adhesion pulley (14) on the side of the slack strand (20b).The guide pulley (16) and the tightening pulley (18) are arranged close to each other in the first frame region (12a) so as to wind the rope (20) around the adhesion pulley (14) over at least half of the circumference thereof, and the lifting rope (20) exits from the adhesion pulley (14) on the first frame region (12a) side.