Motorized Rope Processing for Corrosion Coating Renewal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods and devices for rope maintenance, such as those described in EP 23 25 394 A2 and utility model DE 2020 17 001 708 U1, do not allow for the performance of repair work, partial renewal, or complete renewal of corrosion protection coatings on ropes, which includes removal and cleaning or coating.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for rope processing involving a drive unit with rollers driven by a motor, capable of moving along the rope, applying fluids for cleaning, washing, and/or coating, and removing solid or loose deposits, with integrated or external control units for automated processing, and tool units for material removal and application, including blasting, grinding, brushing, and coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods (hand tools or power tools) are used for surface preparation and coating renewal, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity is low and labor intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The device is equipped with a control unit that automatically controls the movement of the device along the rope and the execution of work steps based on detected rope conditions, enabling automated operation without continuous manual intervention while maintaining adaptability to different work scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions including detection, material removal (grinding, brushing, blasting), cleaning, and coating application into a single multi-functional system, allowing it to perform complete corrosion protection renewal processes on ropes of various types and conditions
2Productivity
If automated equipment is introduced to improve productivity, then work efficiency increases, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functional modules including a drive unit with rollers for movement, a tool system with interchangeable tool units for different operations, and a control unit for automation, allowing each module to be optimized independently while working together as an integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The device features adjustable parameters including variable roller contact forces, interchangeable tool units, and adaptable work sequences that can be modified based on rope diameter, coating condition, and specific repair requirements, maintaining flexibility despite automation
3Reliability
If comprehensive surface preparation and coating renewal is performed, then corrosion protection reliability is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs detection, material removal, cleaning, and coating application in continuous sequential operations as it moves along the rope, eliminating idle time between steps and maintaining uninterrupted processing throughout the renewal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit identifies corrosion-damaged areas and work steps are automatically planned and executed in advance based on detected conditions, allowing the device to prepare and execute the optimal renewal sequence before actual processing begins
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
Enables automated and efficient repair, partial renewal, or complete renewal of corrosion protection coatings on ropes, reducing the need for manual intervention and ensuring a renewed protection period as per ISO 12944-1 standards.
Implementation Method 1
a drive unit with at least three rollers which can be frictionally connected to a rope to be processed, wherein at least one roller is driven by at least one motor
Implementation Method 2
at least temporarily applying at least one fluid, comprising cleaning, washing and/or coating, to the rope at least in partial areas of the rope
Implementation Method 3
removing solid or loose deposits or a coating on the rope
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for rope processing in which a rope (100) is traversed by a device (1) comprising a drive unit (10) and at least three rollers (11) which are frictionally connected to the rope (100), wherein at least one roller (11) is driven by at least one motor (12). The method comprises the steps of: - controlling the at least one motor (12) to move the device (1) along the rope (100) to a predetermined position (2), - at least temporarily applying at least one fluid to the rope (100) at least in partial areas of the rope (100), in particular at the predetermined position (2), wherein the temporary application includes cleaning, washing and/or coating the rope (100), and - removing solid or loose deposits or a coating from the rope (100).The invention further relates to a corresponding device for rope processing, in particular with a method according to the invention.