Rope Condition Verification Using Electronic Length Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for checking ropes, particularly dynamic ropes used in climbing, are inadequate as they rely on visual inspection or destructive testing, which are unreliable and unsafe, and do not account for the rope's deterioration over time, posing safety risks during use.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using an electronic unit to determine the condition of the rope by measuring effective lengths and diameters, comparing them to theoretical values, and probing the internal structure, allowing for non-destructive and reliable assessment of rope reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection is used to check the rope, then the checking process is simple and non-destructive, but the reliability and accuracy of the inspection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection system with an automated electronic verification system that uses electronic units to measure physical parameters (length, diameter) and analyze internal structure through probing. This substitution of mechanical/manual inspection with electronic measurement systems resolves the contradiction by providing high reliability through automated precise measurements while managing device complexity through integrated electronic units that combine multiple sensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The rope verification system enables self-inspection capability where the rope itself (through integrated or attached electronic units) performs its own verification by measuring its parameters and assessing its condition. This self-service approach improves reliability by eliminating human judgment errors while the system manages its own complexity through automated processing and decision-making algorithms.
2Reliability
If destructive testing is performed to check the rope, then the reliability of the check is improved, but part of the rope must be sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical testing with non-destructive electronic measurement and probing systems. The electronic units measure length, diameter, and internal structure without causing damage to the rope, thereby achieving high reliability in condition assessment while completely avoiding loss of rope material that would result from destructive testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or model of the rope's physical state by measuring its parameters (length, diameter, internal structure) and storing this information electronically. This copying approach allows comprehensive assessment of rope condition without physical destruction, as the electronic data provides a complete representation of the rope's state for analysis and decision-making.
3Productivity
If the rope is used repeatedly without adequate rest periods, then productivity is improved, but the accuracy of rope condition assessment deteriorates due to temporary deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary verification of rope parameters before each use to ensure the rope is in an acceptable state. By checking the rope's length, diameter, and internal structure before deployment, the system ensures measurement accuracy is sufficient for safety decisions, while allowing frequent reuse by verifying condition at appropriate intervals rather than requiring extended rest periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of rope parameters during and between uses. By measuring length, diameter, and internal structure repeatedly and comparing against baseline values, the system can detect changes caused by temporary deformation and distinguish them from permanent damage. This feedback mechanism allows accurate condition assessment even with frequent reuse, as the system adapts to the rope's current state and accounts for temporary variations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method for verifying a rope (100) comprises: • a step (E1) of determining information relating to the rope (100) by a verification device (200) comprising an electronic unit (201), at least two of the determined pieces of information being obtained through interaction between the electronic unit (201) and two different portions of the rope (100), and • a step (E2) of determining a state of the rope (100) taking into account the determined information. The effective lengths of different portions of the rope, of the same theoretical length, are determined based on a first marker (102), a second marker (103), and a measurement step triggered upon detection of the first marker and stopped upon detection of the second marker, where the detection steps are performed by an RFID reader (206).