Rope Drum Storage for Abseiling Device Tangling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing abseiling devices are large, heavy, and unwieldy due to long ropes, making them difficult to carry for extended abseiling routes, and the reduced rope diameter leads to tangling and knotting issues during use.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a rope drum and a dimensionally stable rope bag with a rope diameter of less than 8 mm, where the rope is wound on the drum to prevent tangling, and a centrifugal brake system for controlled abseiling, allowing for safe and efficient descent with a compact and lightweight setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the rope diameter is reduced to decrease weight and device size, then the weight and size of the abseiling device are reduced, but the rope becomes prone to tangling and knotting during abseiling
Solution Approach 1:
A rope drum is introduced as an intermediary device between the rope and the abseiling point. The rope is wound around the drum, which acts as a mediator to organize the rope and prevent it from tangling or knotting during abseiling operations, thereby enabling the use of thinner ropes without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The rope storage system is segmented into discrete sections wound around the drum. This segmentation allows the rope to be organized in controlled segments rather than as a single long strand, reducing the likelihood of tangling while maintaining the benefits of using a thinner, lighter rope
2Length of moving object
If the rope length is increased to enable longer abseiling distances, then the abseiling distance is extended, but the device becomes larger and more difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The rope drum is integrated into the abseiling device housing, merging the rope storage function with the braking mechanism. This combination allows long ropes to be contained within a compact device that can be easily carried, as the drum efficiently packs the rope in a space-saving manner while maintaining full abseiling functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The rope is nested around the drum in a compact configuration, with each section of the rope wound tightly around the drum. This nesting arrangement allows long rope lengths to be contained within a small volume, enabling extended abseiling distances while maintaining device portability
3Weight of moving object
If the rope diameter is reduced to minimize device weight, then the device weight is decreased, but the rope is more susceptible to damage and less mechanically resilient
Solution Approach 1:
The rope drum provides mechanical advantage by distributing the load and reducing friction during rope payout. This parameter change in the mechanical system allows the use of thinner ropes that would otherwise be too weak, as the drum system compensates for the reduced rope diameter by improving the mechanical efficiency and load distribution
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 solution enables safe abseiling over long distances with reduced weight and size, preventing rope tangling and knotting, while maintaining mechanical resilience and usability in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
the descender includes a centrifugal brake designed in such a way that a rope running through the descender can be slowed down in its course
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5b
Figure 6a~6c
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for storing a rope (12) for a descender, wherein the device (10) comprises the rope (12), a rope drum (14) and a dimensionally stable rope bag (16), the rope (12) has a diameter of less than or equal to 8 mm and is wound at least partially on the rope drum (14) such that a first end (18) of the rope (12) can be unwound from the rope drum (14), and the rope drum (14) is arranged in the rope bag (16) such that the first end (18) of the rope (18) can be led out of an opening (32) of the rope bag (16). Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement comprising a descender (44) and the above device (10), wherein the descender (44) comprises a centrifugal brake designed in such a way that a rope (12) running through the descender (44) can be slowed down in its course, and the rope (12) of the device (10) is guided through the descender (44).Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the above arrangement.