Rope Grab With Movable Limiting Wheel for Quick Rope Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rope grab's limiting wheel, being fixed on the housing, obstructs quick placement of the rope into the groove, hindering rapid deployment.
Innovation Solution
A rope grab design with a movable limiting wheel and a safety device that prevents accidental retraction, allowing quick setup by pivoting components to facilitate smooth rope placement and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the limiting wheel is fixed on the housing and extends into the rope placement opening, then the rope can be guided to slide along the rope groove, but the rope placement opening is obstructed and quick placement is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting wheel is made movable relative to the housing rather than fixed. It can slide along the rope groove between a first position (extending into the opening for guidance) and a second position (retracted for quick placement). This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between obstruction and guidance functionality.
2Productivity
If the limiting wheel is made movable to enable quick placement, then the rope placement opening is unobstructed, but accidental retraction may occur compromising safety
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism is provided that prevents the limiting wheel from accidentally retracting to the first position during operation. The locking mechanism engages when the limiting wheel is in the second position (retracted), blocking any unintended movement. This preliminary protective measure ensures that while the wheel is movable for quick deployment, safety is maintained by preventing accidental retraction that could compromise the rope guidance function.
3Loss of time
If the limiting wheel is retracted to facilitate quick rope placement, then the opening is unobstructed, but the rope guidance function is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting wheel transitions between positions dynamically based on operational phase. During quick placement, it is retracted to minimize obstruction. During normal operation, it can be advanced to provide rope guidance. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize for different operational requirements without permanent compromise to either function.
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
Ensures rapid and secure attachment of the rope grab to a rope, enabling smooth sliding and preventing accidental disengagement, thus enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
A cam member is pivotally connected to the accommodating portion, wherein the cam member pivots between a first position and a second position. When the cam member is located in the first position, the cam member clamps the rope together with the wall surface.
Implementation Method 2
The limiting member is disposed in the accommodating portion and is movable between a third position and a fourth position. The limiting member has a limiting wheel. When the limiting member is located in the third position, the limiting wheel is nearer to the rope groove compared to when the limiting member is located in the fourth position, so that the limiting wheel restricts the rope in the rope groove.
Implementation Method 3
A locking member spring is connected between the locking member and the accommodating portion, wherein the locking member spring is adapted to return the locking member to the fifth position.
Implementation Method 4
The rope groove allows the rope to slide in one direction. As the rope slides along the rope groove, the guiding action of the limiting wheel, which is rotatable, allows the rope to slide more smoothly.
Data Source
AI summary
A rope grab includes a housing. A rope seat portion having a rope groove and an accommodating portion are disposed on the housing. A cam member, a locking member that could return after rotation, and a linkage member are pivotally connected to the accommodating portion. The cam member clamps a rope placed in the rope groove. A limiting member is disposed in the accommodating portion and could move back and forth towards the rope seat portion. The limiting member has a limiting wheel for guiding the rope. The locking member has a first arm for restricting the limiting member from moving backward and a second arm. The linkage member has an abutting end and a safety harness attachment portion. The linkage member could selectively abut against the cam member via the abutting end or pivot to a position to move the second arm.