Rope Grab With Movable Limiting Wheel for Rapid Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 to prevent accidental retraction, allowing quick setup by pivoting the cam member and unlocking the limiting wheel for easy rope insertion.
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 limiting wheel obstructs the rope from being quickly placed into the rope groove
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting wheel is made movable relative to the housing instead of fixed. It can move between a first position (extending into the rope placement opening to guide and restrict the rope) and a second position (retracted to allow quick rope placement). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the wheel to perform its guidance function when needed while removing the obstruction during rope insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting wheel is separated from the housing as an independent movable component rather than being integrated fixedly. This segmentation allows the limiting wheel to be positioned independently - extended into the rope placement opening for guidance during normal use, or retracted for quick rope placement, thus resolving the obstruction issue while maintaining the guidance function.
2Productivity
If the limiting wheel is made movable to allow quick rope placement, then the rope placement speed increases, but the risk of accidental retraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism provides continuous feedback force on the limiting wheel, constantly pushing it toward the first position (extended into the rope placement opening). This spring force acts as a feedback system that maintains the limiting wheel in its guidance position automatically, preventing accidental retraction while allowing intentional movement for rope placement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism applies preliminary counter-action to prevent the limiting wheel from accidentally retracting. By continuously pushing the wheel toward its guidance position, the spring creates a pre-established force that opposes any unintended movement, thus maintaining reliability while allowing the wheel to be movable for quick deployment.
3Ease of operation
If the limiting wheel is extended into the rope placement opening for rope guidance, then the rope sliding is guided smoothly, but the rope placement opening is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting wheel dynamically changes its position relative to the rope placement opening. When extended into the opening, it provides smooth rope guidance and restriction. When retracted, it removes the obstruction and allows quick rope placement. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by allowing the wheel to perform its guidance function when needed while removing the obstruction during rapid deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism performs preliminary action by continuously pushing the limiting wheel toward the first position (extended into the rope placement opening) before rope placement is needed. This pre-positioning ensures the wheel is ready to provide smooth guidance when the rope is inserted, while allowing intentional retraction when quick placement is required.
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 smooth rope sliding and rapid deployment by preventing the limiting wheel from obstructing the rope path, enhancing safety and efficiency in securing the rope grab.
Implementation Method 1
A cam member (20) is pivotally connected to the accommodating portion (16), wherein the cam member pivots between a first position and a second position. The cam member has a cam portion. When the cam member is located in the first position, the cam member clamps the rope together with the wall surface.
Implementation Method 2
A locking member spring (48) is connected between the locking member (40) and the accommodating portion (16), wherein the locking member spring is adapted to return the locking member to the fifth position.
Implementation Method 3
The limiting member (30) is disposed in the accommodating portion (16) 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.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A rope grab (100) includes a housing (10). A rope seat portion (14) having a rope groove (141) and an accommodating portion (16) are disposed on the housing (10). A cam member (20), a locking member (40) that could return after rotation, and a linkage member (50) are pivotally connected to the accommodating portion (16). The cam member (20) clamps a rope (B) placed in the rope groove (141). A limiting member (30) is disposed in the accommodating portion (16) and could move back and forth towards the rope seat portion (14). The limiting member (30) has a limiting wheel (323) for guiding the rope (B). The locking member (40) has a first arm (44) for restricting the limiting member (30) from moving backward and a second arm (46). The linkage member (50) has an abutting end (521) and a safety harness attachment portion (561). The linkage member (50) could selectively abut against the cam member (20) via the abutting end (521) or pivot to a position to move the second arm (46).