Self-Powered Rope Gripper Actuation for Precise Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic rope grabs lack precise position control and require complex hydraulic lines, leading to increased size, cost, and maintenance, while cable grabs are difficult to operate without hydraulic control flaps and lack power supply for additional functionalities.
Innovation Solution
Integrate energy-driven actuators and control flaps on the cable grab, equipped with a self-sufficient power supply and energy conversion system, allowing for precise position control and additional functionalities like force exertion on the grab buckets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hydraulic lines and hydraulic system are used for precise position control, then position control precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydraulic system from the cable grab by using a purely mechanical cable-based actuation system. The control flaps are manually operated to adjust the suspension point of the support cable, eliminating the need for hydraulic lines, pumps, and reservoirs while achieving position control through mechanical means
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic system with a mechanical cable-based system. Instead of using hydraulic fluid pressure to actuate control flaps, the invention uses mechanical cables and pulleys where the operator manually adjusts the suspension point, substituting hydraulic actuation with direct mechanical control
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic control flaps are installed, then position control capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex hydraulic system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex hydraulic supply system entirely, replacing it with simple mechanical cables that can be manually adjusted. The control flaps are operated directly by the operator without requiring hydraulic pressure, simplifying the operation while eliminating the complex hydraulic infrastructure
3Device complexity
If cable grab is used to simplify design, then device complexity is reduced, but position control precision deteriorates due to lack of hydraulic control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the cable grab system through movable control flaps that can be positioned at different locations along the support cable. This allows the suspension point to be dynamically changed during operation, enabling precise position control while maintaining the simple cable-based design architecture
4Device complexity
If no power supply is provided on cable grab, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to use sensors and electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-powered system where the kinetic energy from the cable grab's own operation (lowering and raising the grab) is converted into electrical energy through a generator. This self-generated power supplies sensors and electrical components without requiring external power sources, maintaining construction simplicity while enabling functional versatility
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rope grab with a grab frame, at least two grab blades which are adjustably mounted at a lower end of the grab frame between a closed position and an open position, a retaining rope for holding the rope grab, and an actuating device with an actuating rope for actuating the grab blades. According to the invention, at least one actuating element is adjustably mounted on the rope grab, which can be adjusted between different positions by means of a power-driven actuator.