Rope Suspension Locking Mechanism for Taut and Soft Ropes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-locking descenders are limited in their ability to function effectively on both taut and soft ropes, as they are typically designed for either taut or soft ropes separately, lacking a universal solution for suspension and release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a body with a fixed member and a pivoting rocker arm, along with an unlocking lever, that immobilizes the body along the rope when tilted by a load, featuring a pinching mechanism and a release lever to control the pinching effect, allowing for both secure suspension and controlled release on various rope types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a self-locking descender is designed for taut ropes, then it can securely immobilize the body along the rope, but it cannot effectively function on soft ropes
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with a universal mechanism that can effectively function on both taut ropes and soft ropes. The rocker arm and pinching mechanism are configured to adapt to different rope tensions while maintaining reliable suspension and controlled descent capabilities across both rope types.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including a pivoting rocker arm that can tilt in response to load, and a release lever that generates forces at different stages of travel. The mechanism adapts its behavior based on rope conditions, allowing the rocker arm to pivot and the pinching force to adjust according to whether the rope is taut or soft.
2Ease of operation
If the release lever generates two forces of different values on the rocker arm, then it produces a reduction effect in the initial part of travel, but this complex force generation mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The release lever is designed to dynamically generate two different forces on the rocker arm during its travel. In the initial part of travel, it generates a first force that produces a reduction effect, and in the second part, it generates a second force that continues the release operation. This dynamic force generation is achieved through the geometric configuration and pivot points of the lever system.
Solution Approach 2:
The release operation occurs in two distinct stages or periods: first, the release lever generates a force that reduces the pinching effect in the initial part of travel, and second, it generates a different force that completes the release in the second part of travel. This periodic action simplifies the operation by breaking down the release process into manageable phases.
3Ease of operation
If the rocker arm can pivot freely to unlock the device, then the release mechanism works effectively, but the body may tilt uncontrollably under load
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker arm is designed to pivot freely in the unlocking direction to enable effective release operation. The pivot allows the rocker arm to tilt and disengage the pinching mechanism. However, the body is simultaneously constrained by the fixed stop to prevent uncontrolled tilting, creating a balanced dynamic system that enables both release and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed stop acts as an intermediary element between the rocker arm and the body. It limits the pivoting of the rocker arm in the unlocking direction, ensuring that the release lever can first cause the rocker arm to tilt towards the stop, then cause the body to tilt in the opposite direction when the rocker arm is resting on the stop. This intermediary control mechanism enables controlled unlocking while maintaining body stability.
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
Enables secure suspension and controlled descent on both taut and soft ropes by creating a local pinching effect and adjustable release, allowing users to manage the descent speed and ensure reliable locking and unlocking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate portion of the rope can be deflected with respect to a taut strand of the rope and can act on said bearing part of the rocker arm in the direction which tends to bring the parts closer together, pinching, so as to produce a local pinching effect of the suspension cord between these pinching parts
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for suspending a load on a suspension rope, including a body (3) provided with a means (19, 20) for hanging the load, with a stationary member (6) and with a pivotable rocker arm member (7), between which the rope (2) passes, which are capable of immobilizing the body along the rope (2) when said body tilts in a direction determined by the load. Said body is also provided with a stationary abutment (22) and with a pivotal unlocking lever (14) capable of controlling the pivotal rocker arm member (7) such as to make the latter pivot until said abutment (22) and to cause said body (3) to tilt in the opposite direction when the rocker arm member (7) is bearing against said abutment (22).