Rope Protection Device with Rotating Rollers and Support Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rope protection devices are ineffective for hoisting loads on soft surfaces and edged supports, as they generate excessive friction, deform under stress, and can sink into soft ground, leading to rope deterioration and operational complications.
Innovation Solution
A protection device with flexible side plates and rollers that can rotate to reduce friction, featuring V-shaped notches for stable mounting on angled supports and extended support wings to prevent sinking, connected by flexible wire elements for enhanced stability and load management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed bearings are used in protection devices, then the structure is simple and stable, but friction is substantial making hoisting operations complicated or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed bearings into rotatable rollers that can dynamically adjust during operation. The rollers are mounted on rotation axes that allow them to rotate freely, converting static friction into dynamic rolling friction, thereby enabling smooth hoisting operations while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional fixed bearing mechanism with a roller system that uses rolling motion instead of sliding friction. This mechanical substitution significantly reduces friction coefficients and enables efficient load hoisting while maintaining protective functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thin side plates are used to allow deformation following obstacle configuration, then adaptability to various surfaces is improved, but the plates deform under load stress making them unsuitable for hoisting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the side plates into multiple modular segments that can independently deform and adapt to different obstacle configurations. Each segment maintains sufficient structural integrity to bear loads, while the modular arrangement allows the overall structure to flex and conform to various surfaces without compromising strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction for the side plates, combining materials with different mechanical properties to achieve both flexibility for adaptation and sufficient strength for load-bearing. The composite structure allows localized deformation while maintaining overall structural integrity during hoisting operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flanges are positioned close to the support surface to protect the rope, then rope protection is improved, but the device sinks into soft ground causing bearing deterioration and rope damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces support wings that extend outward from the flanges, creating a counterbalancing structure that distributes the device's weight over a larger area. This prevents sinking into soft ground while maintaining the flanges' protective position close to the support surface, thereby protecting both the bearings and the rope from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional element by extending support wings perpendicular to the main body of the device. This creates a broader base of support that prevents sinking into soft surfaces while allowing the flanges to remain positioned for optimal rope protection, solving the contradiction through spatial configuration.
4Reliability
If V-shaped notches are added for mounting on angled supports, then stability on edged supports is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates V-shaped notches directly into the flange structures, merging the mounting feature with the existing load-bearing components. This combination provides stable mounting on angled and edged supports while avoiding the need for separate attachment mechanisms, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The V-shaped notches serve multiple functions: they provide stable mounting on angled supports, facilitate quick installation, and maintain structural integrity during load-bearing operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, keeping the device relatively simple while enhancing mounting capabilities.
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 effectively reduces friction during hoisting, prevents rope damage, and maintains stability on varied surfaces, including soft ground and edged supports, while allowing for efficient load management and rope deflection to avoid contact with edges.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second rollers (2) are mounted to rotate respectively about first and second axes of rotation mounted parallel with respect to the first direction (XX)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A protective device comprising two side flanges (1) connected by first and second rollers (2). The rollers (2) are mounted for rotation about axes of rotation parallel to a first direction (XX). The two side flanges (1) have mounting areas (1a) and support wings (1b). The two side flanges (1) have a side wall that defines a notch (1c) in the mounting areas (1a). Each notch (1c) has a first and a second support section (1d, 1e) arranged perpendicular to each other. The support sections (1d, 1e) are aligned along the first direction (XX) to define two support planes perpendicular to each other. The two support planes meet along a junction line comprising two parallel planes joining two diametrically opposite points on the first and second rollers (2). The two rollers (2) are separated by the junction line.