Rope Safety Apparatus Locking Under Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rope safety devices with openable flanges lack securement against accidental opening under load, posing a risk during heavy load operations.
Innovation Solution
A safety device featuring a first flange with a play allowing translation between load and non-load positions, and a second movable flange with a retaining notch and lock mechanism that prevents involuntary opening under load, ensuring the flange remains locked until the device is no longer under load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the second flange is made movable to allow opening for rope installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of accidental opening under load
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent the flange from opening accidentally. The retaining notch and lock engage before any opening force is applied, creating a pre-positioned anti-action that counterbalances any forces attempting to open the flange under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic controlled opening state through the control member. The flange remains statically locked during normal operation but can be dynamically opened when the control member is activated, allowing the system to adapt between these two states as needed.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental opening, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through the interaction between the retaining notch and the lock. When the flange is in the closed position, the geometry of the retaining notch and lock automatically engages to provide locking without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the flange structure itself. The retaining notch is formed as an integral part of the flange geometry, and the lock is combined with the control member, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first flange is made movable with play to allow load translation, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first flange is designed with controlled play that allows it to dynamically adjust its position in response to load variations. The play enables the flange to translate slightly to accommodate load-induced movements while maintaining overall system stability through the retaining notch and lock mechanism that constrains excessive movement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device has a movable flange-plate (12) delineating a transverse space in which a roller is arranged on a spindle (13). An articulation unit of the movable flange-plate authorizes a pivoting movement between a closed position to clamp a rope in the space, and an open position. The movable flange-plate has a securing notch (19) operated with the spindle to block the device in the closed position when the roller is under load and a latch (21) actuated by a control unit (23) to perform unlatching of the device by opening of the movable flange-plate when the device is no longer under load.