Rope Termination Splicing Structure for Equal Subrope Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rope termination methods face inefficiencies due to subrope length differences and layer misalignment, leading to reduced strength and complexity in splicing larger ropes, particularly in offshore applications.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a cylinder with channels for receiving subropes, allowing for precise splicing and alignment, and a method of splicing subropes at the termination point using a cone or pyramid structure, ensuring equal subrope lengths and secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional hand splicing is used to terminate ropes, then splicing strength is maximized, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult to control for consistent subrope lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a splicing device as an intermediary tool between the subropes and the splicer. This device includes a body with a channel that receives the subropes, guiding them through a controlled path. The device maintains equal length of subropes extending from the eye and prevents them from twisting or crossing during the splicing process, thereby enabling consistent results while reducing the time and skill required for hand splicing.
2Device complexity
If subropes are laid in multiple layers within the eye without a spool thimble, then device complexity is reduced, but subropes may bury into layers beneath leading to misalignment and reduced rope efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The splicing device acts as an intermediary structure that replaces the traditional spool thimble. It provides a controlled environment within its channel to maintain subrope layers in correct positions, preventing them from burying into layers beneath. The device guides each subrope through a defined path, ensuring they emerge at equal lengths without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary organization of subropes before the actual splicing occurs. By receiving subropes in its channel and maintaining their layered structure, it pre-establishes the correct geometry and alignment needed for successful splicing, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments during the splicing process.
3Shape
If subropes on the inside of the eye have shorter length than subropes on the outside, then the eye geometry is formed, but length differences between subropes result in a less efficient rope
Solution Approach 1:
The splicing device mediates the length difference issue by providing a channel that receives subropes and guides them to emerge at equal lengths. The channel's geometry compensates for the inherent length difference that would normally occur due to eye curvature, ensuring all subropes are of equal length after splicing while still forming the required eye shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the geometric parameters of the splicing path within its channel to compensate for the eye geometry's effect on subrope lengths. By adjusting the channel's internal geometry, it ensures that subropes traveling different paths through the eye emerge with equal lengths, maintaining both the required eye shape and rope efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for termination of a rope comprises a cylinder extending longitudinally from a base to a cone or pyramid, wherein the cylinder defines at least one channel for receiving a pair of subropes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. It can be used for termination of rope manufactured from synthetic fibres or constructed from multiple subropes.