Rope Termination Cone for Equal-Length Subrope Splicing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rope termination methods face inefficiencies due to subrope length differences and improper layering, 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

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional splicing methods are used to terminate ropes, then the rope can be connected to fittings, but subrope length differences and improper layering occur leading to reduced strength and increased complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverope termination strengthVSAvoidsplicing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a splicing device as an intermediary tool that guides subropes through curved channels to ensure equal length and proper layering. This mediator device resolves the complexity of manual splicing while maintaining high strength connections by enforcing correct geometric relationships between subropes during the splicing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the correct geometric configuration of subropes before the actual splicing occurs. The curved channels pre-position subropes at equal lengths and correct angles, preparing them for optimal splicing that maximizes strength while reducing the complexity of the subsequent splicing operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If manual splicing is performed to achieve strength efficiency, then rope termination strength is maximized, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverope termination strengthVSAvoidsplicing time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary positioning of subropes in correct layers and equal lengths before splicing, which reduces the time required for the actual splicing operation. By pre-establishing the correct geometric configuration, the device eliminates time-consuming trial and error adjustments during manual splicing while maintaining strength efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Shape

If subropes are laid in multiple layers within the eye, then proper rope geometry is achieved, but it becomes difficult to maintain correct layers and prevent subropes from burying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverope eye geometryVSAvoidsubrope layering control
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The curved channels in the splicing device act as intermediaries that physically guide and separate subropes into correct layers. The channel geometry prevents subropes from burying into layers beneath by maintaining proper spacing and orientation throughout the splicing process, making multi-layer configuration easier to execute correctly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The curved channels in the device utilize curvature to guide subropes through smooth paths that naturally maintain proper layering. The curved geometry ensures subropes follow the correct trajectory and remain in their designated layers, preventing them from burying into adjacent layers while achieving the required rope eye shape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP4341577B1Device for termination of a rope
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SCHULZ NEIL
  • EP4341577B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4341577B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4341577B1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.