Safety Catch Connector with Dual Sleeve Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety catch connectors face challenges in quickly coupling and decoupling tools due to notch size issues, leading to increased operation time and potential wear on safety belts from contact with lifting lugs.
Innovation Solution
A safety catch connector with an elongated U-shaped catch member and a locking shaft system, featuring a coaxial sleeve configuration and double safety mechanisms, allows for an enlarged notch for easier tool access and prevents direct contact between the safety belt and lifting lug, enabling efficient coupling and decoupling while prolonging safety belt life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the notch size is increased to enable quick tool coupling, then the coupling speed is improved, but the operation time for rotating the sleeve member to close or open the notch is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two independent sleeves (first sleeve and second sleeve) that can be operated separately. The first sleeve controls the opening for tool insertion, while the second sleeve controls the closing action. This segmentation allows the opening to be large for quick tool coupling while the closing mechanism remains efficient, as each sleeve handles a specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single rotational sleeve to a linear sliding mechanism where two sleeves move along the same axis. The first sleeve slides to open the notch for tool insertion, and the second sleeve slides to close the notch. This dimensional change from rotation to linear movement reduces the operational complexity and time required.
2Device complexity
If the connector allows direct contact between lifting lug and safety belt for simple structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety belt experiences wear and shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The locking shaft serves as an intermediary component between the lifting lug and the safety belt. The lifting lug contacts the locking shaft instead of directly contacting the safety belt. This intermediary prevents the harmful wear effect from being transferred to the safety belt, while maintaining a relatively simple connector structure with only a few additional components.
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 significantly reduces operational time for locking and unlocking and prevents wear on safety belts, enhancing the lifespan of safety equipment by allowing direct winding of the safety belt around the locking shaft without contact with the lifting lug.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient element disposed in the receiving hole to ensure the top edge of the locking channel being engaged with the first engaging slot of the locking shaft to lock up the locking shaft
Implementation Method 2
a second resilient element disposed in the controlling channel to ensure the second locking element to be biased against an inner wall of the first sleeve hole of the first sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A safety catch connector includes a catch member, first and second sleeves at two ends of the catch member to define a notch, a locking shaft slidably coupled at the first and second sleeves to selectively open and close the notch, a first controlling unit provided at the first sleeve to releasably lock up the locking shaft at the first sleeve, and a second controlling unit provided at the locking shaft to releasably lock up the locking shaft at the first sleeve, such that the first and second controlling units serves as two safety mechanisms to avoid an unintentional unlocking operation of the locking shaft. The locking shaft is quickly slid to open and close the notch for easy accessing.