Securing Device Reactive Fiber Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing devices such as ropes and nets often fail prematurely under high forces, causing injury to objects or persons being secured, and sudden stopping forces can harm individuals or objects, highlighting a need for enhanced safety features in securing systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of a securing device comprising reactive fiber components that stretch and dissipate kinetic energy, along with initiating and terminating fiber components, which work together to manage force distribution and prevent premature stretching or breakage, integrated with a filler material to prevent tangling, allowing for controlled elongation and energy dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a securing device is made from strong, non-stretchable materials to prevent breaking under high forces, then strength and reliability are improved, but the device cannot absorb energy and causes sudden stopping forces that harm persons or objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the securing device by incorporating reactive fiber components that can elongate under load. This allows the device to transform from a rigid, non-stretchable structure into one that dynamically changes its length and energy absorption characteristics based on the applied force, thereby reducing sudden stopping forces while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of reactive fiber components (capable of elongation and energy dissipation) combined with terminating fiber components (provide structural strength). This composite structure allows the device to simultaneously achieve both strength and energy absorption capabilities, resolving the contradiction between strength and harmful stopping forces.
2Loss of energy
If a securing device is made from stretchable materials to absorb energy, then energy dissipation is improved, but the device may stretch prematurely under normal conditions reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the securing device into distinct functional components: reactive fiber components responsible for energy dissipation through controlled elongation, and terminating fiber components that maintain structural integrity and prevent premature stretching. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different parts of the securing device different properties. The reactive fiber components are designed to be stretchable and energy-absorbing, while the terminating fiber components are designed to be strong and resistant to premature deformation. Each local region of the device has the specific quality needed for its function.
3Loss of energy
If reactive fiber components are allowed to stretch freely to dissipate energy, then energy dissipation is improved, but the components may become tangled or bound during elongation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces filler material as an intermediary element between the reactive fiber components. This filler material serves as a mediator that prevents the reactive fibers from becoming tangled or bound during elongation, while not significantly interfering with the energy dissipation function. The filler maintains structural stability during the dynamic stretching process.
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 securing device effectively reduces kinetic energy and potential energy in loads, providing enhanced safety by minimizing lashback and sudden stopping forces, thus protecting objects and persons associated with or near the securing device.
Implementation Method 1
a reactive fiber component comprised of a stretchable non-elastic polymer fiber capable of dissipating kinetic energy in a load as the fiber stretches
Implementation Method 2
an initiating fiber component that breaks under a predetermined amount of force prior to allowing the reactive fiber component to substantially elongate
Implementation Method 3
a terminating fiber component that is operative to initially elongate without substantially dissipating kinetic energy in the load while the reactive fiber component stretches
Data Source
AI summary
A securing device is provided comprised of a reactive fiber component and at least one of a terminating fiber component and an initiating fiber component. The reactive fiber component includes at least one of the following: an undrawn polymer fiber and a substantially undrawn polymer fiber, wherein the first reactive fiber component is operative to stretch responsive to a load. The terminating fiber component is in a compressed state and is operative to elongate to a length at which the terminating fiber component is operative to prevent further stretching of the first reactive fiber component responsive to the load. The initiating fiber component is operative to break responsive to a predetermined force and permit the first reactive fiber component to stretch responsive to the load.