Segmented Synthetic Rope Link Structures for Field Length Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rope structures are difficult to lengthen or shorten in the field without splicing or cutting, and they lack the ability to apply tension forces along their body rather than at the ends, making them impractical for many applications.

Innovation Solution

A segmented synthetic rope structure composed of link members formed from synthetic fibers, where each link has specific bend portions that allow for easy connection and disconnection, enabling length adjustment and tension distribution along the rope's length without splicing or cutting, and featuring a termination region that reduces wear and facilitates tension application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If rope structures are shortened by cutting fibers or modifying splices, then the rope length is reduced, but the rope structure is permanently altered or requires time-consuming resplicing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverope lengthVSAvoidease of length adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rope structure is divided into multiple removable link members that can be individually added or removed. Each link member is a discrete component with bend portions that can be connected and disconnected, allowing the rope to be segmented into adjustable sections rather than being a continuous fixed-length structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rope structure transitions from a static fixed-length design to a dynamic adjustable-length design. Link members can be added or removed at will, allowing the rope to adapt its length to different operational requirements without permanent modification or complex splicing procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of moving object

If rope structures are lengthened by splicing, then the rope length is increased, but the characteristics of the rope structure change especially at the termination region

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverope lengthVSAvoidrope structure characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of splicing which creates a non-uniform termination region, the rope is segmented into identical link members. Each link member has the same standardized bend portions and structure, ensuring uniform characteristics throughout the entire rope length regardless of how many links are assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each link member serves as a universal standardized component that can be used in any position within the rope structure. The bend portions at each link are designed to engage with identical bend portions of adjacent links, ensuring consistent structural characteristics throughout the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If tension force is applied only at the ends of the rope, then the rope structure is simple, but the ability to apply tension along the body of the rope is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetension application locationsVSAvoidrope structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rope is segmented into discrete link members with defined bend portions at each end. These bend portions create natural engagement points that can serve as tension application locations along the body of the rope, not just at the ends. Each link member acts as an independent segment that can be loaded separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bend portions of the link members serve as intermediary structures that enable tension application at intermediate locations along the rope body. These bend portions act as natural connection points where external forces or connectors can be applied to create tension at specific locations without requiring end-termination modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If traditional rope structures are used, then the structure is simple, but it is difficult to apply tension force at locations along the body of the rope other than special terminations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetension application flexibilityVSAvoidrope structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rope structure is segmented into multiple link members with bend portions at each end, creating natural engagement points along the entire length of the rope. This segmentation transforms the rope from a continuous structure with limited tension points to a modular structure with multiple distributed tension application locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8689534B1Segmented synthetic rope structures, systems, and methods

Publication Date: 2014.04.08 SAMSON ROPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A rope structure comprises a plurality of link structures each defining first and second ends. Each link structure is formed of synthetic fibers. Each first end comprises at least first and second bend portions. Each second end comprises at least third and fourth bend portions. The first end of a first one of the plurality of link structures engages the second end of a second one of the plurality of link structures such that the first and second bend portions of the first end of the first one of the plurality of link structures are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth bend portions of the second end of the second one of the plurality of link structures.