Self-locking Clip Rotating Cam Gripper Rope Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching the end of a rope to an object require knot-tying skills and lack efficient tensioning and release mechanisms, making it difficult to apply or remove tension easily.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking clip with a rotating cam gripper and spring arm that provides tension, preventing the cam gripper from being removed without pulling the spring arm away, and includes a catch lip to secure the rope, allowing for easy tensioning and release by rotating the cam gripper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional knot-tying method is used to attach rope to an object, then the attachment can be secure, but it requires knowledge of effective knots and significant steps to apply tension and release
Solution Approach 1:
The cam gripper automatically locks when rotated in the locking direction and automatically releases when rotated in the releasing direction, eliminating the need for complex manual knot-tying operations. The spring arm provides continuous tension to maintain the locked position without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam gripper transitions between locked and unlocked states through simple rotational motion. The asymmetric cam profile creates different mechanical advantages during rotation: one direction engages the locking surface while the other direction releases it, enabling quick state changes.
2Reliability
If a traditional knot is tied to secure the rope, then the attachment can be reliable, but it is difficult to easily apply tension after tying or easily release the knot
Solution Approach 1:
The cam gripper has an asymmetric profile with a first gripping surface angled relative to the rotation axis. This asymmetry creates a mechanical advantage where rotation in one direction forces the cord against the gripping surface for secure locking, while rotation in the opposite direction easily releases the grip.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arm acts as an intermediary that continuously applies tension to the cam gripper, maintaining constant pressure against the cord in the locked position. This ensures reliable attachment while the cam mechanism provides easy tensioning and release through rotation.
3Ease of operation
If the rotating cam gripper is designed to allow easy rotation for tensioning, then the ease of operation improves, but the risk of over-rotation or accidental removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop feature is positioned to prevent the cam gripper from rotating beyond the locked position. The asymmetric mounting of the cam gripper on the rotation axis creates a mechanical stop that physically blocks over-rotation, while the spring arm ensures the gripper returns to the correct position after each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arm is pre-loaded to apply tension to the cam gripper before operation. This preliminary tension ensures that when the cam gripper rotates to the locked position, it immediately engages the cord securely, and the stop feature is already in place to prevent over-rotation.
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
Enables quick and secure attachment of ropes to objects without requiring knot-tying skills, allowing for easy tension adjustment and release, enhancing usability in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arm integrated into the clip body, the spring arm configured to provide tension to the rotating cam gripper
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a self-locking clip includes a clip body and a rotating cam gripper, the rotating cam gripper pivotally mounted on the clip body. The self-locking clip further includes a spring arm, the spring arm integrated into the clip body, the spring arm configured to provide tension to the rotating cam gripper such that the rotating cam gripper is held against a first gripping surface on the clip body.