Self-Locking Hook Connection Assembly for Secure Tension Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hook connection systems, such as rigging plates and connecting hooks, face challenges in securely attaching objects or tensioning devices under tensile forces without additional locking mechanisms, especially when subjected to mechanical stress.

Innovation Solution

A hook connection unit comprising two hook connection parts that form a closed-edge hook eyelet when stacked, allowing secure attachment of objects or tensioning devices, with a self-locking mechanism activated by tensile forces, and featuring a Y- or T-shaped design with aligned attachment and connection eyes for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hook connection part uses an open edge opening for inserting tensioning devices, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates under tensile forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of insertionVSAvoidsecurity under tension
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The edge opening transitions from an open state during insertion to a closed state under tensile force. The hook connection part dynamically changes its configuration based on the applied load, being open for ease of insertion and automatically closing to provide security under tension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hook connection part automatically closes the edge opening when subjected to tensile forces without requiring external intervention. The design enables the component to self-lock through the action of the tensioning device itself, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If additional locking mechanisms are added to secure attachment under tension, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity under tensionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged with the basic hook structure. The edge opening and the hook body are integrated into a single component, where the hook's geometry itself provides the locking action when closed, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hook connection part automatically closes the edge opening when subjected to tensile forces without requiring external intervention. The design enables the component to self-lock through the action of the tensioning device itself, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the hook connection part is designed for self-locking under tension, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-locking capabilityVSAvoiddifficulty of insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The edge opening transitions from an open state during insertion to a closed state under tensile force. The hook connection part dynamically changes its configuration based on the applied load, being open for ease of insertion and automatically closing to provide security under tension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4257835B1Hook connection unit, use of hook connection part, and hook connection assembly
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 OSTFALIA HOCHSCHULE FUR ANGEWANDTE WISSENSCHAFTEN - HOCHSCHULE BRAUNSCHWEIG WOLFENBUTTEL
  • EP4257835B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4257835B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4257835B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a hook connection assembly (3). The hook connection assembly (3) comprises a traction element (16) and a hook connection unit (2). The hook connection unit (2) has two identical hook connection parts (1a, 1b) which are rotated 180° about a longitudinal axis (4) and rest against each other. The hook connection parts (1a, 1b) form a closed-edge hook eye (15). The hook connection parts (1a, 1b) each have connecting eyelets (8) and stop eyelets (9, 10) through which the traction element (16) is threaded. The hook connection assembly (3) can provide a self-locking connection. The hook connection assembly (3) is used, for example, in outdoor applications, particularly for climbing belays, camping, bicycles, or backpacks and bags.