Self-Powered Rope Gripper for Precise Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rope grabs lack a reliable energy source for actuation and control, limiting their precision and functionality due to the absence of hydraulic lines and electrical components, requiring skilled operators and lacking precise position control.
Innovation Solution
An energy converter device on the rope grab converts kinetic energy from the holding and actuating ropes into pressure or electrical energy, enabling self-sufficient power supply and allowing for additional actuators, sensors, and control elements, mimicking hydraulic systems without external lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic lines are supplied to the rope grab for power and control, then precise position control and actuation capability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to hose reels and hydraulic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy conversion function from the external hydraulic system and places it directly on the rope grab itself. The energy converter device is mounted on the grab frame and converts kinetic energy from the holding rope and actuating rope directly into pressure energy for hydraulic actuators and electrical energy for sensors and control systems, eliminating the need for complex external hydraulic supply lines while maintaining precise control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The rope grab becomes self-sufficient by incorporating an energy converter device that autonomously converts the kinetic energy of the moving ropes into usable energy forms. This self-generated energy powers the hydraulic actuators for blade control, sensors for position detection, and communication systems without requiring external hydraulic infrastructure, making the system independent and simpler
2Device complexity
If the rope grab design is simplified to eliminate hydraulic lines, then device complexity and maintenance are reduced, but position control precision and operational ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The energy converter device acts as an intermediary between the mechanical motion of the ropes and the control systems. It mediates the conversion of kinetic energy into pressure energy for hydraulic actuators and electrical energy for electronic control, enabling precise position control through simple mechanical means without complex external infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical-hydraulic control system with an integrated energy conversion system. Instead of using complex mechanical linkages and external hydraulic supply, the system uses energy conversion from rope motion to directly power hydraulic actuators and electronic control systems, simplifying the overall mechanical structure while maintaining control precision
3Measurement precision
If sensors and electrical components are added to the rope grab for better control and data acquisition, then measurement precision and automation are improved, but device complexity increases due to power supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The rope grab generates its own electrical energy through the energy converter device, which converts kinetic energy from the ropes into electrical energy. This self-generated power supplies sensors for position detection, communication transmitters, and control systems without requiring external power supply lines, enabling enhanced measurement and automation capabilities while maintaining simple suspended design
Solution Approach 2:
The energy converter device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates pressure energy for hydraulic actuators, produces electrical energy for sensors and electronics, and powers communication systems. This multi-functionality enables precise measurement and control capabilities without requiring separate power supply systems for each function
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
Provides a stable energy source for rope grabs, enabling precise position control and operation of actuators and sensors, enhancing functionality and simplifying control, similar to hydraulic systems but with a simpler design.
Implementation Method 1
an energy converter device arranged on the rope grab, by means of which kinetic energy, which can be transmitted in particular from the holding rope and/or the actuating rope, can be converted into pressure energy and/or electrical energy
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rope gripper comprising a gripper frame, at least two gripper blades which are adjustably mounted at a lower end of the gripper frame between a closed and an open position, a retaining rope for holding the rope gripper, and an actuating device with an actuating rope for actuating the gripper blades. According to the invention, an energy conversion device is arranged on the rope gripper, with which kinetic energy, which can be transmitted in particular from the retaining rope and/or the actuating rope, can be converted into pressure energy and/or electrical energy.