Servo-Controlled Belay Device for Adaptive Climbing and Fall Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing belay devices for climbing, while effective, lack the ability to adapt to the climber's efforts and provide both fall protection and climbing assistance, limiting accessibility and enjoyment for a broader audience.
Innovation Solution
A belay device with a servo-controlled electric motor and encoder system that modulates torque applied to the pulley based on the climber's effort, offering assistance during climbing and controlled fall braking without mechanical clutches, and includes a backup mechanical brake for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional friction brake or hydraulic damping mechanisms are used in automatic reel-type rope distribution devices, then fall protection is provided, but the device complexity increases and climbing assistance function is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical friction brakes and hydraulic damping mechanisms with an electric motor system controlled by an electronic control circuit. The motor can operate in different modes (climbing assistance mode and fall protection mode) by modulating torque based on encoder feedback, thereby eliminating complex mechanical braking components while providing both climbing assistance and reliable fall protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor serves multiple functions: it provides climbing assistance by applying torque in one direction, and it provides fall protection by applying torque in the opposite direction or braking. This single component replaces what would traditionally require separate systems for assistance and braking, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a clutch is used to engage and disengage the braking system, then the device can operate in different modes, but the reliability decreases as shown in devices where clutch failure compromises safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical clutches by using an electronically controlled motor system. The electronic control circuit receives feedback from an encoder about pulley rotation and automatically modulates motor torque to provide climbing assistance or fall protection as needed. This electronic control approach removes the reliability issues associated with mechanical clutch engagement and disengagement while maintaining adaptability between operating modes.
3Ease of operation
If continuous fixed weight reduction is applied during climbing, then climbing is easier, but the device cannot adapt to varying climber efforts and loses precision in assistance provision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an encoder that continuously monitors pulley rotation and provides feedback to the electronic control circuit. Based on this feedback and the relationship between rope force and pulley rotation, the system dynamically adjusts motor torque to provide climbing assistance proportional to the climber's actual effort. This feedback mechanism enables precise adaptation to varying climber efforts rather than applying fixed continuous assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static continuous assistance to dynamic adaptive assistance. The motor torque is continuously modulated based on real-time encoder feedback about pulley rotation and inferred climber effort. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to provide precisely the right amount of assistance at each moment, adapting to the climber's varying needs throughout the climb.
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 safe and adaptive climbing assistance, suitable for various audiences, including recreational use, by dynamically controlling torque for fall protection and climbing aid, enhancing user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an encoder coupled to the pulley, the motor being controlled by an electronic control circuit using the encoder as a function of the rotation of the pulley
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor configured so as to be able to apply a torque to the pulley
Implementation Method 3
The motor is servo-controlled so that the torque driving traction in the assist mode is only applied when the encoder detects a rotation of the pulley
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a belay device for climbing comprising an automatic winder (1) comprising a pulley (10) and a rope (3). The device comprises an electric motor (12) configured so as to apply a torque to the pulley (10) and an encoder coupled to the pulley. The motor is controlled using the encoder according to the rotation of the pulley (10) so as to modulate said torque applied to the pulley according to at least: - an assistance mode in which the torque applied by the servomotor to the pulley (10) drives a pulling of the rope (3) which assists the climber in his climb; and - a fall mode in which the torque applied by the servomotor to the pulley (10) blocks a fall of the climber or slows it to a speed less than 3 m/s. The invention also relates to a climbing game system with virtual or augmented reality using such a belaying device.