Shackle Guard with Tether for Lifting Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
D-rings with shackles often detach during lifting operations due to unscrewing of the pin, leading to accidental drops of loads.
Innovation Solution
A shackle guard with an open channel to receive the shackle and a tether with a fastener that secures to the closure pin, preventing accidental detachment by resisting rotation and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shackle with through holes and a screw or bolt is used to connect lifting machines, then the lifting operation can be performed, but the pin may unscrew and detach during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The shackle guard is designed to receive and nest the shackle within its open channel, creating a nested structure where the shackle is contained within the guard. This nesting arrangement prevents the shackle and pin from detaching during lifting operations while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shackle guard acts as an intermediary component between the shackle/pin assembly and the external environment. By introducing this intermediate element, the patent prevents direct exposure of the pin to vibrations and movements that could cause unscrewing, thereby improving connection reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If a tether with fastener is added to secure the closure pin, then accidental detachment is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tether is integrated with the shackle guard by being fastened to it, combining two components into a unified assembly. The tether's fastener works in conjunction with the guard's structure to secure the pin, merging the functions of protection and retention into a single coordinated system rather than separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether is pre-configured with a fastener that engages the closure pin before lifting operations begin. This preliminary securing action ensures the pin is restrained against unscrewing from the outset, preventing accidental detachment rather than reacting to it after it occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
A guard defines an inner seat comprising an open channel shaped to receive a shackle and extend partially around the shackle. The guard further includes an outer seat positioned opposite the open channel and shaped to support a strap passing through the shackle. A tether is fastened to the guard and defines a fastener for securing to a closure pin passing through the shackle. In some embodiments, the fastener comprises a hole formed in the tether and a barb formed on the tether offset from the hole. In other embodiments, a barb on the tether inserts through a hole in the closure pin or a cup on the tether is positioned over an end of the closure pin. A hooked or straight tether may also be used to implement the fastener.