Slotted Wire Gripper Mechanism for High-Angle Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices are limited by a maximum vertical angle of 60 degrees for the suspension wire, leading to reduced load capacity and structural failure at wider angles, making them unsuitable for applications with limited suspension height or larger angles.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with at least two end walls, an elongate channel, and a gripping element mounted for translational movement in a slot at an acute angle, featuring biasing means to engage the elongate element, allowing for greater angle usage and enhanced load distribution through radiused or chamfered edges and a pinion wheel mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the suspension wire angle is increased beyond 60 degrees to the vertical, then the suspension height is reduced and space utilization is improved, but the load capacity decreases and structural failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the force transmission path into multiple segments: the suspension wire connects to the pinion wheel teeth, which engage with the track, which is anchored to the body. This segmentation distributes the load across multiple contact points and structural elements, preventing concentration of stress that would cause failure at wide angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinion wheel is designed to rotate and translate dynamically along the track as the wire angle changes. This dynamic adaptation allows the gripping mechanism to maintain effective engagement and load distribution regardless of the suspension wire angle, enabling safe operation beyond the traditional 60-degree limit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the suspension wire angle is increased beyond 60 degrees to the vertical, then space utilization is improved, but the wire pulls away from the gear wheel and top plate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pinion wheel and track into an integrated engagement system where the pinion teeth mesh with the track features. This combined design creates a unified load path that prevents the wire from pulling away from the gear wheel and top plate, even at wide suspension angles, thereby maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs composite construction with a body, top plate, pinion wheel, and track made from materials selected for their strength and durability. This composite structure distributes stresses across different components, preventing any single element from failing under the increased lateral forces generated at wide angles.
3Area of stationary object
If the inclusive angle between suspension wires is increased, then objects can be positioned closer to the gripping device, but the safe working load is reduced by 50%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension of force distribution through the track-pinion mechanism. Instead of relying solely on the vertical wire-to-gear interface, the load is distributed across the lateral engagement between pinion teeth and track, creating a three-dimensional load path that maintains capacity at wider inclusive angles.
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping device comprises: at least two end walls located at opposing ends of the device; at least one elongate channel for receiving an elongate element, the longitudinal axis of the or each channel extending between the two end walls; a gripping element; and biasing means for bringing the gripping element into engagement with an elongate element located in the said channel. The gripping element is mounted for translational movement in a slot. A force component exerted on an elongate element located in the said channel causes the gripping element to move in the slot at towards the elongate element. Each end wall includes at least one hole therethrough, a first hole for receipt of an elongate element into the said channel and a second hole for exit of said elongate element from said channel.