Snap Hook Separation Lever Hinge Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snap hooks with screw locks for mountaineering and climbing are prone to accidental release due to uncomfortable and unpractical positions caused by transverse loads, and existing solutions with movable levers either have insufficient space for the sling ring or risk accidental opening.
Innovation Solution
A snap hook design featuring a separation between the belay/abseil device and sling ring insertion areas, utilizing a single hinge for both the closing element and lever, which allows easy engagement and disengagement and reduces the likelihood of accidental opening, with a screw lock mechanism and elastic means for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable lever is added to separate the insertion spaces, then the separation function is improved, but the space for the sling ring becomes too small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the hinge point of the spring closing element from the lower area to the upper area of the snap hook, utilizing the vertical dimension to create sufficient clearance between the movable lever and the sling ring insertion space, thereby resolving the space constraint while preserving the separation function
2Reliability
If the movable lever operates below the hinging point of the spring closing element, then the separation function is achieved, but the sling ring space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the hinge point of the spring closing element above the movable lever instead of below it, thereby reversing the spatial relationship to provide adequate space for the sling ring while maintaining the lever's separation capability
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
The design enhances user safety by providing a stable and efficient separation mechanism, increasing the useful space for the sling ring and reducing the risk of accidental lever opening, while simplifying manufacturing and improving operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring closing element 4 that can have an open position, to allow the insertion in the snap hook 1 of a rope or a ring of a different device, and a closed position, in which the closing element 4 closes the snap hook ring 2
Implementation Method 2
The external surface of the tubular body 8 comprises a thread 17. A screw lock 18 has an inner hole diameter substantially corresponding to, or slightly larger than the external diameter of the tubular body 8, and comprises an inner thread (not shown) meant to cooperate with the thread 17 of the tubular body 8
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a snap hook, particularly a snap hook with a screw lock for mountaineering and climbing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a snap hook (1) comprising a ring (2) having a straight side (3), interrupted by an opening defined by first and second ends (10, 12), in which said opening is closed by a spring closing element (4) that can have an open position and a closed position, said snap hook comprising a separation lever (19) dividing the space enclosed by the ring (2) in two separate areas (23, 24), wereby said lever (19) is independent from said closing element (4), and in that said closing element (4) and said separating lever (19) are hinged to the same hinge (9).