Soft Snatch Block Using Flexible Shackle for Line Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional snatch blocks are heavy, expensive, require maintenance, and can cause damage when not in use, necessitating a need for a lightweight, easily installable, and low-maintenance alternative with no moving parts that allows line insertion without exposing the line end.

Innovation Solution

A soft snatch block utilizing a soft shackle with a hook and loop fastener, a leash to open and secure the loop, and a retainer to attach to a fixed point, enabling line insertion anywhere along its length, with optional pin holes for additional retention and relief holes for weight reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional snatch blocks are used, then the line can be securely held and hauled in, but the device becomes heavy and requires maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveline retention capabilityVSAvoidsnatch block weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical snatch block system (with wheel, bearings, and rigid frame) with a soft snatch block made of flexible material. The flexible block maintains the line wrapping capability without requiring rigid mechanical components or bearings, thereby eliminating maintenance needs while reducing weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The snatch block is constructed from flexible material that can deform to accept the line and then maintain the wrap. This flexible construction eliminates the need for heavy rigid structures and bearings, directly addressing the weight and maintenance issues while preserving the line retention function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If traditional snatch blocks with bearings are used, then the line can be hauled in smoothly, but maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveline hauling smoothnessVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates bearings and complex mechanical hauling systems by using a simple flexible block. The line is hauled in by wrapping around the flexible block, which provides smooth operation through material flexibility rather than mechanical bearings, thereby eliminating maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple snatch blocks are attached to different positions, then the line can be secured to various locations, but the device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation and removal time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The soft snatch block is designed as a standalone flexible component that can be independently attached to any position on the vessel. This segmentation allows multiple blocks to be quickly deployed at different locations without complex installation procedures, maintaining position flexibility while reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If traditional snatch blocks are used, then the line can be secured firmly, but the cost of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveline securing strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible material construction provides sufficient strength to secure the line through friction and wrapping geometry rather than heavy rigid structures. This approach maintains line securing strength while using simpler, less expensive materials and manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 soft snatch block is lightweight, easy to install and remove, requires minimal maintenance, and offers a strong strength-to-weight ratio, allowing secure line handling without moving parts and reducing damage risks.

Implementation Method 1

a soft shackle (14) with a knot (25) and a hook and loop fastener (22)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHook and loop fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS9103408B1Soft snatch block

Publication Date: 2015.08.11 FRANTA JOHN E

AI summary

A soft snatch block is shown and described as having a loop of spliced line or soft shackle attached to a block. The soft shackle can be opened or released such that the line can be captured without having one end of the captured line. The block can retain a line to a fixed object to hold a line near the fixed object. A retainer can be used to hold the soft shackle to the block and an alternative embodiment of the block shows a pin to retain the line to the block when the soft shackle is not fixed. The device can be easily attached and removed from any desired location and has no moving parts that require any difficult maintenance. The block has smooth surfaces such that there is a low coefficient of friction while the line is drawn in or released.