Spring-Loaded Self-Aligning Roller Chock for Synthetic Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical self-aligning roller chocks are ineffective with synthetic lines due to their light weight and can experience undue stresses and wear from uneven loading, which affects the alignment and longevity of the chocks.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning roller chock design featuring a deck mounting structure with a swivel base plate, pivot assembly, and a spring-loaded frame that pivots to accommodate both vertical and horizontal alignments, with a sheave wheel made of durable NYLATRON GSM material to reduce wear and stress on the chocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing vertical self-aligning roller chocks are used with synthetic lines, then the chock structure is simple, but the light weight of synthetic lines prevents effective vertical alignment
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism is introduced to counterbalance the weight of the frame and sheave wheel assembly. The spring provides an upward force that compensates for the light weight of synthetic lines, enabling the frame to pivot vertically and achieve proper alignment even when the line weight is insufficient to overcome the assembly's weight alone.
2Device complexity
If existing vertical self-aligning roller chocks are used with uneven loading, then the chock structure is simple, but undue stresses and wear occur on lugs and hinge pins
Solution Approach 1:
The chock assembly is designed with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the frame to pivot both vertically (about the hinge pin) and horizontally (about the lug connections). This dynamic capability enables the structure to self-align with uneven loads, distributing stresses more evenly across the lugs and hinge pins rather than concentrating them in fixed positions.
3Ease of operation
If existing vertical self-aligning roller chocks are used, then vertical alignment is achieved, but horizontal alignment is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is divided into two independent rotational movements: vertical alignment achieved through pivoting of the frame about the hinge pin, and horizontal alignment achieved through pivoting of the entire assembly about the lug connections. This segmentation allows each alignment direction to be optimized independently, with the vertical alignment maintaining its effectiveness while adding horizontal alignment 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 ensures effective alignment and reduced wear on the chocks by supporting the frame and sheave wheel with a spring, particularly when using synthetic lines, and distributes loading to prevent stress on lugs, enhancing the durability and efficiency of the chock.
Implementation Method 1
a spring coupled to the frame and partially supporting the weight of the frame and the sheave wheel at least when the axis of the sheave wheel is non-parallel to the plane of the deck
Data Source
AI summary
A self-aligning roller chock comprises a deck mounting structure which includes a boss member coupled to the deck and a swivel base plate rotationally coupled to the boss member for rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the deck; a pivot assembly coupled to the swivel base plate; a frame coupled to the pivot member and configured to pivot relative to the deck mounting member about the pivot assembly; and a sheave wheel rotationally mounted within the frame adapted to receive rigging line therein. The chock will pivot about two axes providing a self-aligning horizontal and vertical alignment with a resulting force of the rigging line. The self-aligning roller chock may further include a spring coupled to the frame and partially supporting the weight of the frame and the sheave wheel at least when the axis of the sheave wheel is non-parallel to the plane of the deck.