Tapered Locking Device for Fender Position Stability
Solution Overview
Problem
Cylindrical fenders with through-holes tend to slide along lines due to gravity or applied forces, leading to instability when hung vertically or horizontally, as conventional knots can loosen over time, causing the fenders to shift or fall.
Innovation Solution
A pin-like locking device with a tapered shaft and a protruded head is used to securely attach the fender to a line, utilizing frictional forces and wedging mechanisms to prevent sliding, either alone or in conjunction with knots, ensuring the fender remains in position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a through-hole fender is hung on a line using conventional knots, then the fender can be positioned vertically or horizontally, but the fender tends to slide along the line due to gravity or applied forces, leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is inserted into the through-hole of the fender before the fender is hung on the line. This preliminary action ensures that when the fender is later subjected to gravitational forces or applied loads, the locking device is already in place to prevent sliding, eliminating the need for complex knots and providing immediate stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device acts as an intermediary element between the fender and the line. Instead of relying on the fender to directly engage with the line through knots, the locking device mediates this connection by fitting into the through-hole and preventing the fender from sliding along the line, thereby resolving the instability problem.
2Reliability
If knots are used to secure the fender to the line, then the fender can be attached, but the knots can loosen over time, causing the fenders to shift or fall
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to be self-securing within the through-hole of the fender. Once inserted, the geometry of the locking device and the through-hole create a self-locking mechanism that maintains attachment security over time without requiring periodic tightening or adjustment, thus eliminating the loosening problem associated with knots.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is installed in advance into the through-hole before the fender is put into service. This preliminary installation ensures that the attachment security is established from the beginning and maintained throughout the service life, preventing the gradual loosening that occurs with knot-based systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fender is allowed to slide along the line, then the fender can adjust its position, but this leads to wobbling and inconsistent contact with the protected object, reducing protection effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device serves as an intermediary that selectively restricts motion. It allows the fender to be initially positioned and adjusted along the line during installation, but once in place, it prevents unwanted sliding and wobbling, thereby maintaining consistent contact with the protected object and ensuring stable protection.
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 locking device effectively maintains the fender's position along a line, preventing sliding or wobbling, enhancing protection and stability by ensuring consistent contact between the fender and the protected object, even under varying loads and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing frictional forces and wedging mechanisms to prevent sliding
Implementation Method 2
utilizing frictional forces and wedging mechanisms to prevent sliding
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for securing and positioning an object when it is strung on a line by a through-hole of the object. The locking device includes an elongated shaft defining a partial cavity formed therein. The elongated shaft or a deepest portion of the partial cavity or both is tapered relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The partial cavity extends along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and the deepest portion of the partial cavity and the exterior surface of the elongated shaft forms a tapering angle. The locking device is inserted into through-hole of the object such that the rope or line fits into the partial cavity. Pressure may be applied to put the locking device into the through-hole such that there is no movement between the object and the line; thus securely positioning the object on the line. The locking device may be used to securely position a through-hole type boat fender on a line.