Threaded anchor for ice climbing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice climbing anchors face challenges such as rigidity, which can lead to screw loosening or breakage, and the need to carry multiple screw lengths for varying ice thicknesses, making the climbing process cumbersome and risky.
Innovation Solution
A threaded ice climbing anchor featuring a clamp that can lock or unlock along the screw, allowing the strap to function as a crank for screwing and unscrewing, and incorporating a folded strap with a carabiner for rope hitching, eliminating the need for additional 'quick straps' and reducing equipment burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid plate structure is used to position the screw, then the screw fixation is stable, but the system cannot accommodate torsional movements and may cause ice breakage or loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible strap instead of a rigid plate to connect the carabiner to the screw. This flexible strap can accommodate torsional movements and stress without transmitting harmful forces to the screw-ice interface, while still maintaining sufficient stability for secure fixation. The flexibility allows the system to absorb dynamic loads without causing ice breakage or screw loosening.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple screws of different lengths are carried to match ice thickness, then the screw can be properly positioned, but the equipment burden and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable clamp that can slide along the screw shaft and lock at different positions. This dynamic positioning system allows a single screw length to adapt to various ice thicknesses by adjusting the clamp location, eliminating the need to carry multiple screw lengths. The clamp provides versatile adaptation while maintaining simple equipment carrying.
3Ease of operation
If a crank is incorporated into the screw head, then the screwing function is improved, but the space required and equipment volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the strap serve multiple functions: it acts as both the connection element between carabiner and screw, and simultaneously as the crank for rotating the screw during insertion and removal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate crank component, reducing equipment volume while maintaining ease of operation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the clamp is locked in a fixed position, then the screw orientation is stable, but the ability to adjust for different ice conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to slide along the screw shaft to different locations and lock at each position. This enables the system to maintain stable orientation at any chosen position along the screw, providing adaptability to different ice conditions and thicknesses while ensuring stability once positioned.
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 anchor allows for quick and comfortable screwing into ice, minimizes the risk of ice breakage and climber accidents by reducing leverage, and eliminates the need for multiple screw lengths and complex knotting, enhancing climber safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the clamp (2) locked on the screw (1), without possibility of rotation or longitudinal movement with respect to this one, so that the strap (3) itself can be used as a crank to turn the screw (1)
Implementation Method 2
a screw (1) itself, provided with a cylindrical tubular body having at its leading end teeth (11)
Implementation Method 3
at least one threaded leading section (12) on its external surface
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded anchor for ice climbing, comprising: —a screw with a cylindrical tubular body, a number of cutting teeth, a rearward perimetric protruding threaded section; —a clamp disposed exteriorly with regard to the screw and comprising an operating component, displaceable between: a locked position, where the tightening of the clamp and the fixing thereof at any point along the length of the screw is established, and an unlocked position, enabling the turning of the clamp with regard to the screw and the positioning of the clamp at any point along the length of said screw; —a folded strap attached by its first end to the clamp and presenting at its second end a closed loop for the mounting of a carabiner suited for the hitching of the climbing rope in its position of use or of a harness of the climber in an inoperative position.