Toroidal Round Sling Load Capacity via Loop Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rope round slings are limited in their capacity to lift increased loads for a given weight per length unit of load-bearing material, necessitating an improvement in design and construction to enhance lifting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a bearing structure of multiple rope loops arranged within a toroidal cover assembly, with organizers and closure systems to maintain the rope loops in specific bearing positions, allowing for efficient load transfer between structural members while preventing deformation and overlap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional rope structures are used, then the sling can be manufactured with simple construction, but the lifting capacity per unit weight is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rope structure is segmented into multiple loops (at least two loops) instead of a single continuous rope, allowing each loop to independently bear load. This segmentation increases the effective lifting capacity while maintaining manageable construction complexity through modular assembly within the toroidal cover.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple rope loops are nested within the toroidal cover assembly, with organizers positioned inside the cover to maintain loop configurations. This nesting approach maximizes the use of space within the given structure, enabling increased lifting capacity without proportionally increasing external dimensions or weight.
2Strength
If multiple rope loops are arranged to increase lifting capacity, then the load-bearing ability improves, but the risk of rope overlap and deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Organizers are introduced as intermediary components between the rope loops and the toroidal cover. These organizers maintain the loops in specific bearing positions, preventing overlap and deformation while allowing the loops to bear load effectively. The organizers act as mediators that preserve structural stability during loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The toroidal cover assembly provides localized support at specific bearing positions where the rope loops make contact. This localized support prevents deformation at critical load-bearing points while allowing flexibility in other areas, maintaining overall configuration stability without restricting necessary movement.
3Productivity
If the rope loops are arranged to bear load efficiently, then the lifting capacity increases, but the structural complexity of the cover assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toroidal cover assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the rope loops from environmental damage, maintains their geometric configuration, provides localized support at bearing positions, and prevents overlap. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing overall structural complexity while enabling increased lifting capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover, organizational structure, and load-bearing support system are merged into a single integrated toroidal assembly. Instead of separate components for protection, positioning, and support, these functions are combined in one structure, simplifying the overall system while achieving multiple objectives including enhanced lifting capacity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
A round sling system comprises a bearing structure, a cover, and at least one organizer secured to the cover. The bearing structure is arranged to define a plurality of loop portions and to define at least one bearing structure end portion. The cover defines a cover chamber. The at least one organizer is configured to engage the bearing structure such that the at least one organizer maintains a position of the bearing structure relative to the cover and the at least one organizer maintains a spatial relationship of the loop portions at least within the at least one bearing structure end portion.