Tree Anchor Attachment with Retrieval Jack for Low-Friction Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchor point fixing devices, such as false forks, often get stuck in trees due to friction issues, making it difficult to recover them after pruning operations.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a wire element with a blocker and a cord system that forms a loop around the anchor point, allowing for easy installation and uninstallation by adjusting the blocker's curvature and attachment points to reduce friction and facilitate rope passage, enabling smooth recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a false fork with sliding loop is used to form an anchor point, then the device can be installed around tree branches, but the device gets stuck in the tree due to friction between the tree, strap and working rope

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchor point stabilityVSAvoiddevice recovery
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a retrieval jack as an intermediary device that attaches to the working rope and interacts with the metal rings. The jack has a first section that passes through the first metal ring and a second section that is caught in the second metal ring, creating a mechanical advantage system that reduces the frictional resistance during rope extraction and device recovery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static friction problem into a dynamic solution by using the retrieval jack to create controlled movement. The jack enables the working rope to be pulled through the metal rings with reduced friction by creating a mechanical advantage, allowing the sliding loop to open and the device to be recovered without getting stuck

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the second metal ring has a smaller internal dimension than the first metal ring, then the rings can differentiate anchor point positions, but the retrieval jack must navigate through different sized rings increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchor point configurationVSAvoidretrieval mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses asymmetric metal rings with different internal dimensions (first ring larger than second ring) to create a directional retrieval path. The retrieval jack is designed with corresponding asymmetric sections where the first section passes through the larger first ring and the second section is caught in the smaller second ring, making the retrieval process unidirectional and simplified

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 device effectively reduces the risk of getting stuck and simplifies the recovery process by minimizing friction and wear on the rope, ensuring easy and safe removal from the anchor point.

Implementation Method 1

the blocker has a roller mounted to move in rotation, the roller forming a border of the through hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP4066906B1Device for attachment to an anchoring point and method of using the attachment device
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 ZEDEL CORP
  • EP4066906B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4066906B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP4066906B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

An attachment device (1) for an anchor point comprises a wire element (2) with two ends (2a, 2b), the first end (2a) having a first ring (3). A rope grab (4) has two ends (4a, 4b), the first end (4a) of which is inserted into the first ring (3). The second end (4b) of the rope grab has a second cross-section wider than the first cross-section. The first end (4a) of the rope grab defines a through hole (5) for receiving a rope (6) supporting a user. The second end (2b) of the wire element is attached to the rope grab (4) by a first attachment point (7) located between the through hole (5) and the second end (4b) of the rope grab. A cord (8) has a first end (8a) attached to the rope grab (4) by a second attachment point (9) and a second end (8b) with a second ring (10).