Twisted Endless Sling Structure for Uniform Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endless shaped articles suffer from uneven load distribution across convoluted layers, leading to premature failure and reduced efficiency, as certain layers bear excessively high loads and have a lower strength-to-theoretical strength ratio compared to calculated values.
Innovation Solution
The endless shaped article features a strip of material with convolutions twisted by an odd multiple of 180 degrees along its longitudinal axis, allowing for improved load distribution and increased efficiency, versatility, and safety factor by optimizing the number and length of convolutions and using materials like ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene for enhanced strength and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional endless shaped articles are used with coiled strip material, then load carrying strength is achieved, but load distribution across layers is uneven causing premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing a twist of odd multiple of 180 degrees (such as 180, 540, 900 degrees) to each convolution of the strip material. This asymmetric twisting configuration transforms the symmetric coiling structure into an asymmetric one that enables alternating load paths between inner and outer layers, thereby achieving uniform load distribution across all layers while maintaining high load carrying strength
2Productivity
If conventional endless shaped articles are used, then basic functionality is achieved, but efficiency ratio between measured and theoretical strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the twist angle parameter to specific odd multiples of 180 degrees (180, 540, 900, etc.) and optimizing the number of convolutions (at least 2, preferably 3-10) and twist magnitude (0.5 to 5 turns per convolution). These parameter optimizations enable the article to achieve measured breaking strengths of 80-150% of theoretical strength, dramatically improving the efficiency ratio compared to conventional designs
3Reliability
If conventional endless shaped articles are designed for specific applications, then specialized performance is achieved, but versatility for diverse applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a standardized endless shaped article design with optimized asymmetric twist parameters that can be universally applied across multiple applications including lifting slings, chain elements, mooring lines, and towing cables. The modular design with adjustable parameters (number of convolutions, twist magnitude, strip dimensions) allows a single design framework to serve diverse applications without requiring complete redesign for each use case
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an endless shaped article comprising at least one strip of material forming a plurality of convolutions of the strip of material, the strip having a longitudinal axis, wherein each convolution of said strip comprises a twist along the longitudinal axis of said strip, wherein said twist is an odd multiple of 180 degrees. The invention also relates to a method to manufacture said article, and its use as sling, loop, belt or chain link.