Underwater Hook Release Button for Easy Opening Under Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underwater hooks with jaw traps are difficult to operate when a load presses on the jaw latch in its opening direction, making it challenging to release the hook.

Innovation Solution

The underwater hook incorporates a locking spring with lower spring hardness than the closing spring, which supports the release button, allowing it to move automatically before the actuation button, ensuring easier operation even under load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a load presses on the jaw latch in its opening direction, then the jaw latch remains securely closed, but the release button becomes difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecured state stabilityVSAvoidrelease button operability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The release mechanism is segmented into two independent buttons: a release button that disengages the locking mechanism and an actuating button that opens the jaw latch. This segmentation allows the release button to be operated independently without being affected by load forces acting on the jaw latch, resolving the contradiction between secured state stability and release button operability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The release button acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the operator and the jaw latch mechanism. By pressing the release button, the operator first disengages the locking mechanism before the actuating button can move the jaw latch, allowing easy operation even under load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the release button is directly engaged with the actuating button, then the structure is simplified, but the release button cannot be operated when load presses on the jaw latch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebutton engagement structureVSAvoidrelease button operability under load
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The button engagement structure is segmented into two independent buttons (release button and actuating button) with separate functions. The release button controls the locking mechanism while the actuating button controls the jaw latch movement. This segmentation maintains structural simplicity while enabling independent operation of the release button even when load presses on the jaw latch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the actuating button is pressed to open the jaw latch, then the hook jaw opens, but the operation is difficult when under load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejaw latch openingVSAvoidsecured state stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The release button performs a preliminary action by disengaging the locking mechanism before the actuating button moves the jaw latch. This preliminary action ensures that the jaw latch can be opened easily by the actuating button without resistance from the locking mechanism, even when load forces are present, while maintaining secured state stability during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This configuration ensures the release button can be easily operated, maintaining the secured state of the hook regardless of the load on the jaw latch, enhancing the reliability and ease of use of the underwater hook.

Implementation Method 1

a closing spring acting on the actuating button is provided, which is supported between the base body and the actuating button and pushes the actuating button in the direction of the secured state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The locking spring has a lower spring stiffness than the closing spring, so that when the pliers are gripped, the release button is automatically moved first

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4022191B1Underwater hook with actuation button and release button
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 RUD KETTENFABRIK RIEGER & DIETZ GMBH & CO
  • EP4022191B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4022191B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4022191B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

The invention relates to an underwater hook (1) with a jaw latch (4) which is releasably secured in a position which closes the hook jaw (2) when the underwater hook is in a secured state (6). The underwater hook additionally has an actuation button (24) which is connected to the jaw latch so as to transmit a movement in order to open the jaw latch and is in a closed position (26, 63) when the underwater hook is secured. The underwater hook (1) is also provided with a release button (25) which blocks a movement of the actuation button out of the closed position when the underwater hook is secured. The aim of the invention is to allow the release button (25) to be actuated without a great degree of effort even in the event of high forces acting on the jaw latch (4). According to the invention, this is achieved in that the release button (25) is in engagement with the actuation button (24) when the underwater hook (1) is secured (6).