Wall Climbing Structure With Chain Drive And Brake Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climbing structures are cumbersome, require significant space, and lack flexibility in adjusting angles, limiting their usability for various climber abilities and configurations, especially requiring dismounting for angle changes and having limited angle ranges.
Innovation Solution
A climbing structure with a pivot point at the center of gravity, allowing angle adjustment by the climber's weight and featuring a brake mechanism for easy angle fixation, along with a compact design using A-frame support frames and a chain drive system, enabling a wide range of angle adjustments from 10 to -35 degrees without dismounting, and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional climbing wall structure is used, then it provides stable climbing support, but it requires significant space and is cumbersome to install
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing wall is divided into modular panels that can be independently assembled and configured. Each panel contains integrated climbing holds and can be attached to the frame structure, allowing the wall to be built in sections rather than as a single large structure, thereby reducing the complexity of installation while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjustable bracing elements serve as intermediaries between the vertical frame members, allowing the structure to be configured for different wall angles and heights. These bracing components enable flexible assembly without requiring complex welding or permanent fastening, simplifying installation while providing structural support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the climbing wall angle is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate climbers with different abilities
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing wall incorporates adjustable angle bracing that allows the wall to be configured at different inclinations. The bracing elements can be repositioned along the vertical frame members to create various wall angles, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one that adapts to different skill levels without requiring complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the climbing wall can have different angles and configurations. The adjustable bracing allows each bay or section to be independently configured, enabling local customization of wall difficulty while maintaining overall structural simplicity. This localized adjustability provides versatility without requiring the entire structure to be complex.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic cylinders are used for angle adjustment, then precise angle control is achieved, but the system becomes more expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing wall uses the climber's own weight to automatically adjust the wall angle. As the climber ascends, their weight causes the wall to rotate and adjust to the appropriate angle for their position, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems. This self-adjusting mechanism provides ease of operation while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces hydraulic or electric actuation systems with a passive mechanical system that uses gravity and the climber's weight for angle adjustment. This substitution eliminates complex motors, sensors, and control electronics, achieving angle adjustment through simple mechanical leverage and gravitational forces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the climbing wall is designed for a wide angle range, then it accommodates more abilities, but it requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing wall panels are pre-configured with holds and features suitable for multiple angle configurations. The panels can be easily reconfigured or repositioned when the wall angle changes, allowing the same physical space to accommodate a wide range of climbing abilities through preliminary preparation of the climbing surface rather than requiring additional space.
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 structure provides a robust, flexible, and user-friendly climbing experience with a full range of angle adjustments, minimizing space usage and eliminating the need for hydraulic cylinders, making it economical and suitable for different user abilities and environments.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a brake mechanism for easy angle fixation
Implementation Method 2
a compact design using A-frame support frames and a chain drive system
Data Source
AI summary
A climbing structure includes a support frame and a wall assembly. The wall assembly comprises a chain arranged as a loop with an array of climbing panels attached to the chain so as to maintain a configuration that rotates the climbing panels downward as the user climbs to achieve a continuous climbing experience. A lower shaft assembly includes a shaft that rotates based on an angle of the wall assembly. A sprocket is mounted to the shaft such that the shaft and the sprocket rotate independently to maintain tension on the chain as the climbing panels rotate downward. A cable hub assembly is rigidly attached to the shaft and secures a cable that is attached to the support frame. A disc braking system includes a disc rigidly attached to the shaft and a caliper mounted on bearing bolts such that the disc braking system fixes the angle of the wall assembly without affecting the continuous climbing experience.