Wire Element Adjustment Mechanism for Pinch-Free Length Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustment buckles for wire elements, such as those used in roping harnesses, significantly reduce the mechanical performance of the strap, leading to premature breakage under tensile forces, necessitating thicker materials that compromise ergonomics.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment device with a body having distinct slots and a movable blocking element that locks the wire element by applying frictional force rather than pinching, ensuring the chosen length is maintained while enhancing tensile strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an adjustment buckle with two rings is used to adjust the wire element, then the chosen length can be easily locked and maintained, but the mechanical performance of the strap is significantly reduced leading to premature breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device is divided into separate functional components: a body with slots for wire passage, a movable blocking element for locking, and a pivot shaft mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the overall wire element strength
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element acts as an intermediary between the wire element and the body, providing a controlled locking mechanism that maintains length without directly pinching or damaging the wire. The pivot shaft serves as an intermediary to enable smooth movement of the blocking element
2Strength
If the strap section is increased to withstand expected forces, then the breaking strength is improved, but the general ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the adjustment mechanism by using a pivot-based blocking element that moves along slots rather than requiring thick strap material. This allows the wire element to maintain its original dimensions and ergonomics while still achieving the required strength through the locking mechanism
3Ease of operation
If a cam locking device is used to adjust the rope length, then the length adjustment is achieved, but the rope strength is reduced due to pinching against the connector body
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful pinching action is extracted and replaced by a blocking element that moves within slots defined by the body walls. The blocking element locks the wire by preventing movement along the slots rather than by pinching the wire against the connector body, thereby maintaining wire strength
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 solution maintains the chosen length of the wire element effectively under tension, improving breaking strength and ergonomics by avoiding pinching, thus preventing premature breakage and allowing easy adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustment device with a body having distinct slots and a movable blocking element that locks the wire element by applying frictional force rather than pinching
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for adjusting a length of a wire element (2) comprises a wire element (2), a body (4) and a locking element (5) mounted to move between a locking position and an unlocking position of the wire element (2). The body defines a first slot (9) and a second slot (10) intended for the passage of the wire element (2). The slots are separated by the support wall (7). The locking element (5) is mounted to pivot relative to the body (4) around a pivot shaft (11) to move towards or away from the support wall (7). The locking element (5) has a support wall (12) moving towards or away from the support wall (7). The two strands passing through a second slot (10) are separated by a support wall (12) and join by going around the pivot axis of the support wall (12) formed by the body (4).