Self-locking connection hook

The invention describes multifunctional, self-locking connection hook elements, which combine features of a rigging plate and a hook in one component. The components can be produced cost-effectively from plastics and metals.

Challenge

Hooks or hook connecting elements are encountered in everyday life in many applications. Examples are crane hooks and carabiner hooks as well as connecting hooks for hangers, shower curtains, folding tables, shelves, ropes, lines and chains. Connecting hooks are essential for the connection and fastening of items (e.g. bags and bottles) in the camping and outdoor sectors (e.g. hiking and climbing). Depending on the embodiment, such fasteners can be technically complex, since they often contain additional elements such as axes, screws, nuts, sapwood and springs. Also, their production often requires several (coordinated) manufacturing processes and assembly steps, which can have a negative impact on complexity, achievable quantities and costs. For special applications (for example industrial and sport climbing), connecting hooks are often combined with rigging plates in order to ensure suitable and, in particular, safe connections.

Our Solution

A scientist from the Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences has developed a multifunctional, self-locking fastener, which can be produced cost-effectively using plastic injection moulding and 3D printing. The hook-like component does not contain any additional components such as screws, nuts, axles, sapwood and springs. The connecting hook combines features of a rigging plate and a hook in one compact component. If two geometrically identical hooks are placed on top of each other by 180° around a longitudinal axis, the so-called hook connection unit is formed. This can be used in combination with a traction device (e.g. leash, rope and chain) for hanging and/or fastening of objects. Under load, a secure connection is established by surface pressing, which results in the self-locking functionality/mechanism. Fig. 1 shows some possible applications of the self-locking hooks according to the patent application. However, it is also quite possible that the hook eyelets are used to accommodate a carabiner or any other hook, an eyelet or an object that is to be held in place by the hook connection unit and by the traction device attached to the sling eyelets.

Fig. 1 CPA 2362 FHBWFig. 1: Possible applications of the self-locking hook element (source: K. Bolze, Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences).

Advantages

  • Production by means of plastic injection moulding and 3D printing possible
  • Any geometric design possible
  • Rigging plate and connection hook in one component
  • Possible materials: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactide (PLA), aluminium, stainless steel and titanium
  • Secure connection under load (connection can only be opened in a load-free state)
  • Adequate strength and stability (examples: loading capacity of one ABS hook: 20 kg; loading capacity of two ABS hooks combined: 40 kg)

Applications

  • Attachment and connection of various objects (e.g. bottles, bags, etc.)
  • Bicycle, camping and outdoor
  • Equipment and accessories for hiking and climbing

Development Status

The manufacturing process has been successfully developed on laboratory scale. The functionality of the components has been technically approved.

Patent Status

German patent application filed:
DE102022108400.0

European patent application filed:
EP23166957.3

Patent applicant: Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences - Braunschweig/Wolfenbüttel

Contact

Dr. Mirza Mackovic
Patent Manager Technology
E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel.: +49 551 30724 153
Reference: CPA-2362-FHBW

Tags: Physics and Technology & Software

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