MARK PIAZZA

For a group project, we were tasked to design and analyze a mechanism capable of climbing an inclined rope. In addition, we strived to complete the optional task of fabricating our design. As design lead, I considered the simplest and most popular design which essentially consisted of two gears that would roll up the rope. Although the simplest design is often the best, we took on the challenge of a more complex design consisting of two slider crank mechanisms; each slider was attached to a link that gripped the rope. The design went through multiple iterations, each of which, I modeled using Solidworks. To minimize slip, I designed a gripping device (inspired by rock climbing equipment) that had a spring-loaded component with horizontal teeth, allowing it to essentially act as a one-way rope valve (could support over a kg. of stationary mass with no slip). I 3D printed all the Solidworks part designs and purchased items such as bearings, shafts, and springs. With the first full..