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System Efficiency of Mechanical Advantage Systems

Written By: Lance Piatt

mechanical advantage systems efficiency

System Efficiency of Mechanical Advantage Systems

Mechanical Advantage (MA) systems are essential tools in rescue and rigging operations, but their efficiency can be affected by multiple factors. Understanding these factors and learning how to optimize your system ensures safer, faster, and more effective operations. Let’s explore how friction, angles, and progression techniques influence the efficiency of mechanical advantage systems.

Factors Affecting System Efficiency

1. Pulley Friction

Pulley efficiency varies depending on the type of pulley and materials used:

  • Rescue Pulleys: Typically have an efficiency of 75% to 90%, meaning only 75-90% of the tension applied transfers through the system.
  • Carabiners as Pulleys: Provide much lower efficiency (~50% or less), with steel carabiners performing slightly better than aluminum ones.

2. Rope-on-Rope Friction

  • Crossing strands of rope within the MA system causes significant friction and reduces efficiency.
  • Avoid allowing ropes to rub against each other to maintain smooth operation.

3. Contact with Surfaces

  • Rope touching any surface creates additional friction that lowers system performance.
  • Use tools like:
    • Cloth edge padding
    • Polyethylene edge pads (e.g., ice cube trays)
    • Rollers
    • Directional pulleys

4. Excessive Angles

  • The efficiency of force transfer depends on the angle at which the rope enters and exits the pulley:
    • Acute angles transfer more force.
    • Obtuse angles transfer less force.
  • Keep ropes parallel but avoid letting them touch for maximum efficiency.

• MA of first system x throw distance of the first system = length of throw for the second system; example:

  • 1st throw is a 10 foot long 3:1 10 ft x 3 = 30 ft
  • 2nd throw should be built 30 ft long (regardless of the MA of the 2nd throw)

Maximizing System Throw

System throw refers to the amount of rope you can pull before needing to reset the system. Efficient systems minimize resets, which save time and energy during rescues.

  • Simple Systems: Move the mainline anchor farther from the edge to extend the throw.
  • Compound Systems:
    • Stagger anchors to prevent the second system from collapsing prematurely.
    • Use the formula:
      MA of first system × throw distance of the first system = length of throw for the second system.
      Example: A 10-foot long 3:1 system creates a 30-foot throw. Build the second system for a 30-foot throw regardless of its MA.

Progression of Mechanical Advantage Systems

If more MA is required during a haul, it is more efficient to build upon an existing system rather than dismantling it and starting from scratch.

2:1 Progression

  • 2:1 → 6:1 → 10:1
  • Build higher degrees of MA by compounding or extending the system.

3:1 Progression

  • 3:1 → 5:1 → 9:1
  • Progressions allow you to adapt to the load requirements without disrupting the original system.

Key Considerations

  • Minimize Friction: Use appropriate tools and avoid unnecessary rope contact with surfaces or other ropes.
  • Optimize Angles: Maintain ideal rope angles entering and exiting pulleys for smooth force transfer.
  • Use Minimal MA: Only apply the level of mechanical advantage required to raise the load. Higher MA increases the load on anchors and systems, which can lead to catastrophic failure.
  • Calculate Forces: Understanding the forces applied to anchors and components ensures system safety and reliability.

Summary

Manual haul systems are powerful yet high-risk techniques. Their effectiveness depends on the rescuer’s ability to manage friction, maximize system throw, and build MA progressions efficiently. By focusing on these elements, you can create systems that are safer, faster, and more adaptable to complex rescue scenarios.

For additional resources and hands-on training in optimizing system efficiency, visit Rigging Lab Academy.

Some Extra Credit!

 

Peace on your Days

Lance
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About The Author:

Picture of Lance Piatt

Lance Piatt

Beginning his career in the rescue and rigging world as a “blue collar” SAR member with Deschutes and Jefferson County teams. Lance Piatt owns and operates Red Ibex Solutions, a sales and marketing wheelhouse blending rope rigging education and exquisite imagery with equipment knowledge and understanding; housing Rigging Lab Academy and Rescue Response Gear… Lance is producing high-end video education, working with several experts and instructors to produce unique series of “how to videos” and courses for rope rigging: Such as; the first ever full-length rescue training DVD, 'Tower Rescue', released in fall of 2005. As well as a series of scenario-based rescues ranging from cave rescue to cliff rescue.

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