Conceptual Design and Analysis of a Novel Magnetic Braking Descent Device

This paper presents a magnetic braking descent device that includes a webbing winding mechanism, a speed-increasing mechanism, and an axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) eddy current braking mechanism. The design specification, considerations, and flowchart are proposed and illustrated. For the winding mechanism, the webbing installation space and power spring requirement are determined. Thus, the required braking torque is calculated based on the load conditions and is followed by the torque estimation and analysis of the presented magnetic braking mechanism. The planetary gear train with an appropriate speed-increasing ratio is designed to facilitate generating sufficient braking torque. The descending performance under load conditions with 280 and 59 kg is analyzed and simulated by using finite element method, the results show the descending speed can be maintained at less than 2 m/s of the design requirement. In summary, the presented design of this study is feasible and has the potential to be a safe and effective solution for various descent applications.