ASSEMBLY — SIDE VIEW (SCHEMATIC)
A mechanical climbing aid engineered for Palmyra palm (*Borassus flabellifer*) — replacing the traditional rope loop with a safe, repeatable, single-operator ascent system.
High-tensile aluminum jaws lined with natural rubber pads (70-Shore). Spring-return ratchet with one-hand release lever. Adjustable to trunk Ø 20–40cm. Jaw contact area: 120cm² per side — no bark damage.
Identical form factor to (A). Integrated cam mechanism: releases freely upward, locks progressively under downward load. Slide travel: 5mm slip then full engagement.
Anti-slip aluminum tread plates (150mm × 90mm). Fold flat for transport. Integrated toe-bar strap prevents foot slip. Angle-adjustable ±15° to match stance.
Twin 12mm hardened steel rods maintain constant spacing between upper and lower clamps. Telescoping: 180–280mm travel. Prevents device rotation on smooth trunk.
Forged stainless D-ring, rated 15kN. Attaches to operator's full-body harness or traditional hip belt. Distributes torso load, reduces arm fatigue by ~60% vs. rope loop.
12mm kernmantle rope, 4.5m, with auto-belay friction device at upper clamp anchor point. ISO 10333 compliant. Energy-absorbing lanyard limits fall arrest force to <6kN.
| Component | Material | Spec |
|---|---|---|
| Jaw Clamp Body | 6061-T6 Aluminium | MIL-SPEC anodize, 3mm wall |
| Jaw Pad Liner | Natural Rubber | 70 Shore A, 8mm thick |
| Guide Rods | 4140 Steel, hardened | Ø12mm, chrome finish |
| Foot Platform | 5052-H32 Aluminium | Diamond tread, 3mm |
| Ratchet Mechanism | Stainless 316 | 48-tooth, 5° engagement |
| Tether Rope | Nylon/Polyester core | 12mm, 22kN break load |
| Harness Ring | Forged SS 316 | 15kN min, CE certified |
| Parameter | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Max Working Load | 120 kg RATED | EN 12841-B |
| Safety Factor | 5× (600 kg proof) | ISO 22846 |
| Trunk Diameter Range | Ø 200 – 400 mm | Palmyra spec |
| Ascent Rate | 7 m/min (trained) | Field test est. |
| Device Weight | 2.4 kg complete | — |
| Assembly Time | < 90 seconds | Single operator |
| Maintenance Cycle | Every 50 climbs | FIELD |
The traditional method (visible in the photographs) requires extreme upper-body strength, years of practice, and carries high fall risk — bark contact with bare feet and minimal trunk grip under fatigue.
This device uses the inchworm principle: alternating load between two mechanical clamps, so the operator never needs to grip the trunk with hands or feet. Each clamp auto-locks under body weight and releases for sliding. The only effort required is leg extension — a 70kg operator pushes upward with ~400N leg force vs. ~700N arm pull with rope.
This device is designed for use with the HOPE108 GreenGrid Palmyra Conservation Programme. Tamil Nadu has over 100 million Palmyra palms — the traditional climbing community (Narikuravars, Nadars) uses methods unchanged for centuries.
Deployment target: ₹4,800/unit manufactured cost at 1,000-unit production run. Distributable through agricultural cooperative networks (TNAU, Tamil Nadu Palmyra Products Board). Zero power input. Fully field-repairable.