Elimination OF Abrupt Mechanical Shock Loading

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Emellish
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It's a problem of reducing an abrupt shock load as an 850 kg runaway machine trundles down ramps, and comes to an abrupt halt at the end of its tether fixed to a van's tow hitch. Ramps fixed to the van's rear door sill incline at 20 degrees to ground level and their length is 2.5 metres. I need to pass on figures to size a suitable in-line spring.
 
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anorlunda said:
Why not use block-and-tackles to lower it gently? That sound much safer.

If we give you a spring calculation, it might be wrong because we can't know all the circumstances no matter how much you describe it.

We don't allow discussion of dangerous topics here on PF.

This is not an existing current risk which has been resolved with a valid working tether used as a backup to a self propelled machine that is successfully being driven down ramps under its own power. I am trying to improve the tether---should on the unlikely off chance it be needed--- by reducing its shock load with a suitable spring. There are no further circumstances to describe? It is a straight forward 850kg mass down a 20 degree incline requiring buffering on a tether. (KISS)
 
Sorry, it involves the safety of people and equipment, so we can't really offer you advice on your project. Thread is closed.