Intermediate Anchor Device Pin Slot Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

In height safety applications, particularly when using temporary horizontal safety lines between makeshift anchor points, there is a risk of the safety line snapping due to lateral deflection during a fall, leading to potential injury or death, as the tether can slide against the building edge and rupture.

Innovation Solution

An intermediate safety line anchor device with a reconfigurable constraining arrangement that transitions from a non-gripped to a gripped configuration in response to force, using a guide arrangement with a pin and slot mechanism to secure the safety line and prevent lateral deflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a long span safety line is used between anchor points, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to lateral deflection during a fall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of movement along safety lineVSAvoidsafety line integrity during fall

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The safety line system is segmented into multiple spans by introducing intermediate anchor devices between the main anchor points. Each anchor device creates a shorter, safer span that limits lateral deflection during a fall, while the overall system maintains ease of movement across the entire roof area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Intermediate anchor devices are introduced as intermediary elements between the main anchor points and the user. These devices act as mediators that prevent the safety line from deflecting laterally during a fall, thereby maintaining reliability without compromising the ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a reconfigurable constraining arrangement is used, then the reliability is improved by preventing lateral deflection, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety line stabilityVSAvoidanchor device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The constraining arrangement transitions from a static structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The components can move relative to each other, allowing the device to adapt its configuration based on the forces applied, thereby providing reliable constraint without requiring an overly complex fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The constraining arrangement operates in periodic cycles: during normal use, it maintains a non-gripped configuration allowing free movement, and during a fall event, it transitions to a gripped configuration to prevent lateral deflection. This periodic action simplifies the overall device structure compared to maintaining constant constraint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If the constraining arrangement is reconfigurable between gripped and non-gripped configurations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraveler movement along safety lineVSAvoidconstraining arrangement structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second components are designed to move relative to each other, creating a dynamic system that can switch between gripped and non-gripped configurations. This dynamic design allows the traveler to move freely during normal operation while providing automatic constraint during falls, without requiring a overly complex fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The constraining arrangement is designed to automatically reconfigure in response to forces applied during a fall, without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The relative movement between components is driven by the fall force itself, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The intermediate anchor device effectively limits lateral deflection of the safety line, reducing the risk of rupture and ensuring the user falls a lesser distance, thereby enhancing safety in height safety applications.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second components may be preferably caused to reconfigure to the gripped configuration in the event of a force acting on one of the components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20230166137A1Safety Line System and Anchor Device

Publication Date: 2023.06.01 MSA TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

A safety line anchor device with a first component, the first component having a connection part at first end and a gripping element at a second end, a second component, the second component having a first opposed end portion, a second end portion, and a pin fixed in position and protruding from the second component, and the first component is slidably mounted to the second component and the gripping element separates the first opposed end portion and the second end portion.