Rotating Anchor Point Flange for Higher Shear Load Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchor points struggle to effectively withstand transverse forces without increasing their dimensions or geometry, limiting their shear load capacity and risking tool slippage during use.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a rotationally symmetrical annular flange on the lower part that protrudes radially, providing reinforcement and anti-slip protection, allowing the anchor point to distribute transverse forces effectively and maintain stability without altering its dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the dimensions or geometry of the anchor point are increased to improve shear load capacity, then the transverse force resistance is improved, but the installation height and overall size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshear load capacityVSAvoidinstallation height
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor point is divided into functionally distinct segments: the lower part with wrench flats for tool engagement, the annular flange for shear load distribution, and the upper part with the eyelet for lifting. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the annular flange to bear shear loads without increasing the overall installation height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The annular flange introduces a radial dimension for load distribution. Instead of increasing vertical height to improve shear capacity, the solution extends radially outward with the annular flange that has a larger diameter than the lower part. This radial extension provides a broader base for distributing transverse forces without compromising the compact vertical profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the annular flange diameter is increased to improve shear load capacity, then the transverse force distribution is improved, but the tool engagement area may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransverse force resistanceVSAvoidtool engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the anchor point are given different geometric properties suited to their specific functions. The lower part maintains a compact diameter with flat surfaces for tool engagement, while the annular flange has a larger diameter optimized for shear load distribution. This local differentiation ensures that tool engagement is not compromised by the larger flange diameter, as they serve distinct purposes in different spatial zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The structure is segmented into the lower part with wrench flats and the annular flange, allowing independent optimization of each segment. The lower part's geometry is preserved for tool engagement, while the annular flange's larger diameter is dedicated solely to improving shear load capacity without interfering with tool access or engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the anchor point design is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then the production cost is reduced, but the shear load capacity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidshear load capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The annular flange is merged with the lower part as a single integrated component rather than a separate attachment. This merging eliminates the need for additional fasteners or assembly steps, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while providing the shear load enhancement. The unified structure reduces assembly complexity and potential failure points from separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The annular flange serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural reinforcement for shear loads, provides a bearing surface for load distribution, and maintains the compact overall dimensions. This multi-functionality achieves improved shear capacity without adding separate components or complex mechanisms, thereby preserving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4126741B1Attachment point
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 J D THEILE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4126741B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4126741B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an attachment point (1) for securing to an object to be secured or handled, comprising a lower part having a connection means (5) for connecting the attachment point (1) to an object to be secured or handled and having a bearing bush (17) and having an outer casing with spanner flats (15) for applying a tool, as well as comprising an upper part (3) which can rotate relative to the lower part (2) and which engages into the bearing bush (1) of the lower part (2) by a bearing section (18), and which has an eyelet element (6), wherein the lower part (2) has a ring flange (12) projecting in the radial direction relative to the spanner surfaces (15) in the end section pointing towards the upper part (3).