Anchor Terminal with Plastic Hinges for Fall Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor terminals are not suitable for installations on prefabricated "Π" beams and can hinder water flow when mounted on valley lines, particularly on coverings made of "Y" beams, and do not effectively dissipate fall energy to reduce stress on fixing means and the covering.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable anchor terminal with energy-absorbing side elements made of bent metal plates, featuring plastic hinges that deform under load to dissipate fall energy and shift load transmission over time, allowing installation on various roofing configurations including valleys and "Π" beams, and can be used on flat surfaces and vertical walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If variable-geometry anchor terminals are installed along ridge lines, then operators can easily reach both pitches, but they are not suitable for mounting on ridge lines of coverings made of prefabricated Π beams
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor terminal incorporates movable side fins that can rotate and adjust their position dynamically. The fins are hinged to the central section, allowing them to adapt to different geometric configurations including Π beams, while maintaining the ability to provide operator accessibility on various pitch arrangements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable-geometry anchor terminals are mounted on valley lines, then they can be installed on Y beam coverings, but they hinder the free flow of meteoric waters
Solution Approach 1:
The side fins are designed as thin, flexible elements that can conform to the covering surface while maintaining water flow paths. Their slender profile and ability to follow the contour of the valley line minimize obstruction to meteoric water flow while providing the necessary anchoring function on Y beam configurations.
3Reliability
If traditional anchor terminals are used, then connections can be made to safety harnesses, but they do not effectively dissipate fall energy to reduce stress on fixing means and covering
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor terminal incorporates energy-absorbing elements in the form of deformable side fins that act as cushions during fall events. These fins are designed to deform plastically under impact loads, absorbing fall energy before it reaches the fixing means, thereby reducing peak stresses and protecting both the covering and the anchoring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The side fins are designed with specific geometric parameters and material properties that allow them to change their mechanical behavior under different load conditions. During normal use, they remain rigid to provide structural support, but during fall events, they undergo controlled plastic deformation to absorb energy, effectively changing their stiffness parameter in response to load magnitude.
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 anchor terminal effectively reduces stress on fixing means and coverings by absorbing fall energy and introducing a time shift in load transmission, enabling secure and energy-efficient installations on diverse roofing geometries.
Implementation Method 1
at least two side elements (3, 4) made of bent metal plates, featuring plastic hinges that deform under load to dissipate fall energy
Implementation Method 2
featuring plastic hinges that deform under load to dissipate fall energy and shift load transmission over time
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Anchor terminal for safety systems for coverings, comprising anchor means (1), associated with a support (2), featuring connection means, to which at least two side elements (3, 4) are rotationally linked to lean on the covering, characterized in that said at least two side elements (3, 4) and/or said support (2) feature a number of bends which, upon being adequately loaded, become plastic hinges.