Anchorage Device Connection Quality Assessment via Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for evaluating the connection quality of anchorage devices, such as those used in personal protective equipment, often involve destructive or potentially damaging tests like vibration and load tests, which can loosen the connection and are not non-destructive or repeatable.

Innovation Solution

A method involving external vibration excitation of anchorage devices with different frequencies to measure natural or resonant frequencies and damping, comparing these to reference values to assess connection quality without causing damage, using sensors and actuators to determine the transmission frequency response and resonance amplitude.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If vibration tests or load tests are performed to check connection quality, then the connection quality can be assessed, but the connection may be loosened and the test cannot be repeated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection quality assessmentVSAvoidconnection integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration by exciting the anchorage device with a vibration generator and measuring its natural frequency and damping characteristics. This non-destructive vibration-based method allows repeated testing without loosening the connection, resolving the contradiction between assessment accuracy and connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces destructive mechanical load tests with non-destructive vibration-based measurement. By substituting the mechanical testing system with a vibration excitation and measurement system, the method enables repeated testing while preserving the connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If destructive tests are performed to evaluate connection quality, then the assessment can be thorough, but the anchorage device may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection quality evaluationVSAvoiddamage to anchorage device

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses mechanical vibration excitation to measure the natural frequency and damping of the anchorage device. This non-destructive approach provides thorough evaluation of connection quality without causing damage to the device, eliminating the harmful effects associated with destructive testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the natural vibrational properties of the anchorage device into a beneficial measurement signal. By measuring the damped natural frequency, the method transforms the device's inherent physical characteristics into useful diagnostic information without causing harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If visual inspection is used to check anchor devices, then the method is simple and non-invasive, but it cannot assess the connection quality when the fastening is not visible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection simplicityVSAvoidconnection quality detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual inspection with a mechanical vibration-based measurement system. The vibration generator and sensor can be attached to the anchorage device regardless of whether the fastening is visible, enabling precise connection quality assessment while maintaining operational simplicity through automated measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables a simple, safe, and repeatable non-destructive evaluation of connection quality, reducing the risk of damaging the anchorage device and ensuring occupational safety by determining if the connection is sufficient for securing workers.

Implementation Method 1

a) External vibration excitation of the anchorage device when attached to the structure with different excitation frequencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

c) Determination of at least one natural or resonant frequency of the anchoring device based on the transmission frequency response

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

at least one acceleration sensor for measuring the vibrations resulting from the external vibrational excitation of the anchorage device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3421964B1Method and device for assessing the connection quality of anchor devices

Publication Date: 2021.02.24 HACHENBERG SIMONE

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AI summary

A method and a device for evaluating the connection quality between a stop device (12) attached at one end to a structural installation (14) and the structural installation (14), wherein the stop device (12) is excited to vibrate, both the excitation and the resulting vibrations are measured, and the vibration behavior of the stop device (12) is compared with a reference behavior.