Anti-fall Protection Hinge with Eccentric Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-fall protection systems for ladder users are inconvenient to mount and dismount on complex structures like wind turbines, as they can only be mounted at the top or bottom, and there is a risk of unintentional disengagement, especially for exhausted users who may act irrationally.
Innovation Solution
The anti-fall protection system is adapted to allow mounting and dismounting anywhere on the rail with complementary and asymmetrical engagement means, and includes a displaceable hinge with an eccentric mechanism that locks onto the rail during a fall, while requiring three conscious actions for disengagement, ensuring secure attachment and preventing unintentional opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If anti-fall protection is mounted only at top or bottom of rail, then mounting positions are limited, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement means are designed to perform multiple functions: they enable mounting at any position along the rail, provide secure locking during falls, and prevent unintentional disengagement. The first and second engagement means work together as a universal mounting system that combines flexibility with safety mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-fall protection device nests within the rail structure through the engagement means. The first engagement means engages with the rail to provide mounting, while the second engagement means provides additional securing. This nested arrangement allows the device to be integrated at any position along the rail without adding external complexity.
2Ease of operation
If hinge is easily displaceable for mounting, then mounting is convenient, but unintentional disengagement risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions to prevent unintentional disengagement. The first engagement means is designed to engage with the rail in a preliminary step, and the second engagement means provides an additional preliminary securing action. These preliminary engagements ensure that the device is securely mounted before any fall event occurs, preventing accidental disengagement during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow easy displacement for mounting but prevent disengagement during falls. The displaceable hinge can be easily moved for mounting convenience, but the engagement means create a dynamic locking system that becomes secure under fall loads, adapting its behavior based on the applied forces.
3Reliability
If three conscious actions are required for disengagement, then unintentional opening is prevented, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disengagement process is segmented into three distinct conscious actions: first disengaging the first engagement means from the rail, then disengaging the second engagement means, and finally displacing the hinge. This segmentation ensures that unintentional disengagement is prevented by requiring multiple deliberate steps, while the structured sequence makes the process systematic rather than time-consuming.
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
This solution provides increased safety and reliability by allowing flexible mounting on any part of the rail and preventing unintentional disengagement, even when users are exhausted, thus enhancing the self-controlling nature of the system.
Implementation Method 1
The underlying mechanical principle of these anti-fall protection systems is based on an eccentric mechanism accommodated at the bottom of the brace or the hinge which is rotatably journalled. The eccentric mechanism functions in that it is forced into locking engagement with the rail when the brace or the hinge is influenced relatively by a downwards force.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for anti-fall protection of individuals during work on ladders with rungs. The system comprises an anti-fall protection with a first and a second side and a displaceable hinge that can be secured to an individual by means of safety line, harness or the like, and a rail for attachment in an essentially vertical position on or at the ladder. The anti-fall protection and the rail has co-operating locking means that are adapted to be such that the anti-fall protection can slide on the rail when the rail is displaced in one direction and is securely locked onto the rail when the hinge is displaced in another direction. Rail and anti-fall protection are also configured with complementary and asymmetrical engagement means to the effect that the anti-fall protection can be mounted on the rail with only one side upwards, and said first and second sides being mutually displaceable to the effect that the engagement means can be caused to disengage from the rail. Between the first and the second sides, the anti-fall protection also comprises connection means that cooperate with the hinge to the effect that the first and second sides of the anti-fall protection can be shifted out of engagement with the rail only when the hinge is displaced in one direction.