Anti-twist Runner for Fall Arrest Guide Rail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety systems for preventing falls in high-rise structures, such as ladders, often have structurally complex anti-twist devices that complicate correct alignment and attachment of the runner to the guide element, increasing the risk of incorrect installation and reduced safety.

Innovation Solution

A structurally simple anti-twist device is implemented using a securing element with angled limbs that automatically prevents incorrect alignment by colliding with the guide element, combined with a redundant locking mechanism to ensure secure attachment in one orientation, enhancing handling safety and preventing wrong orientation attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex anti-twist device with multiple blocking elements is used, then the runner can be prevented from incorrect alignment, but the device complexity increases and handling becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of incorrect alignmentVSAvoidstructure of anti-twist device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the anti-twist function from a complex multi-element blocking system and implements it through a single securing element with angled limbs that naturally prevents rotation through its geometry alone, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing element employs asymmetric angled limbs that create a geometric constraint allowing movement in only the correct orientation, using the asymmetry of the angles themselves rather than multiple symmetric blocking elements to achieve the anti-twist effect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If multiple independent release mechanisms are provided for actuating brake bodies, then the braking function is more reliable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking functionVSAvoidactuating mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple independent release mechanisms into a single integrated actuating lever system that pivots to simultaneously engage or disengage both brake bodies, reducing the number of separate mechanisms while maintaining the reliability of dual-brake actuation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides a safer and easier-to-handle safety system by ensuring the runner can only be correctly attached to the guide element, reducing the risk of incorrect alignment and enhancing overall safety through a redundant anti-twist mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

a securing element which can be moved between a release position and a securing position, wherein in the securing position this prevents the runner from being attached to the guide element by colliding with the guide element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

a brake body which can be moved by means of an actuating mechanism from a release position, in which the runner can be moved along the guide element, into a braking position, in which the brake body is actuated by a (force- and/or form-fitting) contact with the guide element prevents or brakes a relative movement between the runner and the guide element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2890464B1Traveller for a safety system comprising a guide element
Publication Date: 2016.10.19 SKYLOTEC GMBH
  • EP2890464B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2890464B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2890464B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a traveller (1) for a safety system comprising a guide element, said traveller having a housing (2) which guides the guide element, a brake body (13) and a stop element for securing a safety element connected to the person to be secured. The brake body can be moved by means of an actuating lever from a release position, in which the traveller can be moved along the guide element, into a locking position, in which the brake body prevents or decelerates a relative movement between the traveller and the guide element in a blocking direction by being in contact with the guide element. The traveller also comprises a safety device which allows the traveller to be secured to the guide element in only one orientation, a safety element (36) being provided which can be moved between a release position and a safety position and which in said safety position prevents the traveller from being secured, by colliding with the guide element.