Beam Anchor With Yaw Restoring Mechanism For I-Beam Fall Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam anchors for I-beams face challenges in maintaining central coupler positioning and preventing twisting, leading to binding issues when used on flanged beams, which complicates mobility and requires complex, costly devices.
Innovation Solution
A beam anchor design featuring adjustable capturing members with spring-biased mechanisms to maintain central coupler positioning and yaw restoring mechanisms with outriggers to counteract twisting, ensuring even load distribution and preventing binding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coupler is fixedly attached to the cross-bar in a central location, then the coupler position is determined, but the load distribution becomes uneven when capturing members are adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is made movable along the cross-bar rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. A spring mechanism provides a centering force that automatically positions the coupler centrally relative to the capturing members, ensuring even load distribution regardless of the capturing members' positions.
2Reliability
If the coupler is allowed to slide freely along the cross-bar, then the coupler can assume the ideal central location, but the coupler can slide out of position
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism applies a preliminary centering force to the coupler, preventing it from sliding out of position. The spring continuously exerts a restoring force that pushes the coupler back toward the central location, counteracting any displacing forces before they can cause significant mispositioning.
3Ease of operation
If there is a gap between capturing members and flange edges to allow mobility, then the beam anchor can move smoothly, but the beam anchor becomes susceptible to twisting
Solution Approach 1:
Outrigger members are positioned asymmetrically relative to the capturing members, extending beyond the capturing members in the direction of travel. This asymmetric configuration creates a geometric constraint that prevents twisting while preserving the gap needed for smooth mobility along the flange.
4Reliability
If both capturing members are made adjustable to maintain central positioning, then load distribution is improved, but the device becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment capability is segmented and applied only where needed - specifically to one capturing member rather than both. The coupler's movability along the cross-bar compensates for the single adjustable capturing member, achieving even load distribution without requiring complex dual-adjustment mechanisms.
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 stable and centralized attachment to I-beams, preventing twisting and binding, thus ensuring smooth mobility and meeting safety standards for fall protection, such as withstanding 5000 pounds of force.
Implementation Method 1
one or more springs are provided that maintain a relatively centered position of the attachment member between the beam capturing members
Implementation Method 2
The yaw restoring mechanisms are adapted to contact portions of the corresponding side edge surfaces of the flange to apply the restoring torque
Data Source
AI summary
A beam anchor. The beam anchor is generally used for attaching to a flanged beam that has been made a part of a structure, to provide fall protection for a worker working on the structure. The beam anchor includes a main cross-member with a beam capturing member at each end. One or both of the capturing members have associated therewith respective yaw restoring mechanisms providing a combined restoring torque for urging the cross-member in counteraction to twisting thereof by a yaw angle in a yaw plane that is substantially parallel to the surface portions. Preferably, a lanyard attachment member is slidably disposed on the cross-member and spring-biased into a relatively centered position between the capturing members.