Multi-layer Belt Fall Damper with Tearable Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing band energy absorbers for braking falling masses, particularly children, provide inadequate braking effect, leading to increased risk of injury due to high impact forces during falls, as they only take effect in one phase and do not optimally release force until a certain body weight is reached, resulting in injuries such as whiplash and fractures.
Innovation Solution
A band energy absorber with a multi-layer design featuring at least four bands, where the bands are connected in a tearable manner using a 'VW' binding, allowing for controlled tearing and progressive force reduction, with the bands and layers connected alternately to distribute and absorb the impact force more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-phase braking system is used, then the structure is simple, but the braking effect is inadequate for lighter individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is divided into multiple independent bands (first band, second band, third band, fourth band) arranged in parallel layers. Each band can tear independently through tearable connections, providing segmented energy absorption phases. This segmentation allows the system to provide progressive braking effect suitable for different body weights, particularly improving protection for lighter individuals while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bands are permanently connected, then the structure is stable, but the impact force is not adequately reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The band connections are designed to transition from a stable connected state to a separated state during operation. Tearable connections (sewn, glued, or woven) allow bands to remain stably connected during normal use but can progressively tear apart during a fall, converting the static stable structure into a dynamic energy-absorbing system that reduces impact force through controlled disintegration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tearable connections are designed to be discarded (torn) during the braking process to absorb impact energy. The connections are permanently attached during manufacturing but intentionally designed to fail in a controlled manner during use, discarding the connection structure to recover energy and reduce impact force on the falling person.
3Strength
If the connections are strong and permanent, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the progressive force reduction is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the band system have different connection qualities. The connections between bands are designed with varying tear resistance through different methods (sewing, gluing, weaving) and different numbers of connections. This local variation in connection strength allows some bands to tear before others, creating a progressive force reduction sequence that adapts to the impact energy while maintaining overall structural integrity during normal use.
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 multi-layer design achieves a controlled and gradual reduction in force during a fall, significantly reducing impact forces on lighter individuals, such as children, by allowing the bands to tear progressively, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of severe injuries.
Implementation Method 1
A falling mass, preferably the falling person, is then braked by cutting the aforementioned braking seam... a gradual, progressive reduction in force is achieved through the alternating respective connection of the bands of one layer to one another and of the two layers to one another
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject matter of the invention is a belt-type fall damper for braking a falling mass, with at least four belts (1, 2, 3, 4), wherein at least two belts (1, 2) arranged adjacent to one another in a first layer (5) and at least two belts (3, 4) are arranged adjacent to one another in a second layer (6), the beginnings of the belts (1, 2) of the first layer (5) are connected to the ends of the belts (3, 4) of the second layer (6) and the beginnings of the belts (3, 4) of the second layer (6) are connected (A, B) to the ends of the belts (1, 2) of the first layer (5), and the belts (1, 2, 3, 4) of the first and/or second layer (5, 6), on the one hand, and the first and second layer (5, 6), on the other hand, are in each case alternately connected to one another so as to be able to be torn open.