Breakaway Coil Shock Absorber for Multi-Weight Fall Arrest
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fall protection devices face limitations in weight capacity and acceleration reduction during falls, requiring multiple unique shock absorber designs and materials for different load ranges, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A locking system with a shock absorber featuring breakaway interfaces and a clipping mechanism that decouples at different forces, allowing the same shock absorber to be used for various weight capacities, and a method of manufacturing that includes creating coils and coupling them with breakaway interfaces to increase force resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple unique shock absorber designs are used for different weight ranges, then weight capacity and safety are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal shock absorber design that can accommodate multiple weight ranges (up to 310 lbs) through a single model number. This is achieved by using a standardized shock absorber body with interchangeable or adjustable internal components, allowing the same basic design to serve multiple functions across different weight categories without requiring multiple unique designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber is divided into modular segments including the shock absorber body, piston assembly, and reservoir components that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows different weight range configurations to be achieved by modifying specific modules rather than redesigning the entire shock absorber, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Strength
If multiple unique shock absorber designs are used for different weight ranges, then weight capacity and safety are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal shock absorber that covers weight ranges up to 310 lbs with a single model number, the manufacturer can produce one standardized design rather than multiple unique designs. This universality enables economies of scale in manufacturing, reduces tooling costs, and simplifies supply chain management, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to serve different weight ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes within a standardized design framework, such as adjusting piston diameter, spring rate, or reservoir volume, to accommodate different weight ranges. These parameter adjustments can be made through controlled manufacturing variations rather than complete redesigns, significantly reducing tooling and development costs while maintaining cost-effectiveness across different weight categories.
3Strength
If shock absorber is designed to withstand higher forces, then weight capacity increases, but acceleration reduction during falls decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber employs dynamic damping characteristics that adapt to the applied load. The valve system and piston design allow the device to provide different levels of resistance during compression based on the weight being supported. This dynamic behavior enables the shock absorber to limit acceleration forces to safe levels (6-8 kN) regardless of the user's weight, while still maintaining the structural strength needed to support heavier loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the damping characteristics and spring rates to balance weight capacity with acceleration reduction. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters within the standardized design, the shock absorber can be tuned to provide appropriate force limitation for different weight ranges without requiring multiple unique designs, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and harmful acceleration forces.
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 system provides improved weight capacity and streamlined manufacturing by using the same shock absorber for different weight ranges, reducing material needs and costs, while maintaining safety by limiting forces below 6-8 kN, and allowing for adjustable configurations based on user weight.
Implementation Method 1
The shock absorber includes a plurality of coils made out of a single coiled material that deform under load to absorb impact energy
Implementation Method 2
The breakaway interfaces include deformable fingers and hooks that rely on friction to maintain coupling between adjacent coils until the predetermined decoupling force is exceeded
Data Source
AI summary
Locking systems and method of manufacturing the same are provided. A locking system for fall protection includes a braking lever. The braking includes a shock absorber. The shock absorber includes a plurality of coils. The shock absorber also includes a plurality of breakaway interfaces coupling the plurality of coils together. Each of the plurality of breakaway interfaces are configured to decouple two of the plurality of coils at a different force. At least one of the breakaway interfaces defines at least one deformable finger defined on one of the plurality of coils of the shock absorber interfacing with another coil of the shock absorber.