Cam-Lobe Fall Protection Anchor for I-Beam Flange Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection systems require anchor points that necessitate drilling or modifying structures like I-beams, which is detrimental to the structure and poses challenges in creating anchor points with sufficient strength without such modifications.
Innovation Solution
A fall protection anchor design featuring a housing with cam lobes or roller cams that grip planar members like I-beam flanges, utilizing springs and rotational mechanisms to enhance grip and maintain attachment under force, allowing secure anchoring without drilling or modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If drilling or modifying the structure is used to create anchor points, then the anchor point strength is improved, but the structural integrity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary anchoring device that夹持 between the flange surfaces without drilling into the structure. This device includes cam lobes that convert rotational motion into clamping force, gripping the flange surfaces through friction and normal force, thereby providing secure anchoring while preserving the structural integrity of the I-beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical drilling and bolting system with a cam-based clamping system. The cam lobes convert rotational input into radial clamping force through geometric transformation, eliminating the need for holes or modifications to the flange surfaces while maintaining strong anchoring capability.
2Ease of operation
If a cam lobe mechanism is used to grip the planar member, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic cam lobes that can rotate to adjust the clamping force on the flange surfaces. This dynamic mechanism allows the anchor to self-adjust during installation and operation, providing ease of attachment while the modular design keeps the overall device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring device is segmented into distinct functional components: the housing, multiple cam lobes, springs, and attachment means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and making the device easier to operate while maintaining reasonable complexity.
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 design provides a secure and durable anchor point for fall protection systems by gripping I-beam flanges effectively, ensuring retention during falls and enabling easy release when needed, thus preserving the structural integrity of the I-beam.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the first cam lobe in a first direction causes the first cam lobe surface to extend further into the slot
Implementation Method 2
a first cam lobe spring coupled to the first cam lobe and structured to bias the first cam lobe in the first direction
Implementation Method 3
movement of the roller cam along the angled surface in a first direction causes the roller cam surface to extend further into the slot
Implementation Method 4
a roller cam spring coupled to the roller cam and structured to bias the roller cam in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A fall protection anchor includes a housing including a slot structured to receive a planar member, a first cam lobe coupled to the housing and having a first cam lobe surface, wherein rotation of the first cam lobe in a first direction causes the first cam lobe surface to extend further into the slot, and a first cam lobe spring coupled to the first cam lobe and structured to bias the first cam lobe in the first direction.