Carabiner Connector with Insert for Continuous Fall Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In work environments where workers need to move between areas, there is a gap in fall protection when disconnecting from one support structure and connecting to another, as the lifeline is not continuously attached to a support structure, leaving a period of vulnerability to falls.
Innovation Solution
A connector system using a carabiner and insert that allows for efficient and effective connection of two lifelines to a safety harness, spacing them apart to prevent entanglement and ensuring continuous attachment to a support structure, comprising a carabiner with a rotating barrel and an insert with lifeline connection guides and carabiner retaining channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a worker uses a single lifeline and disconnects to move between areas, then the worker can move freely between support structures, but there is a period of time when the lifeline is not connected providing no fall protection
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fall protection function into two separate lifelines (first lifeline and second lifeline), each serving different areas. The worker can switch between segmented lifeline systems when moving between areas, ensuring continuous protection while maintaining mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The worker is instructed to connect the second lifeline to the second support structure before disconnecting the first lifeline from the first support structure. This preliminary action ensures that fall protection is already in place before the transition begins, eliminating the vulnerability gap.
2Reliability
If two lifelines are used to maintain continuous attachment, then continuous fall protection is achieved, but the complexity of the connection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a universal device that can attach to both the first and second lifelines using the same connection mechanism. The single connector performs multiple functions: attaching to lifeline one, then attaching to lifeline two, simplifying the overall system despite using two lifelines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the attachment functions for both lifelines into a single connector assembly. Instead of requiring separate connectors for each lifeline, the design merges the connection capabilities, reducing the number of components and simplifying the system architecture.
3Volume of moving object
If lifelines are connected close together, then the connector size is reduced, but the lifelines may become entangled
Solution Approach 1:
The connector utilizes the vertical dimension by extending ears in the vertical direction to provide adequate spacing between lifeline attachment points. This dimensional approach allows the connector to remain compact in horizontal footprint while maintaining sufficient vertical separation to prevent entanglement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector provides localized spacing only where needed - between the attachment points for the two lifelines. The overall connector size remains small, but specific local regions (the ears) are extended to create separation zones that prevent entanglement without increasing the total volume excessively.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector that includes a carabiner and an insert is provided. The base of the insert has a length that extends between a first end and a second end and a width that extends between a first side edge and a second side edge. A barrel connector of the insert centrally extends from the first side edge of the base. The barrel connector receives a barrel of a gate of the carabiner. A first ear extends from the second side edge of the base proximate the first end of the base. The first ear includes a first carabiner retaining channel that selectively engages a first portion of the carabiner. A second ear extends from the second side edge of the base proximate the second end of the base. The second ear includes a second carabiner retaining channel that selectively engages a second portion of the carabiner.