Telescopic Climbing Mast with Ceiling Interface for Fall Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction workers face significant risks of injury and death from falls while using ladders to build temporary walls and other tall structures in narrow spaces, as conventional scaffolding is often impractical and fall protection measures are not conveniently available.
Innovation Solution
A climbable safety assembly with a telescopic mast structure, OSHA-compliant fall-restraint tie-off point, and compression force generator to prevent lateral movement and provide support, including ceiling interface options like pins, adhesives, and inflatable air bags to secure the mast and prevent tipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional scaffolding is used to build temporary walls, then worker safety is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase making it impractical for narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffolding system is divided into modular components including separate mast sections, platform units, and connection elements that can be independently assembled and configured for narrow space applications
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional ground-based scaffolding to a ceiling-suspended configuration, utilizing the vertical dimension and ceiling attachment points to create stable structures in narrow corridors and hallways where conventional horizontal scaffolding cannot fit
2Productivity
If extension ladders are used in narrow spaces, then productivity is improved, but the stability and safety of the structure deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling interface portion is pre-installed and secured to the ceiling structure before the mast is erected, creating a predetermined stable anchor point that eliminates the need for ladder-based ceiling work and provides immediate structural support
Solution Approach 2:
The mast structure serves as an intermediary element between the ceiling interface and the working platform, providing a stable vertical support that replaces the unstable ladder configuration while maintaining construction efficiency
3Ease of operation
If ladders without fall protection are used, then ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and safety of the system deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fall protection system is merged with the primary structural components of the scaffolding, with the mast structure serving dual functions as both the support element and the anchor point for fall protection tie-off points, eliminating the need for separate ladder and fall protection equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The scaffolding system provides its own fall protection capabilities through integrated tie-off points on the mast structure, allowing workers to secure themselves without requiring external fall protection equipment or additional complex safety systems
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 effectively reduces the risk of ladder tipping and provides fall protection for workers, allowing safe installation of temporary and permanent walls in narrow spaces while adhering to safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
a compression force generator, for example hydraulic, screw, rachet jack, or winch mechanism, has a base portion configured to rest on a support surface and generate sufficient compression through the linkage of the mast structure and the ceiling interface portion with the ceiling to prevent or resist lateral movement
Implementation Method 2
The ceiling interface includes an adhesive, magnetic, or hook-and-loop type high-friction engagement between the top of the mast structure and the ceiling
Implementation Method 3
The ceiling interface includes an adhesive, magnetic, or hook-and-loop type high-friction engagement between the top of the mast structure and the ceiling
Implementation Method 4
The ceiling interface includes an adhesive, magnetic, or hook-and-loop type high-friction engagement between the top of the mast structure and the ceiling
Implementation Method 5
the ceiling interface includes an inflatable air bag with a center hole or recess configured to fit around or over the top of the mast structure and to filled with pressurized air via a pump to fill in space between the top of the mast and two adjacent joists, restricting movement of the upper end of the mast
Data Source
AI summary
To address one or more of these and/or other needs or problems with the use of climbing aids in the construction industry, the present inventor devised, among other things, one or more exemplary systems, kits, methods, devices, assemblies, and/or components related to providing safe and efficient means for installing temporary walls in commercial building projects as well as for other situations where conventional ladders pose heightened risk of injury and death. One exemplary system includes a telescopic climbing mast having a minimal operational length in the range of at least 15 feet, extending between a base support and a ceiling interface configured to resist lateral movement of an upper end of the mast. An upper portion of the mast further includes a worker safety line tie-off point for connection to a retractable fall restraint line.