Collapsible Rappel Anchor Mount for Planar Surface Evacuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency rappelling systems are limited by the need for a fixed structure to secure the upper end of the rappel line, which is not always available in emergency situations, rendering them ineffective in many scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible, T-shaped anchor mount apparatus that can be quickly deployed to engage planar support surfaces, providing a secure attachment point for the rappel line without requiring a physical structure to loop around, using pivotally secured jaw members with frictional engagement and a carabiner connector for securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed structure is used to secure the rappel line, then the rappel line can be securely anchored, but the system becomes ineffective when no suitable fixture is available
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor apparatus is divided into separate functional components: jaw members for engaging the support surface, a carabiner for attaching the rappel line, and a pouch for storage. This segmentation allows the device to be deployed only when needed and adapted to various mounting situations without requiring a pre-fixed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw members are designed to be movable relative to each other, transitioning from a closed storage position in the pouch to an open deployed position where they can engage planar support surfaces. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different mounting environments and provides secure anchoring without requiring predetermined fixtures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mounting system is designed to work without fixed structures, then adaptability improves, but deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor apparatus is pre-assembled and stored in a pouch in a ready-to-deploy state. The jaw members are positioned and secured beforehand, so that when deployment is initiated, the user simply needs to open the pouch and position the device against the support surface, significantly reducing deployment time while maintaining adaptability to various mounting situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The carabiner and other components are nested within the pouch structure, allowing for compact storage and rapid deployment. This nesting arrangement ensures that all necessary components are immediately accessible and can be deployed in a single swift motion, minimizing time loss while providing versatile mounting capabilities.
3Reliability
If the rappel line is looped around a fixed structure, then securement is achieved, but the system requires a physical structure to loop around
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring function is segmented from the rappel line itself. The separate anchor apparatus with jaw members provides the securement mechanism, while the carabiner attaches the rappel line to this anchor. This segmentation eliminates the need to loop the rappel line around a fixed structure, as the jaw members directly engage the planar support surface to provide securement.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor apparatus acts as an intermediary between the rappel line and the planar support surface. Instead of directly looping the rappel line around a structure, the carabiner connects the rappel line to the anchor apparatus, which in turn engages the support surface through its jaw members. This intermediary device enables securement on surfaces that would not otherwise accommodate traditional looping methods.
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
Enables safe and rapid rappelling evacuation from elevated locations by providing a secure attachment point on various surfaces, expanding the range of possible mounting options and overcoming the limitations of prior art systems.
Implementation Method 1
frictional engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A rappel line anchor mount apparatus for use primarily with generally planar type support surfaces and fixtures provides a generally flat, substantially T-shaped body arranged to mount a rappel line on the normally upright leg extending substantially perpendicularly centrally from the work surface edge of the normally laterally extending top leg forming the T-shaped anchor body. The anchor mount apparatus may be formed with opposite jaw members pivotally secured together for movement between an extended, operative condition for use, and a collapsed, folded condition for efficient storage and carrying when not in use.