Confined Space Access Device with Segmented Arms and Pulleys

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access devices for confined spaces are cumbersome, difficult to transport, and can only support one person, with lengthy installation times and high weights, making them unsuitable for rapid and safe access via manholes.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a rectilinear support strut with two rigidly fixed arms, pulleys, and anchoring elements that can be easily and quickly secured to a manhole using removable fixing elements, allowing for two-person support and reduced bulk and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional access devices are used for confined spaces, then safety support is provided, but the device weight is high (greater than 50 kg) making it difficult to transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple components: a support structure with arms, pulleys, and anchoring elements that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows for optimized weight distribution and easier transport while maintaining structural integrity and safety support capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction combining different materials with optimal strength-to-weight ratios. The support arms, pulleys, and anchoring elements use materials that provide sufficient mechanical strength for safety support while minimizing overall device weight compared to traditional single-material constructions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If traditional access devices are used, then safety support is provided, but the device bulk is large making it difficult to transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device components are designed to nest within each other when not in use. The arms can be positioned within the support structure, and the anchoring elements can be stored within the arm assemblies, significantly reducing the overall bulk volume for transport and storage while maintaining full functionality when deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates movable and adjustable components including articulated arms and retractable anchoring elements. This dynamic design allows the structure to compact into a smaller volume for transport while expanding to provide adequate safety support when in use, resolving the contradiction between bulk size and safety support capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If articulated rotary arm devices are used, then safety support is provided, but installation time is relatively lengthy

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with pre-assembled modular components that can be quickly connected to the confined space opening. The anchoring elements are pre-positioned on the arms, and the pulley systems are pre-installed, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site assembly and reducing installation time while maintaining safety support reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If devices with extended arms are used, then safety support is provided, but it is difficult to introduce tools via the manhole

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a vertical support structure with horizontally extending arms that position pulleys and anchoring elements in three-dimensional space around the opening. This spatial arrangement allows safety support functions to be provided from multiple dimensions while leaving the central vertical passage clear for tool introduction and personnel access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 device enables rapid, safe, and efficient access to confined spaces, supporting two people while being lightweight and easy to transport, with a simplified installation process that minimizes interference with the manhole opening.

Implementation Method 1

the second arm is provided with at least two pulleys whose axis of rotation is at right angles to the plane defined by the strut and the first and second arms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Data Source

PatentUS10669133B2Device providing safe access to a confined space, notably a lateral-access confined space

Publication Date: 2020.06.02

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for safe access to a confined space, comprising:a rectilinear support strut (12),two arms (14, 16) each fixed rigidly to an end (12a) of the strut, at right angles thereto and in opposite directions.A first arm (14) comprises at least one anchoring element (18), the second arm (16) being provided with at least two pulleys (20, 22) whose axis of rotation is at right angles to the plane defined by the strut and the arms. The anchoring element (18) and the two pulleys (20, 22) are arranged so as to allow the passage of a cordage of the anchoring element to the pulleys without interfering with the strut and the first and second arms. The strut (12) has at least one fixing member intended to cooperate with an opening (84) of the confined space in order to ensure the fixing thereof.