Connecting and Anchoring Device for Line Workers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Line workers face challenges when accessing high utility poles, as bucket trucks may not reach the poles or the necessary height, leading to dangerous climbing conditions and the burden of carrying heavy safety equipment like snap hooks and carabiners, which can cause fatigue and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A connecting and anchoring device comprising a first arm, a second arm, and cables with a hinged mechanism, a double action snap hook, and optional features like wire rope and polymeric materials, designed to provide lightweight fall protection and allow for single-handed operation, enabling secure attachment to structures without the need for traditional slings and connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional snap hooks and carabiners are used for fall protection, then safety is provided, but the equipment becomes heavy causing fatigue and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple safety functions into a single integrated device. The connecting device merges the snap hook, carabiner, and anchoring mechanisms into one unified structure that provides both connection and anchoring functions simultaneously, eliminating the need to carry separate heavy equipment while maintaining safety standards
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a connection mechanism and an anchoring system, can be used for both self-arrest and work positioning, and can attach to various structures. This multi-functionality reduces the overall equipment weight by eliminating redundant components
2Ease of operation
If bucket trucks are used to reach utility poles, then access is provided, but the trucks cannot reach all poles or sufficient height
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device incorporates dynamic elements including a movable gate that can open and close, and an adjustable anchoring mechanism that can adapt to different pole heights and positions. This dynamic design allows the device to be used across a wider range of scenarios without requiring different equipment for each situation
3Reliability
If heavy safety equipment is carried by line workers, then fall protection is ensured, but worker fatigue increases and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the connection and anchoring functions into one device, the total weight carried by the worker is reduced while maintaining equivalent or superior safety performance. The integrated design eliminates redundant hardware that would otherwise need to be carried and managed separately
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 provides lightweight, efficient fall protection that allows line workers to safely ascend and descend structures while maintaining continuous protection, reducing fatigue and the risk of accidents by enabling easy attachment and detachment from anchor points.
Implementation Method 1
The second arm is hinged to the first arm so that the second arm swings open
Implementation Method 2
The locking element may be subject to a first spring bias that biases the locking element in a locking position for maintaining the gate and spine cable termination structures in the first configuration
Implementation Method 3
The locking element may be subject to a first spring bias that biases the locking element in a locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting and anchoring device includes a cable element and one or more housings for the cable element. The cable element terminates at opposite ends thereof in respective gate and spine cable termination structures. The one or more housings include a gate housing which houses the cable element proximate the gate cable termination structure. The gate housing includes a manipulable locking element. The gate and spine cable termination structures have complementary shapes or structures and are configured to provide for changing between a first configuration of the connecting and anchoring device in which the gate and spine cable termination structures are locked together so as to inhibit separation thereof, and a second configuration of the connecting and anchoring device in which the gate and spine cable termination structures can be freely separated from one another as a consequence of manipulating the locking element.