Integrated Crane Fall Protection System with Dynamic SRL Anchorage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fall protection systems for crane operators are cumbersome, restrictive, and inefficient, often requiring additional cranes and transmitters, leading to increased costs and safety risks due to pendulum effects and restricted movement.
Innovation Solution
A fall protection system integrated with the working crane, featuring ergonomic tracks and self-retracting lifelines that allow for controlled movement in both North-South and East-West directions, using a Safety Radio Interface System to restrict crane speed and travel distance, eliminating the need for a separate fall crane and simplifying operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a second overhead bridge crane (fall crane) is used for fall protection, then fall protection capability is provided, but system complexity and cost increase due to requiring two cranes, two transmitters, and anti-collision systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fall protection system with the working crane by integrating the SRL mounting structure directly onto the working crane's bridge and runway beams. This eliminates the need for a separate fall crane, reducing system complexity while maintaining fall protection capability through the integrated SRL anchorage points and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The working crane is designed to serve dual functions: both as the primary working crane for material handling and as the support structure for fall protection. The bridge and runway beams are engineered to accommodate both working loads and fall protection anchorages, allowing one crane structure to perform multiple functions simultaneously.
2Reliability
If a second overhead bridge crane (fall crane) is used for fall protection, then fall protection is provided, but operational efficiency decreases due to requiring two transmitters and potential crane collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The control systems are merged into a single unified interface. The transmitter controls both the working crane functions and the fall protection SRL mechanisms through integrated control circuits. This eliminates the need for two separate transmitters and simplifies operator interaction, improving operational efficiency while maintaining safety.
3Reliability
If a Monorail Beam system is used for fall protection, then fall protection is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to significant rolling resistance requiring operators to tug at the SRL
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cable-based SRL mechanism instead of a rigid monorail beam. The cable can flex and move freely along the bridge structure, eliminating rolling resistance and the need for operators to tug or force the system. The self-retracting mechanism automatically pays out and retracts the cable as the operator moves, providing smooth, effortless movement.
4Reliability
If a fixed anchorage system is used for fall protection, then fall protection is provided, but safety is compromised due to pendulum effects when the anchorage is not directly above the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed anchorage to a dynamic SRL system that automatically adjusts its position. As the operator moves along the bridge, the SRL cable dynamically extends and retracts, keeping the effective anchorage point directly above or near the operator at all times. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the pendulum effect that occurs with fixed anchorages.
Solution Approach 2:
The SRL mechanism incorporates automatic feedback control through its reel mechanism. The reel detects the operator's position and movement, automatically paying out cable when the operator moves away and retracting when approaching. This feedback-driven operation ensures the lifeline remains vertically aligned with the operator, preventing pendulum swings during falls.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety system for preventing crane operator injury. Two ergonomic tracks are attached on either side of the working crane. A fall transmitter is used whenever a crane operator is not on the floor. The fall transmitter has speed and travel distance governors that limit the speed and travel of certain aspects of the crane. In a further embodiment, a second fall transmitter is utilized by the second crane operator to assure that both operators are aware of and agree to any crane movement prior to commencing such movement.