Deformable Absorber Body with Locking Mechanism for Fall Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fall protection systems face challenges in absorbing dynamic loading forces without damaging their components, which can endanger technicians and equipment when they lose grip on a rail or ladder, as existing systems may interfere with each other during loading forces.
Innovation Solution
A fall protection system incorporating an absorber assembly with a deformable absorber body and a shuttle body that includes a locking mechanism, where the absorber body transitions from a non-deformed to a deformed state under loading forces, and a counter-locking portion engages with the shuttle body to prevent further deformation against the rail, distributing forces through holes and utilizing a shock absorber mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the absorber body is designed to deform under loading forces to absorb energy, then the system can handle dynamic loads, but the components may interfere with each other causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion and counter-locking portion act as intermediary elements that mediate between the deformable absorber body and the shuttle body. When the absorber body deforms under loading forces, these locking features engage to prevent direct contact and potential damage between the absorber assembly and shuttle body, thus resolving the harmful interference while maintaining energy absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking portion and counter-locking portion are pre-configured to engage before the absorber body can deform against the shuttle body. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful interference from occurring in the first place by establishing a mechanical constraint that stops the deformable body from contacting the shuttle body during deformation
2Force
If the absorber body deforms to absorb loading forces, then dynamic loads can be handled, but the structure may be damaged during deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion and counter-locking portion provide beforehand cushioning by creating a mechanical stop that prevents the absorber body from deforming beyond a safe limit. This pre-established constraint protects the structural integrity of the absorber body while still allowing controlled deformation for energy absorption
3Loss of energy
If the system allows free deformation of the absorber body, then energy absorption is maximized, but component interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the deformable absorber body for energy absorption, and the rigid locking features for preventing interference. This segmentation allows the absorber body to deform freely for energy absorption while the separate locking portion and counter-locking portion prevent harmful component interference
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 system effectively absorbs and distributes loading forces, preventing damage to the fall protection system components and ensuring technician safety by arresting motion and preventing deformation against the rail, capable of handling forces up to 16 kilo-Newtons.
Implementation Method 1
the absorber body is configured to transition from a non-deformed state to a deformed state when the absorber body is subject to one or more loading forces
Implementation Method 2
an absorber assembly including an absorber body... configured to transition from a non-deformed state to a deformed state when the absorber body is subject to one or more loading forces
Implementation Method 3
the shuttle body defines a counter-locking portion configured to engage with the locking portion when the fall protection system is subject to the one or more loading forces
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, assemblies, and/or the like are provided. In some embodiments, A fall protection system includes an absorber assembly including an absorber body, wherein the absorber body defines a nose portion and a locking portion, and wherein the absorber body is configured to transition from a non-deformed state to a deformed state when the absorber body is subject to one or more loading forces; and a shuttle body configured to secure the fall protection system to a rail, wherein the shuttle body defines a counter-locking portion configured to engage with the locking portion when the fall protection system is subject to the one or more loading forces. In some embodiments, the absorber body further defines one or more holes configured to distribute the one or more loading forces throughout the absorber assembly during deformation.