Descending Device With Retarding Apertures For Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing descending devices for personnel from elevated positions lack control over speed, failing to slow or stop descent until reaching a lower level, which can cause injuries, especially in emergency situations like burning buildings or offshore rescues.
Innovation Solution
A compact descending device with a restraining member and retarding devices on the tape, allowing controlled descent through a restricted opening and multiple apertures with frictional engagement, enabling users to manage speed and potentially arrest the descent, incorporating a harness and storage container for the tape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple descending device is used, then the device is easy to deploy and store, but the descent speed cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
A retarding device is introduced as an intermediary component between the tape and the restraining member. This retarding device creates frictional engagement that mediates the descent, enabling controlled speed without complicating the overall device structure. The retarding device fits within the existing container and works with the apertures in the restraining member to provide speed control while maintaining ease of deployment.
2Speed
If the retarding device is larger than the restricted opening, then descent control is improved, but the container design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented with a dedicated compartment for the retarding device, separating the retarding function from the storage function. This segmentation allows the retarding device to be larger than the restricted opening without complicating the overall container design, as each component has its own designated space. The retarding device is stored separately and only interacts with the restricted opening during operation.
3Speed
If multiple retarding devices are spaced along the line, then descent control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be dynamically configurable, allowing the number and positioning of retarding devices to be adjusted based on the specific descent requirements. Not all retarding devices need to be deployed simultaneously, and their positions can be optimized for different scenarios. This dynamic approach provides multiple descent control stages without permanently increasing device complexity.
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, controlled, and variable speed descent, minimizing injury risk by allowing users to manage their descent, even if injured or unconscious, and can be easily stored and deployed for multiple personnel use.
Implementation Method 1
one or more edges of each aperture defining a contact surface providing frictional engagement for the line as the load descends
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A device to enable a person to descend from an elevated position at a controlled and variable speed comprising a restraining member (12) having a series of slots (13). A tape (11) stored in a container (20) passes through the slots (13) to a hook (10) for attachment of the device to a fixed point. A user wearing a harness (21) removably attached to the restraining member (12) may descend at a controlled rate determined by the frictional engagement of the tape (11) with the surfaces of the restraining member (12). An apertured retarding device (50) is placed on the tape (11) within the container (20) to retard the passage of the tape through the restraining member (12) thus controlling the rate of descent.