Double-Sided Concrete Fall Arrest Anchor for Parapet Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fall protection systems lack a practical and easily deployable parapet-type safety system for uneven or un-level ground surrounding building structures, particularly around eaves, where conventional walkways constructed from building materials are prone to failure and accidents.
Innovation Solution
A double-sided concrete fall arrest anchor with separate tie-off points and multiple configurations, featuring a dual anchor system embedded in concrete with upper and lower fall arrest attachments, allowing for secure anchoring on elevated surfaces without the need for drilling into concrete, suitable for various construction scenarios including high-rise rooftops with low parapet walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional walkways constructed from building materials are used on uneven ground, then material availability is improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate due to proneness to failure and accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The dual anchor system divides the fall protection function into two separate anchoring points embedded in the concrete structure, allowing independent installation on uneven surfaces without requiring continuous walkway materials. Each anchor operates independently to provide reliable attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coil plugs as intermediary components that facilitate attachment to the concrete structure without requiring drilling. The coil plugs embed in the concrete surface and provide secure attachment points for fall protection systems, bridging the gap between uneven ground conditions and reliable anchoring.
2Strength
If drilling into concrete is required for anchor installation, then anchoring strength is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coil plugs are pre-formed with expansion mechanisms that activate upon insertion into the concrete. The plugs expand after insertion to create secure anchoring without requiring pre-drilling or complex installation procedures, thereby maintaining strength while reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor system utilizes changes in the physical state of the coil plug material during installation. The plugs transition from a compressed insertion state to an expanded locked state within the concrete, achieving strong anchoring through material parameter changes rather than mechanical drilling.
3Device complexity
If single-sided anchors are used, then device simplicity is improved, but protection capability deteriorates due to inability to protect multiple workers simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two anchoring functions into a single dual anchor assembly embedded in the concrete structure. The two anchors are positioned at different heights and orientations to simultaneously protect multiple workers performing different tasks, merging multiple protection functions into one integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual anchor system provides multiple attachment points that can serve various fall protection needs simultaneously - one anchor for roof edge protection, another for scaffold tie-off, or both for different workers. This multi-functional design increases adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If anchors are installed on uneven ground around eaves, then applicability to construction sites is improved, but installation reliability deteriorates due to un-level surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The coil plug anchors incorporate dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow installation on uneven surfaces. The plugs can be inserted at various angles and depths, then expand to lock securely in the concrete regardless of surface irregularities, maintaining installation reliability across diverse ground conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor system is designed with localized adaptation features where each coil plug can be independently adjusted to match the specific concrete surface conditions at its installation location. This local customization ensures reliable installation on uneven ground around eaves and other irregular construction surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A fall arrest anchor for minimizing risk of falls and multiple configurations appropriate to different specific construction situations is provided. The fall arrest anchor comprises a dual anchor having an open first end and an open second end with the open first end being opposite the open second end. An amount of cast concrete completely encases the dual anchor between the first end and the second end. An upper fall arrest attachment is releasably securable within the open first end of the dual anchor. A lower fall arrest attachment is releasably securable within the open second end of the dual anchor. The dual anchor allows for sequential placement on a perimeter of elevated surfaces either as tie-offs or for holding static perimeter lines, mitigating risks of work on leading edges in general and on high rise roof tops with low parapet walls.