Dual-Action Fall Protection Connector Against Inadvertent Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fall protection systems require a connector that balances quick and easy use with secure connection to prevent inadvertent opening, which existing connectors often fail to achieve effectively.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a double action locking mechanism that requires two distinct and different forces to unlock, ensuring secure closure and preventing accidental opening, featuring a gate that moves axially through aligned apertures and includes a combination of actuators and detents to maintain the locked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connector is designed to allow quick connect/disconnect operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of inadvertent opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two distinct actions: a first force operates a gate to engage/disengage the connector, while a second force operates a separate locking component to secure/release the gate. This segmentation ensures that inadvertent opening requires two deliberate actions rather than a single accidental movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate must first be moved to a partially open position before the locking mechanism can be disengaged. This preliminary action prevents direct opening and ensures that the user intentionally initiates the disconnect sequence, reducing accidental openings while maintaining quick operation.
2Reliability
If a connector uses a secure locking mechanism to prevent inadvertent opening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body integrates multiple functions into unified components: the gate serves both as the connection interface and a lever for the locking mechanism, while the locking component combines detent engagement and gate retention functions. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure despite the dual-action locking requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses spring-loaded detents that automatically engage with corresponding slots in the gate and body, providing self-locking without additional actuators. The gate itself serves as the actuating lever, eliminating the need for separate release mechanisms and reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for use with a fall protection system includes a body, a gate, and a double action locking mechanism. The body includes a spine and two arms extending from the spine to form a gate opening, the arms defining axially aligned first and second apertures respectively. The gate is adapted and configured to move axially through the first and second apertures. In an open position, the gate extends through the first aperture, but a forward end of the gate is spaced rearwardly of the second aperture. In a closed position, the gate extends through the first aperture and the second aperture. The double action locking mechanism is adapted and configured to require application of two distinct and different forces to unlock the locking mechanism and permit the gate to move to the open position.