Facade Stop-Eye Locking Structure for Wind-Resistant Fall Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety devices struggle to effectively secure and clean large or complex building facades, particularly those with recesses and wind-resistant designs, due to the difficulty in installing fall protection systems and maintaining cleanliness amidst harsh weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

A two-part security device with a softer welding part and a hardened inner closure is used, where the welding part is inserted and secured using a welding robot, forming a circumferential weld seam and allowing for a high-precision, long-lasting fixture with a radial internal thread for lock nipples, enabling secure attachment and easy cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fall protection system is installed on complex facades with recesses, then worker safety is improved, but the difficulty of installation and maintenance increases due to wind and weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworker safetyVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device is divided into multiple functional parts: a mounting plate for surface attachment, a securing element with thread engagement, and a lock mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying installation and maintenance operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting plate is pre-installed on the facade surface before the actual securing operation. This preliminary action prepares the mounting location in advance, allowing the securing element to be quickly attached without complex on-site preparation, thereby reducing installation difficulty while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If cleaning personnel or robotic systems are used to clean facades, then cleanliness is maintained, but the complexity and cost of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidcleaning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device incorporates a mounting plate with a flat, accessible surface that serves dual purposes: structural mounting of the fall protection system and providing a platform for cleaning operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cleaning systems while maintaining cleaning capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a hardened inner closure is used for durability, then resistance to wind and weather improves, but the difficulty of installation and adjustment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to wind and weatherVSAvoidinstallation and adjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate acts as an intermediary component between the facade surface and the securing element. It provides a stable mounting base that simplifies the installation of the hardened inner closure, allowing the securing element to be attached without direct manipulation of the hardened components themselves

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock mechanism replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler locking action. The securing element with its thread engagement and lock mechanism provides durable fixation while allowing for easier installation and adjustment compared to traditional welded or permanently fixed systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides a secure and durable attachment system for fall protection devices on complex facades, facilitating efficient cleaning and maintenance while withstanding wind and weather conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a circumferential weld seam 24 is placed in a groove provided for this purpose

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3527747B1Securing device and securing method
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 ST QUADRAT FALL PROTECTION SA
  • EP3527747B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3527747B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking device and a locking method. In a locking device according to the invention, a stop eye on the facade element is held by an externally accessible lock, which is designed to engage a two-part inner part. In a locking method according to the invention, to insert a lock carrying the stop eye, a male locking element is inserted radially inwards and coaxially into a female one. A locking process according to the invention is reversible because a release pressure is applied to the lock from the outside.