Fall Arrest Alert Module With GPS for Faster Rescue Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall arrest devices lack a mechanism to quickly alert emergency responders to a user's fall and provide their location, and they do not integrate energy absorption and alert mechanisms effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fall arrest device with a tethered cord that activates a transmitter to send an emergency alert upon detecting a fall, incorporating a deceleration device, sensor, and an alert module with a speaker, bulb, and GPS receiver to notify responders and provide positional coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a traditional fall arrest device is used without integrated alert mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the response time for emergency assistance is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fall arrest function with emergency alert transmission by integrating a transmitter, sensor, and power source directly into the fall arrest device housing. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate alert devices and reduces response time while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The fall arrest device is designed to perform multiple functions: it arrests falls through the deceleration device and simultaneously transmits emergency alerts with location data. This multi-functionality ensures that the same device provides both safety arrest and communication capabilities, reducing loss of time.
2Reliability
If a fall arrest device with integrated transmitter and sensor is used, then the emergency alert transmission is improved, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter, sensor, power source, and fall arrest components are merged into a single integrated housing. This consolidation improves reliability by ensuring all components work together as a unified system while managing weight through efficient space utilization and component integration.
3Speed
If the cord is made shorter than the arrest line to activate the alert, then the alert activation speed is improved, but the usability and comfort of the device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shorter cord is pre-configured within the housing to automatically engage the switch when pulled during a fall. This preliminary arrangement ensures immediate alert activation without requiring user action, while the cord remains stowed during normal use to maintain usability and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The shorter cord acts as a mechanical intermediary that translates the physical force of a fall into electrical signal activation. It mediates between the deceleration event and the alert transmission system, enabling automatic activation while remaining hidden during normal operation to preserve ease of use.
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
Facilitates rapid emergency response by transmitting alerts and user location, reducing suspension trauma risks through energy absorption and alert mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A deceleration device is attached to the line and is configured to absorb energy as the line arrests a fall of the user
Implementation Method 2
A sensor is operationally engaged to the deceleration device and is configured to detect actuation of the deceleration device
Implementation Method 3
An alert module, which is attached to the line and which is operationally engaged to the sensor, comprises a transmitter so that the alert module is configured to selectively transmit an emergency alert
Data Source
AI summary
A personal fall arrest assembly for shortening a response time in event of a fall includes a line, which has a connector and a coupler attached to its first end and second end, respectively. The connector and the coupler are selectively attachable to a structure, or an adaptation to the structure, and to a harness worn by a user, respectively. The line thus tethers the user to the structure. A deceleration device is attached to the line and is absorbs energy as the line arrests a fall of the user. A sensor is operationally engaged to the deceleration device and is detects actuation of the deceleration device. An alert module, which is attached to the line and which is operationally engaged to the sensor, comprises a transmitter so that the alert module selectively transmits an emergency alert upon the sensor detecting actuation of the deceleration device.