Fall Arrest Device with Automatic Rescue Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic lowering devices after fall arrest at height require third-party intervention and are time-consuming, posing risks to rescuers during rescue operations.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotary rope drum, self-braking mechanism, and control module that automatically switches to rescue mode after a set time delay, enabling safe and controlled lowering of a person using a ratchet and centrifugal brake system, available in both manual and remote-controlled versions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If automatic lowering devices are used after fall arrest, then rescue time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-service by automatically detecting the fall arrest condition and initiating the lowering sequence without requiring third-party intervention. The control module monitors the braking block position and automatically activates the lowering mechanism, eliminating the need for manual operation while reducing rescue time.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with the lowering mechanism and control systems ready to activate immediately upon fall arrest detection. The control module is pre-programmed to automatically initiate lowering after a set time delay, ensuring rapid response without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the critical rescue phase.
2Reliability
If third-party intervention is required for rescue operations, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to rescuer risk
Solution Approach 1:
The device eliminates the need for third-party intervention by automatically detecting fall arrest conditions and initiating the lowering sequence. The control module monitors the braking block position and automatically activates the lowering mechanism, removing rescuers from the hazardous environment and improving operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses sensors and electronic controls to detect fall arrest conditions and activate the lowering mechanism. This substitution of mechanical intervention with automated systems improves reliability by eliminating human risk while managing device complexity through integrated control modules.
3Productivity
If lowering speed is increased to reduce rescue time, then productivity improves, but safety decreases due to uncontrolled descent
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adjusts the lowering speed through the centrifugal brake mechanism that automatically modulates the descent rate based on real-time conditions. The brake system provides continuous feedback control to maintain safe lowering speeds while maximizing rescue efficiency, preventing both too slow descent and uncontrolled rapid descent.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module continuously monitors the lowering process and uses feedback from the centrifugal brake system to adjust the descent speed. This closed-loop control ensures that the lowering remains within safe parameters while maintaining high productivity, automatically preventing both excessively slow and uncontrolled rapid descent.
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 immediate and safe lowering of a person after a fall arrest at height within one minute, reducing the risk to rescuers by automating the rescue process.
Implementation Method 1
centrifugal brake with a rack... decelerating the lowering operation
Implementation Method 2
centrifugal brake
Implementation Method 3
rotary rope drum with self-braking mechanism, wherein a supporting element of a ratchet elements of the rope drum
Implementation Method 4
gear locked by means of a gear lock located on an axle with an arm held by a clamp
Implementation Method 5
Rope or tape wound on the drum can freely wind or unwind by means of a spring during slow rotation of the drum
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject of the invention is the device for automatic lowering after a fall arrest at height in manual and remote version. The device is equipped with a body with load-carrying elements for components (1), rotary rope drum (4) with self-braking mechanism wherein the supporting element (7) of the ratchet elements (5) of the rope drum (4) is located on the axle (2) in the gear (6) locked by means of a gear lock (10) located on the axle (9) with an arm held by a clamp consisting of two parts, fixed support part (11) with absorbing cushion (12) as well as pressure and rotary part (13) with absorbing cushion (14) locked with a tilting bolt (15) connected with a lock release (16) coupled with the control module (17). In the manual version, the control module (17) consists of a control rope (22) dispenser (21) having a double bottom with a spring, closed with a flap and secured with an electro-lock (23) being a part of the control system coupled with an electrical system that includes the top catch (24) equipped with a terminal switch (25) closing the electrical circuit connecting the supply source (26) with an electronic system, being a time delay (27) actuating the electro-lock (23) of the flap of the control rope (22). In the remote control version, the control module (17) is equipped with a wireless receiver (27) coupled with an electrical system consisting of a top catch (24) fitted with a terminal switch (25) closing the electrical circuit between the supply source (26) and the electronic system being a time delay (27) for the lock release (16).