Fall Arrest Apparatus with Rip Zone Energy Absorber
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fall arrest apparatuses are complex, which affects their reliability and cost, making them less effective in providing safe fall protection for users working on heights.
Innovation Solution
A fall arrest apparatus with a rod and an energy absorber featuring a rotational assembly, a weatherproof covering, and an energy-absorbing rip zone that tears to absorb energy when subjected to a force in excess of a threshold, allowing for efficient shock absorption and reduced risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fall arrest apparatus designs are used, then fall protection function is provided, but device complexity increases which reduces reliability and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rod, energy absorber, and attachment means into a single integrated fall arrest apparatus. The energy absorber is directly attached to the rod, and the attachment means are integrated into the rod structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining fall protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as an anchor point, and integrates the energy absorber attachment. The energy absorber itself serves dual purposes of energy absorption and providing an attachment interface, reducing the need for additional specialized components.
2Reliability
If conventional fall arrest apparatus designs are used, then fall protection function is provided, but device complexity increases which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rod, energy absorber, and attachment means into a single integrated fall arrest apparatus. The energy absorber is directly attached to the rod, and the attachment means are integrated into the rod structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining fall protection functionality.
3Reliability
If complex conventional designs are used, then fall protection is provided, but manufacturing and installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rod, energy absorber, and attachment means into a single integrated fall arrest apparatus. The energy absorber is directly attached to the rod, and the attachment means are integrated into the rod structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining fall protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorber is designed as a separate module that can be manufactured independently and then attached to the rod. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of the energy absorber component while keeping the overall assembly process simple and cost-effective.
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 apparatus simplifies the fall arrest system while enhancing reliability and safety by effectively absorbing fall energy, reducing the risk of injury to users and structural components, and minimizing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorbing rip zone which tears to absorb energy when subject to a force in excess of a threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A fall arrest apparatus comprises a rod (5) adapted at a first end region thereof to be attached to a structure (3), and an energy absorber (11) attached to a second end region of the rod. The energy absorber includes an attachment point (33) for further fall arrest means and an energy absorbing rip zone (41) which tears to absorb energy when subject to a force in excess of a threshold.