Fall-Arresting Apparatus With Simultaneous-Actuation Gripping Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall arrest and rope blocking devices are prone to inadvertent opening due to friction or pressure from the rope, compromising safety during normal use.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a pair of independent, articulated gripping tabs and a fixed plastic blade that requires simultaneous actuation to stabilize and lock the restraint system in the open position, preventing accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single gripping lever is used to control the retaining system, then the operation is simple and easy to perform, but the system is prone to inadvertent opening due to rope friction or pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The single gripping lever is divided into two independent gripping tabs that must be actuated simultaneously to open the retaining system. This segmentation prevents inadvertent opening while maintaining ease of operation, as the user simply needs to press both tabs together without complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
A fixed plastic blade is introduced as an intermediary element between the two gripping tabs. This blade prevents pressing on one tab from causing the other tab to be driven, ensuring that both tabs must be independently actuated simultaneously, thereby preventing accidental opening while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If the retaining system is locked in closed position during normal use, then safety is maintained, but access to the chute for rope installation or removal is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining system dynamically transitions between closed (locking) and open (access) positions based on user input. During normal use, the system remains locked for safety; when both gripping tabs are pressed simultaneously, the system opens to allow rope installation or removal, then automatically returns to the locked position.
Data Source
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AI summary
The apparatus (10) has a rigid metallic body (12) provided with a straight trunking (13) for housing a rope, and a securing system (15) to swivel between a closed position and an open position releasing access to the trunking for fitting or removal of the rope. A control device moves the system from the closed position to the open position and vice-versa. The device has gripping cleats (22, 23) actuated simultaneously to stabilize and lock the system in the open position to allow access to the trunking. The cleats are arranged side by side on a transverse pivot-pin (25) integral to the system.