Fall Arrest Lanyard With Deployable Etrier for Suspension Trauma
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection systems for workers at heights do not address suspension trauma injuries, which can occur due to prolonged suspension in a safety harness after a fall, and lack features for comfortable user orientation and weight transfer during rescue.
Innovation Solution
A fall arrest lanyard with an integrated etrier system that automatically or manually deploys to provide support and deceleration, allowing users to orient themselves comfortably and perform weight transfers for rescue, incorporating universal connection clamps, shock packs, and deployable etrier straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional safety harness and lanyard system is used to provide fall protection, then the user is protected from fall impact, but the user is susceptible to suspension trauma injuries during prolonged suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The lanyard system is divided into functional segments: a shock-absorbing pack that deploys during fall to reduce impact force, and a separately deployable etrier system that provides suspension trauma mitigation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in addressing specific hazards without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The etrier system is pre-positioned within the lanyard assembly in a compact, stowed configuration before the fall event. The automatic deployment mechanism is pre-configured to activate when fall forces are detected, providing immediate suspension trauma mitigation without requiring user action during the critical post-fall period.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an automatic etrier deployment system is integrated into the lanyard, then suspension trauma is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The etrier deployment mechanism is merged with the existing shock-absorbing pack assembly. Both systems share common structural elements, anchoring points, and the automatic deployment trigger mechanism, eliminating the need for separate independent systems and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock-absorbing pack serves dual functions: it decelerates the user during fall impact and simultaneously triggers the etrier deployment. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, as the same mechanical event (shock pack deployment) activates both protective functions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the etrier system is automatically deployed during fall, then immediate suspension trauma relief is provided, but the user loses manual control over deployment timing
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the fall event itself to trigger etrier deployment through automatic sensing mechanisms. The shock forces generated during fall automatically activate the release mechanism, eliminating the need for user intervention and ensuring immediate response regardless of the user's physical state after the fall.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic deployment mechanism is pre-configured to counteract the harmful effects of suspension trauma before the user can even become aware of the need for relief. By anticipating the trauma risk immediately upon fall detection, the system provides proactive protection rather than requiring reactive user action.
4Force
If a shock pack is integrated into the lanyard to reduce fall impact force, then fall arrest capability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing pack is nested within the lanyard structure, with the etrier system nested within the shock pack assembly. This nested configuration allows compact integration of multiple functions without proportionally increasing overall size or complexity, as components share space and structural support.
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 effectively reduces suspension trauma by enabling users to assume comfortable positions and facilitates self-rescue through weight transfer, enhancing safety and comfort during rescue operations.
Implementation Method 1
A shock pack containing a folded length of the upper strap is retained in a folded position by a sheathing
Implementation Method 2
During a fall, the development of tensile force across the lanyard system causes the etrier to automatically deploy
Data Source
AI summary
An improved fall arrest lanyard apparatus and method for decelerating and arresting a user from impacting the ground after a fall, along with an integrated, deployable etrier. After the fall sequence has ended, the user may orient himself in a comfortable position using the deployed etrier so as to prevent or relieve the effects of suspension trauma while the user awaits rescue.