Fall Protection Device with Tilting Claw Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fall protection systems for flat roofs struggle to securely anchor the fall protection device without damaging the substrate, especially when only held by a load acting on the foot without shifting, and fail to effectively absorb jerky loads during a fall.
Innovation Solution
A fall protection device featuring a securing plate with claws that dig into the ground upon tilting during a fall, combined with lateral cantilevers and ballast elements to prevent shifting, ensuring the device remains anchored and stable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the fall protection device is held on the ground only by a load acting on the foot without welding or other anchoring, then damage to the subsoil is avoided and the device can be removed without residue, but the device shifts significantly under high loads during a fall
Solution Approach 1:
The claws are pre-positioned in an unloaded state with their free ends lying loosely on the ground or at a small distance above it, ready to engage but not yet damaging the substrate. This preliminary positioning allows the device to be installed without damaging the roof skin while maintaining the capability to anchor securely when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing plate is designed to tilt jerkily under lateral load, transforming the static claw positioning into dynamic engagement. When a fall occurs, the plate tilts and the claws dig into the ground, providing active anchoring only when required, thus avoiding continuous damage to the subsoil while ensuring stability during critical moments.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the securing plate claws are designed to dig into the ground during a fall, then anchoring stability is improved, but damage to the substrate occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The potential harm of claw engagement with the substrate is converted into a beneficial anchoring mechanism. The claws are designed to dig into the ground specifically when needed (during a fall), transforming what would normally be considered damage into a secure anchoring action that prevents device displacement and protects the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The claws are pre-configured in a non-invasive state during normal operation, lying loosely on or near the ground without causing damage. The harmful engagement is reserved exclusively for emergency situations when a fall occurs, thus minimizing overall substrate damage while ensuring anchoring stability when critical.
3Strength
If welding is used to attach the fall protection to the roof skin, then anchoring strength is improved, but the roof skin is damaged and the device cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent mechanical connection method (welding) is replaced with a reversible ballast-based system. Instead of fusing the device to the roof skin, the foot is held on the ground by a load (ballast) acting on it, providing sufficient anchoring strength without thermal or mechanical damage to the substrate, and allowing easy removal without residue.
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 provides reliable anchoring and stability during a fall, preventing the device from shifting while minimizing damage to the substrate, as the claws only dig into the ground during a load event, ensuring sufficient security without pre-installation damage.
Implementation Method 1
the claws of the safety plate on the side to which the pole is inclined dig into the ground. The locking plate then supports the rod and prevents it from tipping further.
Data Source
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AI summary
Fall protection device (10) for persons, with a flat foot (18) for attachment to a substrate, the foot (18) comprising a central base plate (16), and a rod (14) projecting onto the base plate (16), which carries a ring eyelet (12) at its end facing away from the base plate (16), characterized by a securing plate (26) arranged above the base plate (16) and through which the rod (14) is guided, and which is provided with claws (38) pointing towards the substrate.