Fall Protection Connector With Rotating Inner Sub-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for fall protection systems are difficult to attach or detach, especially when wearing gloves, due to interference with manipulation and engagement of safety equipment.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly with a connector and coupler that allows for quick attachment and detachment via a press and twist motion, featuring a rotatable inner sub-assembly within a shell housing, enabling easy manipulation even with gloves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If known connection devices are used for fall protection systems, then safety connection is achieved, but manipulation and engagement become difficult especially when wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into separate functional components: a connector assembly with shell housing and inner sub-assembly, and a coupler assembly. The inner sub-assembly can rotate independently within the shell housing, allowing the coupler to be selectively connected or disconnected. This segmentation enables easier manipulation with gloves while maintaining secure connection through the structured interface between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner sub-assembly is designed to be rotatable relative to the shell housing, transforming a static connection into a dynamic one. This rotation capability allows the coupler to move between connected and disconnected states, enabling quick attachment and detachment operations even when wearing gloves, while the spring-biased pins maintain reliable engagement when connected.
2Reliability
If complex connection mechanisms are used to ensure secure attachment, then connection reliability is improved, but the time required for attachment and detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased pins are pre-positioned to automatically engage with the coupler when it is rotated into the connected position. The springs are already loaded to provide continuous biasing force, so no additional action is needed during connection - the pins simply need to be rotated into place and will automatically latch. This preliminary preparation of the spring mechanism enables rapid connection while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased pin mechanism is self-acting: when the inner sub-assembly is rotated, the springs automatically push the pins into engagement with the coupler without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the rotational motion to trigger the spring-loaded engagement, eliminating the need for separate manual fastening actions and reducing attachment time while ensuring reliable connection.
3Reliability
If manual manipulation is required for connection, then connection reliability can be maintained, but manipulation becomes difficult when wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased pins act as intermediaries between the user's manual input and the connection mechanism. Instead of requiring direct manipulation of complex latches or fasteners, the user simply rotates the inner sub-assembly, and the spring-biased pins mediate the connection by automatically engaging or disengaging the coupler. This intermediary mechanism translates simple rotational motion into reliable connection while being easily operable with gloves.
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 connection assembly facilitates quick and easy connection and disconnection, ensuring efficient use in fall protection systems, even when wearing gloves, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
one or more springs are coupled to the one or more pins. The one or more springs bias the one or more pins into and through the reciprocal opening
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly for a fall protection system of a lift system. The connection assembly includes a connector including a shell housing and an inner sub-assembly. The inner sub-assembly is rotatable relative to the shell housing. A coupler is configured to be selectively connected to and disconnected from the connector, wherein the inner sub-assembly is configured to be rotated in relation to the shell housing to selectively connect the coupler to and disconnect the coupler from the connector.