Fall Protection Coupling Mechanism for Simultaneous Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for preventing falls require complex electronic coupling mechanisms, which are costly and prone to accidental unlocking, compromising their reliability and security.
Innovation Solution
A purely mechanical coupling device with a locking lever and safety lever system that ensures secure engagement and prevents accidental unlocking, utilizing a Bowden cable for force transmission between locking levers to maintain a locked state without electronic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic coupling mechanisms are used in safety devices, then functional reliability can be improved through electronic control, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic coupling mechanisms with a purely mechanical coupling device. The mechanical coupling device uses a coupling element that physically connects the two locking devices, ensuring they are coupled without requiring electronic circuits, electromagnetic actuators, or electronic control systems. This substitution reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining functional reliability through reliable mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes electronic components from the safety device. By eliminating electronic coupling mechanisms, electromagnetic actuators, and electronic control systems, the invention simplifies the overall device architecture. The coupling function is achieved purely through mechanical means, removing the need for power sources, electronic wiring, and electronic control logic.
2Ease of operation
If electronic coupling mechanisms are used in safety devices, then locking control can be improved, but the risk of accidental unlocking increases and security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action through the mechanical coupling device that prevents accidental unlocking. The coupling element physically connects the two locking devices in such a way that it becomes impossible for both locking levers to be simultaneously positioned in their unlocking positions. This preliminary mechanical constraint prevents the harmful state of both stop elements being unlocked at the same time, eliminating the security risk before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical coupling element as an intermediary between the two locking devices. This coupling element acts as a physical mediator that enforces the interlocking relationship between the locking levers. The coupling device mechanically ensures that when one locking lever is in the unlocking position, the other locking lever cannot be in the unlocking position, providing secure operation without electronic control.
3Device complexity
If mechanical coupling devices with locking levers are used, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but ensuring simultaneous engagement of both locking levers becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling function with the locking mechanism itself. The coupling element is integrated into the locking devices such that the actuation of locking levers automatically engages the coupling mechanism. When the locking levers are positioned in their locking positions, the coupling element is automatically engaged, ensuring simultaneous engagement without requiring separate coupling operations or complex coordination mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the automatic engagement of the mechanical coupling device. The coupling element is designed to automatically engage when the locking levers are positioned in their locking positions, without requiring external control or additional actuation. The locking devices themselves perform the coupling function through their own movement, simplifying the operation while ensuring reliable simultaneous engagement.
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 mechanical coupling device enhances the reliability and security of the safety device by ensuring that both locking levers are engaged simultaneously, reducing the risk of accidental unlocking and providing a robust, cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a Bowden cable for force transmission between locking levers
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a securing device (1) for protecting individuals against falling, with two stop elements (2) which can be attached releasably to a positionally fixed securing element (3) and can be connected via a connecting element (4) to the individual to be secured. Each stop element (2) has a locking device (9) which can be adjusted between an unlocking state, in which the stop element (2) can be attached to the securing element (3) or can be released therefrom, and a locking state, in which the stop element (2) cannot be released from the respective securing element (3). A coupling device (10) is coupled to the locking devices (9) of the two stop elements (2) in such a manner that, in the unlocking state of the locking device (9) of the one stop element (2), the locking device (9) of the other stop element (2) is blocked in its locking state. An advantageous construction arises if the coupling device (10) for the locking device (9) has a blocking lever (22) which can be pivoted into a blocking position for blocking the locking device (9) in its locking state.