Fall Protection Locking Lever for One-Handed Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fall protection devices face challenges in allowing free movement while enabling quick and effective activation of the braking mechanism, often requiring complex operations and not being easily accessible for one-handed use.
Innovation Solution
A locking system with a housing, a braking lever, and a locking lever that rotates to engage or disengage with a guide member, allowing for one-handed operation and restricting motion in one direction, featuring a protrusion and locking ball mechanism for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the braking mechanism is designed to engage freely with the guide member, then the activation speed is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking and releasing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever and braking lever are merged into a single integrated component that performs both locking and braking functions. The locking lever rotates to simultaneously engage the locking ball with the protrusion (locking function) and position the braking surface against the guide member (braking function), reducing the number of separate mechanisms while maintaining quick activation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever serves multiple functions: it acts as a locking mechanism when rotated to engage the locking ball, serves as a braking mechanism when rotated to position the braking surface against the guide member, and provides a one-handed operation interface. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining fast activation
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism is designed for secure locking, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex locking procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: a locking ball for positive engagement with the protrusion, a braking surface for friction-based stopping, and a rotatable locking lever that sequences these actions. This segmentation allows each element to perform its function simply through rotation, making operation easy while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever is designed to automatically sequence the locking and braking actions through its rotation. When the user rotates the locking lever, the locking ball engages the protrusion and the braking surface engages the guide member in a predetermined sequence without requiring the user to perform multiple separate operations, enabling one-handed operation while ensuring secure locking
3Stability of the object's composition
If the braking surface is positioned distant from the attachment end, then the locking stability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to reduced accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever is designed to rotate dynamically between different positions, bringing the activation end from a distant position (when locked) to a proximate position (when unlocked) near the attachment end. This dynamic repositioning allows the activation end to be accessible for operation while maintaining stable locking when engaged, as the rotation mechanism ensures proper positioning in each state
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
Enables quick and efficient activation of the braking mechanism, allowing for one-handed operation and secure locking, thereby ensuring safe and controlled movement by restricting motion in one direction.
Implementation Method 1
The braking lever further comprises a protrusion and the locking lever further comprises a locking ball connected to a locking lever spring, wherein the protrusion is in contact with the locking ball so as to restrict rotation of the locking lever from the unlocked position to the locked position.
Implementation Method 2
The braking lever is configured to rotate so as to allow a braking surface to engage the guide member.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A locking system (100) is provided for fall protection. The locking system includes a housing (130). The housing defines a guide path (160) through which the housing is slideably attachable to a guide member (510). The locking system also includes a braking lever (110) having a braking surface (140) and an attachment end (145). The braking lever is configured to rotate so as to allow a braking surface to engage the guide member. The locking system further include a locking lever (115) that is rotatably coupled to the braking lever. The locking lever is rotatable such that it rotates from an unlocked position to a locked position. In the unlocked position an activation end of the locking lever is positioned in a first location that is proximate to the attachment end and in the locked position the activation end is positioned in a second position distant to the attachment end.