Flexible Fastening Flap for Fall Restraint Shock Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fall restraint safety devices with rigid connections to structures do not effectively absorb kinetic energy during falls, potentially leading to injuries and damage to the structure due to the need for penetration of holes, which compromises the integrity of the construction.

Innovation Solution

A safety device with a flexible fastening flap made from materials compatible with the structure's covering, such as bituminous or plastic roof-covering material, providing shock absorption and a durable connection without penetrating the surface, using techniques like gluing or welding for attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid connection means (screws, bolts, plugs) are used to fasten the safety device to the structure, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the kinetic energy during a fall is not absorbed, leading to potential injuries and structural damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidkinetic energy impact

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible fastening flap made of flexible material that can deform and absorb kinetic energy during a fall. This flexible element is integrated into the safety device and connects to the structure without requiring rigid penetration, allowing the flap to flex and dissipate impact energy while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the connection system by introducing a flexible fastening flap. Instead of a rigid connection that maintains constant stiffness, the flexible flap allows controlled deformation under load, transforming the connection from rigid to flexible to absorb kinetic energy while maintaining sufficient strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If penetration of holes is used to fasten the safety device to the structure, then the connection reliability is improved, but the integrity of the construction is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible fastening flap acts as an intermediary element between the safety device and the structure. Instead of directly penetrating the structure with rigid fasteners, the flap mediates the connection by providing a flexible interface that adheres to or clips onto the structural surface, maintaining integrity while ensuring reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical penetration-based fastening system (screws, bolts, plugs) with a flexible attachment system that uses adhesion or clipping mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for holes and structural penetration while maintaining connection reliability through the flexible flap's design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If rigid fastening methods are used, then the anchoring strength is improved, but the shock absorption capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidshock absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible fastening flap is designed beforehand to provide cushioning and shock absorption capabilities. The flexible material and its ability to deform under load create a cushioning effect that absorbs kinetic energy before it can be transmitted to the structure or cause injury, while still maintaining sufficient anchoring strength through the flap's connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 flexible fastening flap absorbs part of the kinetic energy during a fall, reducing injury severity and maintaining the structure's integrity by distributing forces over a large surface area, while allowing for rapid and reliable installation without damaging the construction.

Implementation Method 1

The fastening flap herein provides a certain shock absorption which can absorb at least a part of the kinetic energy in the case of a possible fall from the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Owing to its inherent flexibility, such a wall-covering material provides a high degree of shock-damping in the case of a fall, which is already broken thereby to a certain extent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9643035B2Safety device for a fall restraint

Publication Date: 2017.05.09 KEDGE SAFETY SYSTEMS BV

AI summary

A safety device for a fall restraint includes an anchoring member (1) to which the fall restraint can be coupled directly or indirectly, and a fastening element for a firm and durable connection to an object (10). The fastening element is formed by a flexible fastening flap (11) which extends laterally from the device and which is intended and adapted to bring about the firm and durable connection to the object.