Grid Mesh Anchor Assembly for Certified Fall Arrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for anchoring workers at heights using scaffold tubes on steel structures pose a trip hazard and lack safety certification, with the risk of load being improperly distributed between grid mesh and I-beams.
Innovation Solution
An anchor assembly comprising an elongate housing with a suspension member and feet that rest on the grid mesh, ensuring load is transferred to the underlying structural members, providing a secure and certified anchorage point rated up to 22.2 kN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scaffold tubes are used for anchoring workers, then anchorage is provided, but trip hazards are created and safety certification is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anchorage function from the scaffold tube system and creates a dedicated anchor assembly that can be independently installed and certified. This separate anchorage device eliminates the need to use scaffold tubes for anchoring, thereby removing the trip hazard while providing a certified safety solution
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor assembly acts as an intermediary device between the worker's fall arrest equipment and the structural members. It provides a certified connection point that distributes loads properly to the structure through its feet, eliminating the need for workers to interact with or pass over scaffold tubes, thus removing the trip hazard
2Force
If scaffold tubes span two I-beams for anchoring, then load distribution is intended, but improper load distribution between grid mesh and beams occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor assembly features feet at its ends that are specifically designed to contact and transfer loads directly to the structural members (I-beams or columns). This localized load transfer mechanism ensures that forces are properly distributed to the load-bearing structural elements rather than being improperly shared with the grid mesh, providing reliable load distribution
3Stability of the object's composition
If scaffold fittings are placed at ends of tubes to prevent movement, then anchorage stability is improved, but device complexity and lack of certification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the anchorage function, stability features, and load distribution capabilities into a single integrated anchor assembly. The device incorporates feet for stable positioning, a housing for protecting components, and a suspension member for load bearing - all in one certified unit. This integration provides anchorage stability while simplifying the overall system and enabling safety certification
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns an anchor assembly for providing a secure point of attachment at a grid mesh platform. The anchor assembly comprises a housing in the form of an elongated case with a central hollow channel, generally rectangular in shape with a flat base and roof. The base includes openings in the form of access slots to provide access from the channel to the exterior of the base. The anchor assembly also comprises a suspension member located within the channel. In operation the anchor assembly spans adjacent structural members underlying the mesh grid. A coupling member in the form of a sling having an end loop is engaged by the suspension member which passes through the end loop of the sling. The sling also passes through one of the slots in the base of the elongated case. An opposite end of the sling provides an anchor point.