Hinged Connecting Anchoring Device for Climbing Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Line workers face challenges when accessing and repairing utility poles, as bucket trucks may not reach the height or location, leading to the need for climbers who often use heavy snap hooks that cause fatigue and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A connecting and anchoring device comprising arms, cables, and a snap hook mechanism that allows for easy attachment and detachment from anchors, providing fall protection while reducing the weight and effort required for climbers, and incorporating a locking system that conforms to safety standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy snap hooks and carabiners are used for fall protection, then safety is improved, but worker fatigue increases and compliance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate arms (first arm and second arm) that can be independently positioned and attached to the pole. Each arm has its own cable and attachment mechanism, allowing the worker to distribute the weight and attachment points rather than using a single heavy device.
Solution Approach 2:
The second arm is hinged to the first arm, allowing it to swing open and closed dynamically. This dynamic mechanism enables easy attachment and detachment of the safety device to the pole, reducing the effort required by the worker while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If traditional snap hooks are used, then fall protection is provided, but the complexity of operation increases and ease of use decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged second arm that swings open allows the worker to easily attach and detach the device from the pole with one hand. The mechanical advantage of the hinge mechanism reduces the effort required compared to traditional snap hooks that require two-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically maintains its safety function through the interconnecting cables and loops. When the arms are positioned correctly, the cables automatically tension and lock the device in place, reducing the need for complex manual adjustments by the worker.
3Weight of moving object
If the device structure is simplified to reduce weight, then ease of carrying is improved, but the strength and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines different materials to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio. The arms are formed from aluminum shape (lightweight but strong), cables are made from wire rope (high tensile strength), and the snap hook is made from rated material conforming to safety standards. This composite approach allows weight reduction while maintaining required strength.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the device into distinct functional components (arms, cables, snap hook), each can be optimized for its specific function using appropriate materials. The aluminum arms provide structural support with minimal weight, while the wire rope cables provide the necessary tensile strength for fall protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting and anchoring device. A cable element terminates at opposite ends in respective gate and spine cable termination structures. A gate housing houses a gating portion of the cable element and includes a locking element. The device has a first configuration in which the termination structures are locked together and a second configuration in which the termination structures can be separated from one another by manipulating the locking element. The device in at least the first configuration defines a closed aperture. A spine housing houses a spinal portion of the cable element. The spine housing is attached to the base and the gate housing is pivotally connected to the base so that the gate housing can pivot relative to the spine housing so as to change the configuration of the connecting and anchoring device between the second configuration and a third configuration in which the aperture is open. The cable element includes a cable that extends uninterrupted from the spine housing, through the base, and into the gate housing.