Hinged Safety Lid for Portable Power Driven Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable power-driven systems for ascending or descending ropes, such as winches, often require a second person for operation, posing risks due to rotating components during single-person use in scenarios like mountain climbing or rescue operations.
Innovation Solution
A portable power-driven system with a hinged safety arrangement featuring a safety lid and leaver portion, where the anchoring force from a user secured to the system automatically closes the safety lid over the rope grab, minimizing contact with rotating parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the safety lid is made hinged and automatically closes using anchoring force, then user safety is improved by preventing contact with rotating parts, but the device complexity increases due to the additional safety arrangement components
Solution Approach 1:
The safety lid is designed to automatically close and secure itself using the anchoring force generated during normal operation. The lever portion acts as a self-actuating mechanism where the user's own anchoring force closes the safety lid, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems. This self-service approach improves safety while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety lid is positioned and configured in advance to be closed by the anchoring force before the user begins ascending or descending. The hinged arrangement and lever portion are pre-configured so that when anchoring force is applied, the safety lid automatically assumes its closed protective position, ensuring safety is established before hazardous operations begin.
2Reliability
If the safety lid fully covers the rope grab during operation, then protection from rotating components is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted access for rope introduction
Solution Approach 1:
The safety lid is designed as a hinged, movable component rather than a fixed cover. It dynamically transitions between an open state during rope introduction and a closed state during operation. This dynamic design allows full protection during use while maintaining easy accessibility for rope loading, resolving the contradiction between safety and operational ease.
3Reliability
If a second person is required to operate the winch, then safety control is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates for single-person operations in remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables single-person operation by allowing the user to simultaneously control the motor and secure themselves to the anchoring point. The automatic safety lid closure using the user's own anchoring force eliminates the need for a second operator, making the device adaptable for remote operations while maintaining safety control through self-securing and self-protection mechanisms.
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 system ensures user safety by automatically securing the safety lid during operation, reducing risks of contact with rotating components even when a second operator is not present, enhancing single-person operation in hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
a leaver portion connected to and extending in an angle to the safety lid, the anchoring point being arranged at the leaver portion, wherein the safety lid and the leaver portion are arranged essentially perpendicular to each other, whereby the anchoring force when acting on the anchoring point forces the safety lid to its closed state
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a safety arrangement for a portable power driven system, such as an ascender/descender arrangement, specifically in relation to safety means for minimizing risks with items rotating during the operation of the power driven system.