Ladder Coupling Assembly for Transferable Fall Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection systems for ladders face challenges such as difficulty in positioning due to the weight of safety line assemblies at the top, require permanent couplings that void warranties, and are not easily transferable between ladders.
Innovation Solution
A ladder coupling assembly composed of flexible webbing and buckles, allowing secure attachment to both ladders and poles, enabling easy setup and removal without tools, and providing fall protection by securing the ladder in place and allowing attachment of a safety line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety line assembly coupling is disposed at the top of the ladder with mounting and pulley/retraction device, then fall protection is provided, but the positioning of the ladder becomes difficult due to the moment arm created by the mass at the top
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the safety line assembly coupling from the top of the ladder and relocates it to the bottom section. This extraction from the problematic position eliminates the moment arm issue while maintaining fall protection functionality through the repositioned coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the coupling at the top as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the coupling at the bottom of the ladder. This inversion resolves the positioning difficulty caused by the moment arm while preserving the essential fall protection function.
2Reliability
If a permanent coupling is used to attach the safety line assembly to the ladder, then secure attachment is achieved, but the ladder warranty is voided and the assembly cannot be transferred between ladders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic coupling mechanism that can be selectively attached and detached from the ladder. This dynamic connection provides secure attachment during use while allowing easy removal and transfer to different ladders, eliminating the need for permanent modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently attached to the ladder without permanent integration. This segmentation allows the safety line assembly to be securely connected during operation while maintaining the ability to transfer between different ladders.
3Reliability
If a cooperative coupling with fastener holes and bolts is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the ladder must be modified by drilling holes which voids warranties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism that connects the safety line assembly to the ladder without requiring direct permanent attachment. This intermediary system uses clamping or gripping actions on existing ladder surfaces, eliminating the need to drill holes or modify the ladder structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ladder coupling assembly (100) includes a pole brace strap (110) formed of flexible webbing and including a rope guide ring (116) structured to guide a rope lifeline (20), and a buckle (114) structured to selectively attach to a corresponding buckle (24) attached to the rope lifeline (20), the rope guide ring (116) and buckle (114) disposed proximate a central portion of the pole brace strap (110), and a rung buckle strap (120) coupled to a central portion of the pole brace strap (110) and formed of flexible webbing and structured to wrap around a first rung (12) or a rail (14) of a ladder (10) proximate an upper portion of the ladder (10) and including rung buckles (124,126) structured to selectively attach to each other to secure the rung buckle strap (120) in a position wrapped around the first rung (12) or rail (14) of the ladder (10).