Fall Arrest Lanyard Rigid Frame Pin Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fall protection/fall arrest lanyards with snap hooks at both ends lack optimal energy absorption and flexibility in distributing load during a user's fall, limiting their effectiveness in certain scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A fall arrest lanyard design featuring a first connector for anchoring, a second connector with a rigid frame and load-bearing pin for connecting to a harness, and an energy absorber integrated with the lanyard material, allowing for adjustable engagement and load distribution, including shear pins to break under excessive load for energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional snap hooks are used at both ends of the lanyard, then the lanyard can be easily connected to anchor points and harnesses, but the energy absorption capability and flexibility in distributing load during a user's fall is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lanyard is divided into distinct functional segments: a first connector for anchor point connection, a second connector with rigid frame and load-bearing pin for harness connection, and flexible load-bearing lanyard material extending between them. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the second connector specifically designed for energy absorption and load distribution during falls
Solution Approach 2:
The second connector incorporates a load-bearing pin that can translate along the longitudinal axis between open and closed positions, and shear pins that can break under excessive load. This dynamic behavior enables the connector to adapt during a fall event, transitioning from a rigid connection to an energy-absorbing mechanism that distributes load flexibly
2Strength
If the second connector uses a rigid frame with load-bearing pin for secure connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the flexibility and load distribution capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system exhibits different mechanical properties at different locations: the rigid frame and load-bearing pin provide strong, stable connection points for securing the lanyard, while the flexible load-bearing lanyard material and shear pin mechanisms provide flexibility and energy absorption. Each local region is optimized for its specific function, combining strength where needed with flexibility where beneficial
Solution Approach 2:
The lanyard combines rigid materials (frame, load-bearing pin) with flexible materials (lanyard material, shear pins) to create a composite system. The rigid components provide structural integrity and connection strength, while the flexible components enable load distribution and energy absorption during dynamic fall events
3Reliability
If the D-ring of the user's harness is used to connect the lanyard, then the connection is secure, but the D-ring is occupied and cannot be used for other equipment connections
Solution Approach 1:
The second connector acts as an intermediary between the lanyard and the harness D-ring. It provides a dedicated connection point on the lanyard side, allowing the D-ring to remain occupied by the connector while still enabling secure attachment. This intermediary structure frees up the D-ring's primary function while allowing additional equipment to be attached to other parts of the harness
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
Enhances the safety and effectiveness of fall arrest systems by providing improved load distribution and energy absorption, keeping the D-ring of the user's harness free for other equipment connections while ensuring secure anchoring and shock absorption.
Implementation Method 1
the energy absorber can absorb the energy of a user's fall
Implementation Method 2
shear pins to break under excessive load for energy absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A fall arrest lanyard (10) is provided for arresting the fall of a user from an elevated worksite and includes a connector (16) having a rigid frame (30) and a load bearing pin (32) extending along a longitudinal axis (34). The pin (32) has a central span (36) extending between first and second end portions (38, 40) and is mounted in the frame (30) to translate along the longitudinal axis (34) between an open position wherein at least one of the end portions (38, 40) is spaced from the frame (30) to allow a length of webbing (41) from a fall protection harness (17) to be loaded into the connector (16), and a closed position wherein the first and second end portions (38, 40) of the pin (32) are supported by the frame (30) with the central span (36) of the pin (32) being free from engagement to trap the length of webbing (41) between the pin (32) and the frame (30) for load bearing engagement with the central span (36).