Horizontal Lifeline Shuttle Jaw Geometry for Tolerance-Robust Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal lifeline systems face challenges in user comfort, cost, production variability, and functional errors, which affect the secure connection and smooth movement of workers along elevated surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal lifeline shuttle apparatus with an attachment portion and a body portion, featuring a fixed jaw, a moveable jaw, and a plurality of moveable pin grooves, which provide a range of motion for the moveable pin to mitigate production variability and ensure a secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional horizontal lifeline shuttles are used, then the basic function of securing workers is achieved, but production variability and functional errors occur affecting user comfort and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the pin groove from conventional simple shapes to specifically designed S-shaped profiles with controlled curvature radii and transition zones. This parameter optimization ensures that the moveable pin naturally settles at the correct position regardless of manufacturing tolerances, thereby reducing production variability's impact on functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The S-shaped groove profile incorporates transition zones and curvature variations that cushion the moveable pin's movement before it reaches its final position. This beforehand cushioning effect compensates for manufacturing variations by guiding the pin to settle at the correct position even when the groove dimensions vary within tolerance ranges
2Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are added to ensure secure connection, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable pin and groove system is designed to automatically secure itself through the geometric configuration of the S-shaped groove. The pin naturally settles at the correct position within the groove's transition zone without requiring external locking mechanisms, buttons, or complex fastening systems. This self-service approach maintains connection security while eliminating unnecessary complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex locking mechanisms from the horizontal lifeline shuttle design. By relying on the carefully designed pin groove geometry alone, the invention removes unnecessary components that would increase device complexity and potential points of failure, achieving security through simplicity
3Ease of operation
If the moveable pin is allowed to move freely, then ease of operation is improved, but production variability affects the nominal position and functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the pin groove including curvature radii, transition zone lengths, and groove profile shapes. These parameter changes create a groove that guides the moveable pin smoothly while ensuring it settles at the correct nominal position, accommodating manufacturing variability without sacrificing position accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The S-shaped groove profile creates a dynamic system where the moveable pin can move freely during normal operation but naturally settles at the correct position due to the groove's geometric features. The transition zones and curvature variations provide dynamic guidance that compensates for manufacturing tolerances while maintaining smooth operation
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontal lifeline shuttle apparatus is provided. The horizontal lifeline shuttle apparatus includes an attachment portion, a body portion, and a cable channel. The body portion is configured to at least partially surround a portion of a cable so as to retain the portion of the cable within a cable channel The attachment portion is configured to move relative to the body portion based at least in part on the motion of the moveable pin fixedly secured thereto. At least a portion of the moveable pin is disposed within each of a plurality of moveable pin guide grooves positioned within the body portion such that a range of motion of the moveable pin is defined at least in part by the plurality of moveable pin grooves. At least one of the plurality of moveable pin grooves comprises a vertical portion.