Lifeline Attachment System with Integrated Tension Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of lifelines at altitude requires two operators, making it cumbersome and time-consuming, especially since the person installing it does not benefit from its safety features until completed.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system for lifelines that integrates a load absorber and a tension indicator, utilizing a spring-based deformation mechanism to indicate cable tension, allowing a single operator to easily install and tension the lifeline, with variants including and excluding a tensioner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional fastening system with separate load absorber and tensioner is used, then the system provides complete tensioning and load absorption functions, but it requires two operators for installation making it cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the load absorber and tensioner into a single integrated fastening system. The load absorber unit and tensioner unit are connected in series within the same anchoring device, allowing one operator to install and tension the lifeline independently without requiring a second operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fastening system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both tensioning capability and load absorption capability within a single device. The system can absorb upward impulse loads while also maintaining cable tension, eliminating the need for separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If a single operator installs the lifeline without a tensioner, then the installation is simpler, but the cable cannot be properly tensioned
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioner unit is integrated within the fastening system, allowing a single operator to perform both installation and tensioning functions. The tensioner mechanism includes a rod that can be manually operated to apply and maintain cable tension while remaining part of the same device.
3Productivity
If the fastening system includes both load absorber and tensioner functions, then one operator is sufficient for installation, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into distinct functional modules: a load absorber unit with energy-absorbing elements and a tensioner unit with adjustment mechanisms. These segmented units are connected in series, allowing independent optimization of each function while maintaining overall system compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioner unit is nested within or alongside the load absorber unit, with components arranged to minimize overall device size. The rod and adjustment mechanisms are integrated into the existing structural framework, reducing the increase in device complexity.
4Reliability
If an energy absorber is included in the fastening system, then fall protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorber is integrated as an inherent component of the load absorber unit, which is already part of the fastening system. The absorber elements are positioned to work in conjunction with the existing structural components, adding fall protection functionality without requiring a completely separate system.
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
Facilitates solo installation and tensioning of lifelines, ensuring safety by providing real-time tension feedback, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety during high-altitude work.
Implementation Method 1
the tension applied to the cable results in a deformation of a spring that can work in compression or extension
Implementation Method 2
the energy absorber absorbs the kinetic energy of the fall, preventing both a violent impact and a surge of tension
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (90) for attaching a lifeline to a structure, the system comprising a load indicator device (70), this device comprising a first element (65) secured to an impulse-type load absorber (6), and a second element (66), the elements being capable of moving one relative to the other and designed to move one relative to the other as a function of the tension applied to the lifeline. The first and second elements are connected by connecting means that comprise an elastic means (72). This system may also include a line tensioner.