Metal Deformation Energy Absorber for Reliable Fall Arrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy absorbing apparatus, such as self-retracting lifelines, face reliability issues due to susceptibility to contamination, environmental decay, deformation, and wear, which demand frequent maintenance and pose risks to users.
Innovation Solution
The use of varying energy absorbing relationships between apparatus members through metal forming processes like wire drawing, deep drawing, bending, buckling, and friction welding to absorb energy inputs, providing a reliable and predictable mechanism for arresting or slowing movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If mechanical latches or interactions are used to absorb energy, then energy absorption capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to contamination, environmental decay, deformation, and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical latch systems with a simpler mechanical deformation-based energy absorption mechanism. The energy absorbing member relies on controlled plastic deformation of metal components (bending, buckling, crushing) rather than mechanical latches, reducing susceptibility to contamination and wear while maintaining energy absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from mechanical engagement (latches) to controlled material deformation. By utilizing the stress-strain characteristics of metal materials, the system achieves energy absorption through predictable plastic deformation rather than mechanical locking mechanisms, improving reliability
2Loss of energy
If complex mechanical mechanisms are used for energy absorption, then energy absorption effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases leading to maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex mechanical mechanisms (latches, locks, and other moving parts) from the energy absorption system. The simplified design relies on passive mechanical deformation of the energy absorbing member, reducing device complexity while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorbing member is divided into multiple deformable segments or zones that can deform independently. This segmentation allows controlled energy absorption through progressive deformation of different sections, achieving effectiveness without requiring complex overall mechanisms
3Loss of energy
If mechanical latches are used to stop movement, then energy absorption is improved, but harmful factors increase due to sudden stops and potential harm to users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing the energy absorbing member to progressively deform and absorb energy before complete stop. The controlled plastic deformation acts as a cushion, extending the stopping distance and time to reduce peak forces and prevent sudden harmful stops
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the stopping parameters from abrupt mechanical latch engagement to gradual material deformation. By utilizing the stress-strain curve of metal materials, the system extends the deceleration period, reducing peak acceleration forces that could harm users
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
This approach offers rapid energy absorption, high reliability, and the ability to reset the energy absorbing members, allowing for effective and safe operation with reduced maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
transferring kinetic energy from the at least one moving mass into work energy by plastic deformation of a material associated with the at least one energy absorbing member
Implementation Method 2
The wire 2 passes through a waisted die 3 in direction X when an energy input is imposed on the wire 2, and in doing so, wire 2 drawing occurs through the waisted die 3 causing the wire 2 to deform by a reduction in diameter through the die 3
Implementation Method 3
When the rotating bar 52 and stationary bar 53 surfaces meet, the friction between the two surfaces may, through material selection, rate of member 52, 53 movement and so on, result in sufficient heat to weld the two components 52, 53 together
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Described herein are energy absorbing apparatus and methods of use that utilise varying energy absorbing relationships between the apparatus members to absorb an energy input. The energy absorbing process occurs via a material forming process.