Mobile Anchor Cart with Repositionable Axle for Stable Fall Arrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection systems face challenges in providing reliable anchor points in environments lacking structural integration, such as residential or commercial properties, and are often cumbersome for single workers to maneuver across large areas.
Innovation Solution
An anchor cart assembly with a frame, axle assembly, and jack mechanism that allows for repositioning between raised and lowered positions, enabling easy mobility and secure anchoring at desired locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If portable anchor systems use weight to provide stability, then anchor reliability is improved, but device weight increases making it difficult for single workers to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counterweight mechanisms where the cart's design balances the heavy anchor load through strategic weight distribution and mechanical advantage systems. The cart frame and wheel assembly are configured to offset the weight of the anchor mechanism, allowing the system to remain maneuverable despite carrying substantial anchor weight for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic mobility features including collapsible cart frames, removable wheel assemblies, and adjustable anchor positioning mechanisms. These dynamic elements allow the system to transition between a compact, easy-to-move configuration during transport and a stable, anchored configuration when in use, resolving the contradiction between weight for reliability and ease of maneuvering.
2Reliability
If anchor points are permanently integrated into building structures, then anchor reliability is improved, but adaptability to different locations and environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal portable anchor cart system that can be deployed across multiple building types and environments. The cart incorporates standardized anchor mechanisms that can interface with various surface types (concrete, asphalt, wood) through different attachment options, while the mobile platform allows relocation to any required position, providing both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the anchor system into separable components: a mobile cart platform, detachable anchor mechanisms, and interchangeable attachment tools. This segmentation allows the reliable anchor function to be transported and repositioned independently, enabling deployment in diverse locations without permanent structural integration while maintaining anchor reliability through dedicated anchoring components.
3Ease of operation
If workers must manually move heavy anchor systems across large areas, then portability is reduced, but ease of operation is improved through mechanical assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual lifting and positioning mechanics with wheel-based rolling mechanisms and hydraulic or pneumatic assistance systems. The cart incorporates powered or assisted drive mechanisms that reduce the physical effort required to move heavy anchor loads across large areas, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through standardized mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate mechanical elements such as rollers, pulleys, and transmission mechanisms between the worker and the heavy anchor load. These intermediaries amplify the worker's input force and distribute the mechanical load more efficiently, making heavy anchor systems easier to maneuver without requiring the worker to directly handle the full weight, thereby balancing ease of operation with acceptable system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor cart assembly can include a cart including a frame defining at least one front foot and at least one rear foot, the at least one front foot and the at least one rear foot defining a bottom plane of the frame; and an axle assembly mounted to the frame, the axle assembly being repositionable relative to the frame between a raised position and a lowered position, the axle assembly positioned above the bottom plane in the raised position, at least a portion of the axle assembly positioned below the bottom plane in the lowered position; and a load supported by the cart.