Mobile Anchor Cart for Fall Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fall protection systems face challenges in providing reliable anchor points, especially in residential and commercial buildings without permanent structural modifications, and existing portable systems are often too heavy for single workers to maneuver effectively.

Innovation Solution

A mobile anchor cart assembly that can transition between anchored and mobile positions, featuring a frame with tie-off points, a weight rack, and an axle assembly, allowing workers to easily reposition it for fall protection without requiring heavy lifting, with a load center of gravity aligned over the axle for balanced movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If portable anchor systems are made heavy to provide stable anchor points, then reliability of fall protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as single workers cannot maneuver them effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of fall protectionVSAvoidease of maneuvering

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cart system transitions from a static heavy anchor to a dynamic mobile anchor that can be easily repositioned. The axle assembly with wheels allows the heavy cart to move freely across the worksite, converting the disadvantage of heavy weight into an advantage by enabling easy repositioning while maintaining anchor stability when positioned

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The load and ballast system uses counterbalancing weights positioned on the cart to create a stable anchor point. The weights provide downward force that increases friction and stability, allowing the cart to serve as a reliable anchor while the axle assembly handles the mobility function separately

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Reliability

If permanent anchor points are installed in structures, then reliability of fall protection is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to damage to floors and structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of anchor pointsVSAvoiddamage to floors and structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cart system acts as an intermediary between the worker and the structure. Instead of directly anchoring to the floor (which causes damage), the cart provides a mobile platform with tie-off points that can be positioned without structural modification. The cart's wheels and frame distribute loads across larger areas, preventing floor damage while maintaining anchor reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cart is self-contained with all necessary anchoring components integrated into the mobile platform. The tie-off points, ballast, and frame work together to provide reliable anchoring without requiring external structural modifications, making the system self-sufficient and non-invasive to the building structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If workers must cover large areas in multiple directions, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens as multiple anchor points are needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidnumber of anchor points

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single cart system provides universal anchoring capability that replaces multiple fixed anchor points. The cart can be positioned and oriented to provide tie-off points in multiple directions, allowing workers to cover large areas and work in different locations using one mobile anchor instead of multiple fixed anchors throughout the facility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient and safe repositioning of fall protection systems across large areas, providing reliable anchor points without damaging structures and reducing worker burden, enhancing safety and mobility in fall protection applications.

Implementation Method 1

the axle assembly contacting the ground surface in the mobile position; and rolling the mobile anchor cart assembly along the ground surface with the axle assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a load defining a load center of gravity, the load center of gravity being vertically aligned over at least a portion of the axle assembly in the anchored position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11305803B2Mobile anchor cart

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 MACKARVICH CHARLES J

AI summary

A method for using a mobile anchor cart assembly can include repositioning the mobile anchor cart assembly from an anchored position to a mobile position on a ground surface, mobile anchor cart assembly including a cart, the cart including a frame resting upon the ground surface in the anchored position, the frame clearing the ground surface in the mobile position; and an axle assembly mounted to the frame, the axle assembly clearing the ground surface in the anchored position, the axle assembly contacting the ground surface in the mobile position; and a load defining a load center of gravity, the load center of gravity being vertically aligned over at least a portion of the axle assembly in the anchored position; and rolling the mobile anchor cart assembly along the ground surface with the axle assembly.