Modular Cable Securing System for Container Edge Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security systems for elevated work platforms on objects like containers are either too costly, time-consuming to install, or require frequent disassembly, posing risks to workers and lacking in ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A security system comprising support cables and safety ropes with adjustable lengths and stopper elements, which can be quickly and easily installed on containers, preventing falls by ensuring the ropes are always under tension and guiding the user along the edges without restricting movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanently installed safety systems are integrated on containers, then worker safety is improved, but installation cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworker safetyVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The safety system is divided into separate modular components: support cables that can be independently installed on container edges, safety ropes with integrated fall arrest mechanisms, and connection elements. This segmentation allows each component to be installed separately and quickly assembled together, reducing overall installation time while maintaining complete safety functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The safety ropes are designed with adjustable lengths and movable connection points that can be dynamically configured for different container sizes and work scenarios. This dynamic adaptability allows the same safety system components to be quickly adapted to various containers without requiring custom installation for each specific case, reducing installation time while ensuring proper safety coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If safety devices are quickly assembled and disassembled, then installation time is reduced, but system reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation timeVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support cables are pre-installed and securely fixed to the container edges before the safety ropes are attached. This preliminary action creates a stable base structure that ensures reliable support points are already in place, so when safety ropes are quickly connected during assembly, they immediately benefit from pre-verified secure anchor points, maintaining system reliability despite quick installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The safety ropes incorporate self-tensioning mechanisms and automatic fall arrest features that ensure proper securing without requiring complex adjustment procedures. The system designs the connection elements to automatically engage and lock into the support cables with audible confirmation, providing self-verifying secure connections that maintain reliability while enabling quick assembly by non-expert workers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If safety ropes are made adjustable for different container sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different container sizesVSAvoidsafety system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The safety ropes incorporate adjustable length mechanisms that allow the effective length to be changed by simple user actions such as pulling or releasing sections of the rope, rather than requiring complex mechanical adjustments. This parameter change approach enables the same rope design to adapt to different container sizes while keeping the adjustment mechanism simple and intuitive, minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The support cables are designed with universal connection points and attachment mechanisms that can accommodate various container edge types and sizes. The standardized connection interfaces allow the same safety rope components to be used across different container configurations, achieving adaptability through universal design rather than through complex size-specific mechanisms, thus avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3374036B1Securing system for securing persons on containers
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 BORNACK
  • EP3374036B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a securing system (100) for securing a person on an elevated working plateau (153) of an object (150), in particular a container, wherein the working plateau (153) is bounded at least by a first edge (151) and a second opposite edge (152) of the object (150). A first support cable (101) can be arranged and fastened along the first edge (151), and a second support cable (102) can be arranged and fastened along the second edge (152). A first securing cable (103) is fastened to a first fastening point (106) on the first support cable, and the person can be coupled at a first coupling point (107) of the first securing cable (103). A second securing cable (104) is fastened to a second fastening point (108) on the second support cable, and the person can be coupled at a second coupling point (109) of the second securing cable (104). The first securing cable (103) and the second securing cable (104) have securing lengths that are shorter than a support-cable securing distance.