Modular Climbing Aid for High Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climbing aids for high structures are large, heavy, and difficult to transport, making them unsuitable for mobile and simple applications, particularly for routine inspections on challenging terrain, and pose significant safety risks due to frequent accidents associated with permanently installed ladders.
Innovation Solution
A climbing aid system comprising a rail-type, elongated profiled element and two climbing consoles with guiding and holding sections that securely attach to the profiled element, allowing for secure climbing and easy transportation, and a fall protection device with a pawl mechanism for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If permanently installed ladders are used, then climbing capability is provided, but safety deteriorates due to frequent accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing system is divided into separate modular components: a stationary profiled rail element and movable climbing consoles. This segmentation allows the climbing function to be provided without permanent ladder installation, eliminating the safety issues associated with fixed ladders while maintaining climbing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The climbing consoles are designed to be movable along the profiled element rather than fixed. The dynamic positioning system with guiding and holding sections allows users to securely attach and detach consoles as needed, providing both climbing capability and improved safety through controlled, reversible attachment.
2Reliability
If large climbing aids are used, then climbing safety is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing system is divided into a stationary profiled rail element and separate climbing consoles. This segmentation allows the safety-critical profiled element to remain fixed while the climbing consoles become portable, lightweight components that can be easily transported and deployed as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The climbing function is extracted from a single large heavy unit and separated into a stationary profiled element and movable consoles. The consoles contain the necessary safety features (guiding and holding sections) but are designed to be lightweight and portable, solving the contradiction between safety and portability.
3Ease of operation
If complex climbing devices are used, then climbing functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The profiled element serves multiple functions: it provides the structural support, contains the guiding elements for console positioning, and incorporates the force transmission elements for securing consoles. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive climbing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The climbing consoles are designed to be self-securing through their guiding and holding sections that automatically engage with the profiled element's features. The system uses its own structural elements (guiding parts, force transmission parts) to secure itself without requiring additional complex locking mechanisms or tools.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement allowing a person to climb up and/or down an object, such as a high-voltage mast, the arrangement including an elongate, rail-type profiled element that is provided with at least one guiding part extending along the profiled element, and a part for absorbing force transmission. A climbing aid is also provided, comprising two climbing consoles with one respective foot supporting area and a guiding section that embraces or grips the guiding part and a holding section which at least partly rests against or on the profiled element opposite the guiding section.