Modular Fall Arrest Safety Net with Choker Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safety nets for fall arrest are not suitable for permanent protection in engineering facilities due to construction constraints, obstructions, and high costs, necessitating an inexpensive and easily installable alternative.
Innovation Solution
A safety net assembly comprising a wire mesh bag with integral eyes, an elongate line, and a choker fitting that allows for easy installation and removal, featuring a ring connection and loop formations to distribute impact loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suspended safety net is installed to span the entire overhead area, then fall protection coverage is improved, but construction constraints and obstructions make it inappropriate, and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the safety net system into modular units that can be independently installed and secured to existing construction elements. Each module includes its own attachment mechanism, allowing the system to be segmented and distributed throughout the facility rather than requiring a single large suspended net, thereby adapting to construction constraints while maintaining protection coverage
2Reliability
If a suspended safety net is installed to span the entire overhead area, then fall protection coverage is improved, but obstruction to working areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the safety net into smaller modular units positioned at specific locations, the system provides fall protection without creating a continuous obstruction across the entire working area. Workers can access working areas between the modular units while still being protected by the distributed safety modules
3Reliability
If a suspended safety net is installed to span the entire overhead area, then fall protection coverage is improved, but manufacturing and installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the safety net into modular units reduces manufacturing cost by allowing standardized production of smaller components and reduces installation cost by enabling easier handling and positioning. The modular design with integrated attachment mechanisms eliminates the need for complex suspension systems required for large spanning nets
Solution Approach 2:
The modular safety net units incorporate self-contained attachment mechanisms that can be easily installed by workers without requiring specialized equipment or complex installation procedures. The units are designed to be self-supported and self-secured to existing construction elements, reducing installation complexity and cost
Data Source
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AI summary
A fall arrest safety net assembly has the form of a bag constructed of wire mesh, with a closed end (2) and an opposing open mouth (3) about which a plurality of eyes (12) are spaced. An elongate line (33) has opposing first and second ends, first and second line portions of the line being disposed adjacent the first and second ends respectively, an intermediate portion of the line located between the first and second line portions. A choker fitting (52) has two faces between which a plurality of openings extend, and an end-securing fixture on the choker fitting. The first portion of the line is connected in a ring by the choker fitting, the first end being fixed to the end-securing fixture, the first portion extending through the eyes for drawing the mouth closed, and the intermediate portion extending through the openings in the choker fitting (52).