Movable Anchoring System With Spring-Loaded Strap
Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety harness systems are not effectively adaptable for use during climbing or descending on vertical surfaces, as they often require manual adjustment and are prone to malfunction or injury due to irregularities in the surface, gravity, and human error, particularly on smooth or obstructed surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A movable anchoring system with a single strap of stiff flexible webbing, featuring an inwardly biased spring element that automatically cinches around the vertical member, allowing easy repositioning and secure attachment without manual adjustment, and includes tear-away loops to reduce fall distance in case of a fall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passive belt type system with teeth or biting elements is used to engage the pole, then safety is provided at the time of a fall, but the system cannot be used during climbing or descending due to interference with movement and inability to accommodate surface irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system transitions from a static passive belt to a dynamic system that moves with the climber. The strap can be repositioned along the vertical member during climbing and descending, allowing continuous protection rather than fixed-position safety. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by enabling both movement freedom and fall protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves multiple functions: it provides fall arrest protection, allows continuous repositioning during climbing, and adapts to various surface conditions (smooth poles, rough bark, obstructed surfaces). This multi-functionality enables the same device to be used throughout the entire climbing process rather than only at stationary positions.
2Reliability
If a rope system with slip knot is used for portable tree stands, then some protection is provided during climbing, but the system requires manual adjustment and both hands for relocation, which is time-consuming and poses safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system with spring element automatically adjusts and secures itself to the vertical member without requiring manual manipulation. The spring mechanism self-tightens as the strap is repositioned, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust knots or secure the system, thus keeping hands free for climbing while maintaining continuous protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual knot-tying and slipping mechanism is replaced with a spring-based mechanical system that automatically tensiones and secures the strap. This substitution eliminates the complex manual operations required by rope systems while providing more reliable and consistent anchoring throughout the climbing process.
3Reliability
If current safety systems are used on smooth surfaces such as concrete telephone poles or smooth barked trees, then attachment is required, but the systems have significant limitations and are not readily adaptable due to lack of friction or biting engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the engagement parameter from reliance on surface friction or biting (teeth) to a mechanical spring-based tension system. The spring element provides consistent radial force against smooth surfaces, enabling reliable attachment on concrete poles or smooth bark where traditional friction-based or toothed systems fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the strap and the smooth vertical surface. It provides the necessary mechanical pressure and adaptation to achieve secure engagement on surfaces that are too smooth for direct friction-based or toothed attachment, bridging the gap between the anchoring system and challenging surfaces.
4Ease of operation
If a movable anchoring system with spring element is used, then automatic cinching and easy repositioning are achieved, but the device complexity increases compared to simple rope systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a flexible webbing strap instead of rigid components or complex mechanical assemblies. The flexible nature of the strap allows it to conform to various vertical member shapes and sizes while the integrated spring element provides the cinching function, achieving automatic adjustment without bulky or complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring function, the cinching mechanism, and the repositioning capability are merged into a single integrated strap assembly with the spring element. This combination eliminates the need for separate adjustment devices, knots, or multiple components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
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
The system provides secure and easy-to-use safety restraints during climbing and descending, reducing the risk of injury by automatically gripping the surface and shortening fall distance through its biased mechanism and tear-away loops, thus enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A movable anchoring system with a single strap of stiff flexible webbing, featuring an inwardly biased spring element that automatically cinches around the vertical member
Implementation Method 2
includes tear-away loops to reduce fall distance in case of a fall
Data Source
AI summary
A movable anchoring safety device attached to a hunter or other person for use in ascending and descending a tree or vertically inclined circular structure member. The device consists of a multi layered strap with a substantial portion of the strap having an internally embedded biased spring material such as spring steel configured to have a circular inward bias. In use, this portion of the multilayered strap clings to the circumference of the circular member. The device is easily repositioned either upward or downward while climbing or descending. In fixed position, the strap cinches to the climbing surface and operates to anchor the climber in position and stop any fall or unwanted downward movement. The apparatus is particularly useful in enabling a hunter to safely climb a tree without interference from the device while using and positioning an elevated tree stand.