Movable Clamping Arms for Sloping Roof Fall Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection devices are not suitable for safely preventing workers from falling on roofs with sloped surfaces, such as mansard, hipped, pyramid, pent, and gable roofs, as they are designed for flat or vertical surfaces and cannot effectively distribute force across the roof tiles without damaging them.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with elongated tensioning elements and movable clamping arms that can be adjusted to securely attach to sloping roof surfaces, distributing force across multiple tiles and using softer materials to prevent damage, while allowing for flexible positioning and secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fall protection devices are used on sloping roofs, then they can provide basic protection on flat surfaces, but they cannot effectively distribute force across roof tiles without damaging them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a tensioning element made of softer material specifically at the contact points with roof tiles, while the rest of the device structure remains rigid for strength. This localized softness prevents damage to tiles while maintaining overall device reliability for fall protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the force distribution function by introducing a tensioning element as a separate component between the clamping arms and roof tiles. This segmentation allows the tensioning element to specifically handle the force distribution and tile contact, preventing damage while the clamping arms provide secure attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If clamping arms are made adjustable to fit sloping roofs, then adaptability to different roof surfaces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clamping arms movable relative to each other through a tensioning mechanism. This allows the arms to dynamically adjust their position and angle to accommodate sloping roof surfaces, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-configuration devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the parameter of clamping arm distance through the tensioning element, allowing adjustment from a fixed configuration to a variable configuration. This parameter change enables the device to adapt to different roof slopes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If tensioning elements are used to distribute force across multiple tiles, then force distribution and tile protection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning element serves as an intermediary component between the clamping arms and the roof tiles. It mediates the force transmission, distributing the clamping force across multiple tiles while preventing direct concentration of force that would cause damage. This intermediary approach protects tiles without significantly complicating the device.
4Ease of operation
If movable clamping arms are implemented to adjust distance, then ease of operation and positioning are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable clamping arms implement dynamics by allowing relative movement between arms through a tensioning mechanism. This provides positioning flexibility for operators to accommodate sloping roofs, while the mechanism uses simple mechanical elements that can be manufactured with standard processes.
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 holding device provides reliable fall protection on sloping roofs by evenly distributing force across multiple tiles, preventing damage and ensuring secure attachment, thus safeguarding workers and passers-by from falling hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a first tensioning arm (110) which has a tensioning element carrier (150), wherein the tensioning element carrier (150) carries the tensioning element (140)
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first tensioning arm (110) and the second tensioning arm (120) is a movable tensioning arm that is movable relative to the connecting device (130)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a retaining apparatus for detachable fastening to a building roof, in particular in a region of a verge of the building roof, comprising the following: at least one clamping element which is elongate and has a first longitudinal extension direction; a first clamping arm, which has a clamping element carrier, wherein the clamping element carrier supports the clamping element; a second clamping arm; and a connection device having a second longitudinal extension direction, which connects the first clamping arm to the second clamping arm, wherein the first clamping arm and/or the second clamping arm is a movable clamping arm, which is movable relative to the connection device such that a distance between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm, in which a part of the building roof can be clamped, is variable, wherein, when the retaining apparatus is mounted on the building roof, the first longitudinal extension direction of the at least one clamping element is oriented at least substantially orthogonally to the second longitudinal extension direction of the connection device. The invention further relates to a fall protection having such a retaining apparatus.