Offset Positioning Arm and Remote Latch for Overhead Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote anchoring systems face challenges in installing and removing fall protection straps from overhead beams with limited clearance areas, requiring messenger lines, compromising ergonomic control, and risking strap fallout due to lack of locking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A system with a positioning arm having a recessed area and dogleg shape for improved clearance, combined with a safety hook assembly featuring a remotely operated latch mechanism to secure and release the strap, eliminating the need for messenger lines and enhancing ergonomic control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a known remote anchoring system with a linear placement arm is used, then the strap can be installed over the overhead beam, but the center of balance is in front of the operator grip area requiring greater effort to hold the pole upright and decreasing ergonomic control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic controlVSAvoidoperator effort to hold pole upright

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The placement arm is redesigned with a non-linear profile where the first end and second end are offset from each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. This dimensional offset repositions the center of balance to align with the operator grip area, eliminating the need for excessive operator effort to maintain upright positioning while preserving the arm's functional length for reaching overhead beams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the hook portion is removed to provide clearance at the top of the pole, then the pole can fit in limited clearance areas, but the strap cannot be securely latched or locked to the hook portion increasing risk of strap fallout

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclearance area at top of poleVSAvoidrisk of strap fallout

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring system is divided into separate functional components: a pole for providing access and clearance, a placement arm for positioning, and a safety hook assembly with latch mechanism for securement. This segmentation allows the pole to maintain a compact profile for clearance areas while the safety hook assembly provides reliable latching capability when engaged with the anchoring member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The safety hook assembly includes a latch mechanism that proactively secures the anchoring member before any potential fallout can occur. The latch is designed to engage with the anchoring member and prevent accidental release, providing a safety cushion against the harmful effect of strap fallout during installation or removal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If the combined thickness of the D-ring and placement arm is greater than the clearance area, then the placement arm cannot pass through the limited clearance area to install the strap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to install strapVSAvoidclearance area between beam and ceiling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The placement arm is designed with flexibility or articulation that allows it to dynamically adjust its configuration. The arm can bend, flex, or articulate to navigate through the limited clearance area between the overhead beam and ceiling, then extend to its full functional length for proper engagement with the anchoring member. This dynamic capability enables installation in tight spaces without requiring the arm to maintain a rigid linear form throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If a messenger line is used to facilitate passage of the strap through the limited clearance area, then the strap can be installed, but the installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to install strap in tight spacesVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The messenger line, which is an auxiliary and time-consuming component in traditional systems, is completely extracted and eliminated from this design. The placement arm is directly integrated with the pole and safety hook assembly, allowing the anchoring member to be installed through the clearance area using the placement arm itself without requiring a separate messenger line to guide or pull the strap through tight spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11850721B2System and method to install and remove an anchoring member on an anchorage structure in an overhead area

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

There is provided a system to install and remove an anchoring member on an anchorage structure in an overhead area. The system has a pole for providing access to the overhead area. The system further has a positioning arm for attachment to the pole. The positioning arm has a first end, and a second end offset from the first end. The positioning arm further has an elongated body having an outboard portion and an inboard portion, a recessed area formed in the outboard portion, and a dogleg shaped portion formed along the inboard portion. The system further has a safety hook assembly for attachment to the pole. The safety hook assembly has a hook end, and a safety latch mechanism having a safety latch engageable with the hook end. The safety latch mechanism is remotely operated by an operator, via a pull cord attached to the safety latch mechanism.