Pivot Runner for Fall Protection with Spring-Loaded Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing runners for fall protection devices require two hands to be placed on and removed from the rail and have complex mechanical mechanisms to prevent unintentional opening, making them cumbersome and difficult to operate.
Innovation Solution
A rotor design with a pivot axis perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the guide opening, allowing for one-handed operation and secure attachment/detachment using snap hooks, and incorporating a spring element for additional security, eliminating the need for additional latching means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two half-shells are used to form the guide opening, then the runner can be placed anywhere on the rail, but two hands are required to place and remove the runner
Solution Approach 1:
The runner is divided into two half-shells that can pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows the runner to be opened wide for placement and then closed to secure the lifeline, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining placement flexibility anywhere along the rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The half-shells are connected via a pivot axis, creating a dynamic structure that can transition between open and closed positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the runner to be easily opened for placement and automatically secures when closed, eliminating the need for two hands during operation.
2Reliability
If a mechanically complex mechanism is used to secure the half-shells against unintentional opening, then the runner is secure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element automatically pushes the half-shells into the closed position, providing self-securing functionality. The system uses the natural closing motion and spring force to ensure the runner remains secure without requiring additional complex latching mechanisms or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element changes the mechanical state of the half-shells from a static locked position to a dynamically maintained closed position. The spring force continuously acts to keep the half-shells closed, providing reliable security against unintentional opening while keeping the mechanism simple.
3Reliability
If additional latching means are added to fix the two parts in the closed position, then the runner is more secure, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element provides automatic latching functionality by continuously pushing the half-shells into the closed position. This self-securing mechanism eliminates the need for additional latching means such as locks, buttons, or clips, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the need for separate latching components by integrating the latching function into the basic pivot mechanism itself. The spring element and pivot axis work together to provide both the closing action and the latching function, extracting the latching requirement from the overall system.
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
Enables simple and secure one-handed operation of the runner on an anchorage device, preventing unintentional opening or detachment, while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost, allowing for compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element is arranged between the two parts, which acts on the two parts in the direction of the closed position with a restoring spring force
Data Source
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AI summary
The runner (10) has a housing with an attachment eye (15) for a person-bearing rope, and an axial-symmetric guide opening (16) for enclosing a device (18) to be fastened, i.e. a safety rope or safety bar. The housing comprises two parts (12,14), each with an attachment eye, and pivotable about a pivot axis (24).