Pivot Tab User Connector for Fall Limiter Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal fall limiter arrangements often have complex mechanical structures that are not intuitive to use, leading to safety concerns and potential mechanical failures, and existing user connection systems may not provide secure or quick attachment to a user's harness or belt.
Innovation Solution
A personal fall limiter arrangement with a user connection system that includes a hub, braking assembly, and a user connection arrangement with pivotally attached tabs and biasing members, allowing for secure and intuitive attachment and detachment to a user's harness or belt, featuring a recess for a user connector and biasing members to maintain a locked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complicated mechanical structures are used for user connection arrangements, then secure attachment may be achieved, but the structure becomes complex and introduces multiple failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The user connection arrangement is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion that interfaces with the D-ring, tab portions that provide the locking mechanism, and biasing members that provide the necessary force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and reducing the number of potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection arrangement utilizes self-service through spring-loaded biasing members that automatically engage and disengage the tab portions with the D-ring. The biasing members provide continuous urging force to maintain the locked position without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall structure while ensuring secure attachment.
2Reliability
If mechanical locking structures are used for attachment, then secure connection is achieved, but the operation becomes non-intuitive and may lead to partial closing or improper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
While not explicitly described in terms of color, the invention employs visual differentiation through the geometric configuration and positioning of the tab portions and bearing surfaces. The tabs are positioned to clearly indicate their engagement state, and the bearing surfaces are shaped to guide proper insertion of the D-ring, making the operation intuitive and preventing partial closing through clear visual feedback on engagement status.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab portions serve as intermediaries between the user's manual operation and the locking mechanism. These tabs provide a clear mechanical interface that translates simple user motion into reliable engagement or disengagement of the D-ring, making the operation intuitive while maintaining secure connection through the bearing surface geometry.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection points are provided in the connector, then versatility is improved, but the number of possible failure points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The body of the user connection arrangement is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate various D-ring configurations and orientations. The recess and bearing surface geometry are configured to work with standard D-rings used in different harness types, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized connection points, thereby maintaining reliability through a single, well-designed connection interface.
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 solution provides a secure, intuitive, and quick attachment mechanism for personal fall limiter arrangements, enhancing user safety by reducing the risk of mechanical failures and ensuring reliable connection to a user's harness or belt.
Implementation Method 1
at least one biasing member engaged with the at least one tab and configured to urge the at least one tab towards a locked position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4(a)~4(e)
Figure 5(a)~5(d)
AI summary
A personal fall limiter arrangement having a user connection arrangement, including: a body attached to at least a portion of the frame and having a recess configured to receive at least a portion of a user connector; at least one tab pivotally attached to a first portion of the body; and at least one biasing member engaged with the at least one tab and configured to urge the at least one tab towards a locked (or closed) position; wherein, in operation, the at least one tab is pivotal between: (1) an open position to permit passage of at least a portion of the user connector into or out of the recess; and (2) the locked position to prevent passage of at least a portion of the user connector out of the recess.