Pivoting Fall Arrest Mesh for Formwork Gap Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection systems for formwork and precast concrete elements are complex, prone to contamination, require additional components, and are cumbersome to install, posing safety risks and inefficiencies in construction processes.
Innovation Solution
A safety catch system comprising a collection grid connected to transverse stiffeners, which is pivoted into position without requiring additional components or modifications to the support structure, ensuring secure installation and preventing falls by limiting longitudinal displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grid-based safety device is placed on top of formwork beams, then fall protection is provided, but the installer risks falling through gaps while placing the device and horizontal space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is pre-assembled on the ground with the grid in horizontal position before being lifted and attached to the support structure. This preliminary preparation eliminates the risk of installers falling during installation and removes the need for horizontal workspace during the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the grid from above onto the beams, the invention attaches the grid to the transverse stiffeners from below, pivoting it into its final vertical position. This inverted installation approach eliminates the need for installers to work above the support structure and removes horizontal space requirements.
2Reliability
If a safety device resting on beams is used, then fall protection is achieved, but it obstructs the placement of precast concrete elements onto the beams
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is segmented into two functional parts: the grid surface attached to transverse stiffeners for fall protection, and the space between the grid and beams that remains open for precast element placement. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device is repositioned from a horizontal placement on top of beams to a vertical attachment below the beams, extending downwards. This dimensional change allows the grid to provide fall protection while leaving the beam tops accessible for placing precast concrete elements.
3Ease of manufacture
If guides are mounted to longitudinal beams before safety device installation, then the safety device can be attached, but additional components and complex mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate guide components and complex folding mechanisms. The safety device attaches directly to the transverse stiffeners using simple connection elements, removing unnecessary intermediate components and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse stiffeners serve dual functions: providing structural support for the support device and serving as the attachment points for the safety device. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate guide components, as the existing structural elements perform multiple functions.
4Ease of operation
If the safety device is moved along longitudinal axis with rollers, then positioning is flexible, but the device may shift creating unsecured gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is attached to the transverse stiffeners in its final operational position before the support device is placed on the formwork. This preliminary positioning ensures the grid remains stationary and properly aligned, eliminating the need for later adjustments that could create gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning and securing functions are merged into a single attachment process. The grid is connected to the transverse stiffeners with connection elements that simultaneously secure the grid and fix its position, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms like rollers that could allow shifting.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for constructing a fall arrest system (2) on a support device (1) for a formwork element (22) or a precast concrete element (20), comprising the steps of: a) providing the support device (1), which has: - an arrangement of supports (3), - a first and a second crossbeam (4a, 4b) connected to the arrangement of supports (3), - a first and a second transverse stiffener, preferably a first and a second crossbar (5a, 5b), for forming a tensile and compressive rigid connection between the first and the second crossbeam (4a, 4b), b) providing a fall arrest system (6) for securing a gap (14) between the first and the second crossbeam (4a, 4b), characterized in that providing the fall arrest system (6) (step b)) comprises: a1) connecting a first end region (7a) of the fall arrest system (6) to the first transverse stiffener (5a),wherein the catch grid (6) is arranged in an intermediate position directed downwards from the first transverse stiffener (5a); a2) pivoting the catch grid (6) about a pivot axis formed by the first transverse stiffener (5a); a3) connecting a second end region (7b) of the catch grid (6) to the second transverse stiffener (5b) so that the catch grid (6) is arranged in a securing position that secures the space (14) between the first and the second yoke beams (4a, 4b).