Plastic-Deformation Energy Absorber for Reliable Fall Arrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy absorbing apparatus, such as self-retracting lifelines, face reliability issues due to susceptibility to contamination, environmental decay, deformation, and wear, which can lead to potential harm to users and require onerous checking and servicing.
Innovation Solution
The use of varying energy absorbing relationships between apparatus members through metal forming processes, such as wire drawing, deep drawing, and friction welding, to absorb energy inputs by converting kinetic energy into work energy through plastic deformation, providing a reliable and predictable mechanism for arresting or slowing movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If mechanical latches or interactions are used to absorb energy, then energy absorption capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to contamination, environmental decay, deformation, and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical latches and interactions with a material forming process that utilizes plastic deformation of metal members. When excessive force is detected, the system activates a die that forces material deformation, converting kinetic energy into plastic work. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and contamination issues while maintaining energy absorption capability through predictable material behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the metal member through plastic deformation. By controlling the material forming process parameters (such as die geometry, material flow stress, and deformation rate), the system achieves reliable energy absorption that is independent of environmental factors affecting traditional mechanical components.
2Loss of energy
If traditional mechanical mechanisms are used, then energy absorption is achieved, but device complexity increases due to checking and servicing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical latches and checking mechanisms with a simpler material forming system. The energy absorption function is achieved through controlled plastic deformation of metal members using a die, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical components, lubrication systems, and routine servicing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The material forming process is self-regulating based on the material's inherent plastic deformation characteristics. When excessive force occurs, the die automatically deforms the metal member to absorb energy, without requiring external control systems, sensors, or maintenance interventions that would increase device complexity.
3Speed
If mechanical deformation is used to absorb energy, then energy absorption speed is improved, but sudden stopping forces increase causing harm to users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the plastic deformation process parameters to manage the energy absorption profile. By designing the die geometry and material properties appropriately, the system achieves rapid energy absorption while maintaining controlled deceleration forces that prevent sudden stopping and associated harm to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The material forming process dynamically adjusts to the applied load through the material's plastic flow characteristics. The die and metal member interaction creates a progressive deformation zone that naturally modulates the stopping force, avoiding abrupt energy transfer while maintaining high absorption speed through controlled material flow.
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
This approach offers rapid energy absorption, high reliability, and the ability to reset the energy absorbing member, allowing for effective and safe absorption of high-density forces while avoiding sudden stops and enabling easy replacement of components.
Implementation Method 1
the second energy absorbing member absorbs at least part of the first member energy via a material forming process
Implementation Method 2
such as wire drawing, deep drawing, and friction welding
Implementation Method 3
such as wire drawing, deep drawing, and friction welding
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are energy absorbing apparatuses and methods of their use that utilize varying energy absorbing relationships between the apparatus members to absorb an energy input. The energy absorbing process occurs via a material forming process.