Wood Pole Climber Fall Restriction Device with Anti-Rotation Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pole climbing safety strap assemblies, such as the LORTIE safety strap assembly, restrict body movement and fail to protect climbers when maneuvering around obstacles, leading to frequent adjustments and increased risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
A wood pole fall restriction device featuring a unique connector with a rectangular, oval, or square cross-section that interacts with a three-slot D-ring to prevent rotation, allowing for adjustable positioning and pole-gripping protrusions, enabling secure attachment and reduced need for frequent adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional safety strap assembly with a brake mechanism is used, then fall protection is provided during normal climbing, but the climber cannot twist their body or maneuver around obstacles without causing the brake to release and requiring frequent readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The safety strap system is divided into two independent straps: an inner positioning strap and an outer safety strap. The inner strap allows body movement and twisting without affecting the outer safety strap, which remains engaged with the pole. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing freedom of movement while maintaining continuous fall protection.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector assembly with a unique cross-sectional shape acts as an intermediary between the inner and outer straps. This connector prevents rotation relative to the D-ring while allowing the inner strap to move independently, thereby mediating between the need for body movement freedom and continuous safety strap engagement.
2Reliability
If the safety strap is tightened securely around the pole, then fall protection is improved, but the climber experiences discomfort and requires frequent adjustments during normal work movements
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the positioning function (inner strap) from the safety function (outer strap), the system allows the safety strap to remain securely engaged without restricting normal body movements. This eliminates the need for frequent adjustments while maintaining reliable fall protection.
3Ease of operation
If the connector allows rotation, then ease of positioning is improved, but the safety strap becomes unreliable when maneuvering around obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed with a unique asymmetric cross-sectional shape that fits correspondingly asymmetrically into the D-ring. This asymmetric geometry prevents rotation of the connector relative to the D-ring, ensuring the safety strap remains reliably engaged while still allowing the climber to position themselves comfortably on the pole.
Data Source
AI summary
A fall restriction apparatus for climbers of wooden poles having a connecting component with at least a first bight portion adapted for connection to and retention within a center opening of a three slot-opening D-ring. The connecting component is sized so that when inserted within the central opening, it is restrained from rotating. The connecting component may have outwardly directed protrusions on at least its spine region. The affixed D-ring shape typically lies in a major plane orthogonal to a plane in which the remainder of the connecting component lies. Alternately, connecting component may be attached to other openings of the three-opening D-ring. The fall restriction apparatus also contains a buckle assembly which may have one or more cleats disposed on a rear surface to facilitate gripping a wooden pole.