Release Device for Fall Protection with Acute-Angle Stop Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection equipment, such as Anchorage Rescue Devices (ARDs), face challenges in deploying a lifeline after a fall event while supporting the worker's full weight, and there is a need for both manual and remote release options to facilitate safe and timely rescue.
Innovation Solution
A release device with a frame, release member, connection member, and stop link mechanism that allows for controlled deployment of the lifeline, featuring a linkage system and remote actuator for reduced force requirements and flexible release options, enabling either manual or remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a release device is used to deploy the lifeline after a fall event, then the worker can be rescued, but the device must support the worker's full weight during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spring mechanism as an intermediary energy storage device that accumulates elastic potential energy during the loading phase and releases it during the deployment phase. This spring intermediary allows the release device to overcome the worker's weight without requiring continuous external force application, thus resolving the contradiction between supporting full weight and enabling release.
Solution Approach 2:
The release device operates in periodic cycles: loading phase where the spring is compressed storing energy, and deployment phase where the spring expands releasing energy to propel the lifeline. This periodic action allows the device to handle the full weight during loading while requiring minimal force during the critical release moment, resolving the force contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If manual release is used, then the rescuer can operate the device, but the rescuer must be positioned close to the ARD unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote actuator as an intermediary control mechanism that can be triggered from a distance. This remote actuator serves as a mediator between the rescuer and the release mechanism, allowing the rescuer to operate the device without being physically close to the ARD unit, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manual operation and positioning flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote release is used, then the rescuer can be positioned remote from the ARD unit, but the release mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The remote actuator serves as a simple intermediary that receives a remote trigger signal and transmits mechanical force through a linkage system to the release mechanism. This intermediary approach adds minimal complexity while enabling remote operation, as the actuator and linkage are straightforward mechanical components rather than complex electronic or hydraulic systems.
4Reliability
If the connection member is prevented from moving in locked condition, then the worker is securely supported, but the lifeline cannot be deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism acts as an intermediary that mediates between the locked connection member and the deployed lifeline. During the locked condition, the spring is compressed storing energy that maintains secure worker support. When release is triggered, the spring expands as an intermediary force that propels the connection member to allow lifeline deployment, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and deployability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member transitions periodically between locked and unlocked states. During the locked state, the worker is securely supported. When the spring expands during the deployment phase, it periodically actuates the connection member to move from locked to unlocked, enabling lifeline deployment while maintaining stability during the locked condition.
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 safe and efficient deployment of the lifeline under load with significantly lower force requirements than the worker's weight, allowing for both manual and remote release scenarios, ensuring timely rescue with robust and simple components.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the stop surface and the hold surface is a planar surface extending at an acute angle to the fall direction with the connection member in the locked condition and the stop link in the engaged position
Data Source
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Figure 6
AI summary
A release device (10) is provided for use with a fall protection unit (12) having a lifeline (14) that can be deployed in a fall direction to protect a worker (16) in a fall event, and includes a frame (22) configured to fix the release device (10) to a fall protection unit (12), a release member (24) mounted for movement from a lock position to a release position, a connection member (26) configured to connect the deployable lifeline (14) of the fall protection unit (12) to another piece of fall protection equipment connected to the worker (16), the connection member (26) having a locked condition wherein the connection member (26) is prevented from moving in a fall direction relative to the frame (22) and a released condition wherein the connection member (26) is free to move in the fall direction relative to the frame (22); the connection member (26) having a stop surface (34); and a stop link (28) mounted to the frame (22) to move from a engaged position to a disengaged position in response to the release member (24) moving from the lock position to the release position. The stop link (28) has a hold surface (38) engaged with the stop surface (34) with the stop link (28) in the engaged position and the connection member (26) in the locked condition, and at least one of the stop surface (34) and the hold surface (38) are a planar surface extending at an acute angle to the fall direction with the connection member (26) in the locked condition and the stop link (28) in the engaged position.