Remote Overhead Anchor Clamp for Ladder-Free Fall Arrest Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection systems require workers to use ladders to attach temporary overhead anchors, posing safety risks and complicating the process of securing and detaching fall arrest equipment to various elevated structural points.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a clamp subassembly with a ratcheting locking mechanism and a telescoping pole allows secure attachment of a temporary overhead anchor and shuttle system to elevated structural points from the ground level, enabling the transport of safety equipment using a pulley and rope setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If workers use ladders to attach temporary overhead anchors, then they can reach elevated structural points, but safety risks increase and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shuttle system as an intermediary mechanism that transports the anchor attachment tools and materials from ground level to the elevated structural point. This eliminates the need for workers to climb ladders, as the shuttle carries all necessary components upward through a pulley system, thereby maintaining operational capability while removing the safety hazard of ladder use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of ladder climbing with a pulley-based shuttle system. The anchor is attached to the structural point using remote tools delivered by the shuttle, substituting the direct human mechanical ascent with a mechanical advantage system that lifts equipment rather than personnel.
2Reliability
If permanent anchor points are built into manufacturing areas, then fall protection is reliable, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fall protection system into separate functional modules: the permanent structural anchor point, the removable temporary anchor, and the shuttle system. This segmentation allows the reliable permanent anchor to remain simple and embedded in the structure, while the temporary components can be easily deployed and removed as needed, reducing overall system complexity for temporary operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the temporary anchor can be quickly attached to and detached from the permanent structural point. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition between permanent and temporary configurations, providing reliability when needed while maintaining simplicity through easy deployment and removal of temporary components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If temporary anchorage points are used, then adaptability to various structures is improved, but attachment security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the temporary anchor and shuttle system with universal attachment capabilities that can interface with multiple types of structural points (I-beams, pipes, concrete surfaces). The clamp mechanisms and magnetic attachments are designed to adapt to different geometries while maintaining secure connection through standardized high-strength attachment interfaces that meet fall protection requirements across various structural types.
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 attachment and detachment of fall arrest equipment to elevated points without ladders, ensuring secure anchorage and facilitating the transport of safety equipment, suitable for industrial and tactical scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic attachments
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of use for establishing a temporary overhead anchor that can be attached and detached to a variety of anchorage points. The temporary overhead anchor is intended to be used as an anchorage point for fall arrest equipment to be anchored to. The apparatus is designed to be securely attached to an anchorage point from ground level as to avoid the use of a ladder. The apparatus further includes a shuttle subassembly which allows for the transport of additional heavier fall arrest equipment from ground level to the elevated position via a rope and pulley system. Because this system includes a shuttle system and can be installed and removed from ground level, many of the shortcomings of other comparable systems are addressed with this disclosure.