Rescue Descender Clamp Release for Low-Force Lowering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall arrest and rescue systems require high force to release the load element, which can be hazardous, especially when using explosive squibs, and do not efficiently manage the load transmission during rescue operations.
Innovation Solution
A descender device with a release element actuated by a user, featuring a restraint arrangement that clamps or pinches the descent line, allowing for controlled deployment by reconfiguring to permit line passage, reducing the force required for release and distributing the load independently of the release mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a release means is used to release the load element in fall arrest systems, then the suspended user can be rescued, but the force required to effect release is excessively high requiring explosive squibs
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the load path into two separate elements: the safety line (承载线) that carries the full fall arrest load, and the descent line (下降线) that is used only for lowering. The release element only needs to release the descent line from the restraint arrangement, not the entire load-bearing connection. This segmentation reduces the force required for release from the full fall load to merely overcoming the restraint mechanism's holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the load element and the release element. It provides a mechanical advantage system where the release element can trigger release of the descent line without directly bearing the full load. The restraint arrangement's clamping and release mechanism is designed to require minimal force once activated, serving as a mediator that transforms the release action.
2Reliability
If the full load is passed via the release means, then the load element can be released, but the force necessary to effect release becomes dangerously high
Solution Approach 1:
The load path is segmented so that the safety line carries the full arrest load independently, while the descent line carries only the controlled lowering load. The release element only interacts with the descent line through the restraint arrangement, ensuring that the force on the release element remains low regardless of the magnitude of forces on the safety line.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions the descent line and restraint arrangement during normal fall arrest operation, so that when release is needed, the descent line is already in place and simply needs to be released from the restraint arrangement. This preliminary setup ensures that the release action only needs to overcome the restraint mechanism's holding force, not the full load.
3Reliability
If explosive squibs are used for release, then the load element can be released reliably, but the system becomes more dangerous and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The release element is designed as a simple, non-explosive mechanical component that can be easily replaced if needed. The restraint arrangement uses a mechanical clamping mechanism with a release element that operates without explosives, eliminating the harmful factors associated with explosive squibs while maintaining reliable release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical/explosive release mechanism with a purely mechanical restraint and release system. The restraint arrangement uses mechanical clamping forces that can be overcome by a simple release element, substituting the explosive squib mechanism with a safer mechanical alternative that achieves the same reliable release function.
Data Source
AI summary
A descender device, typically for use in a fall arrest system, for enables a suspended body to be lowered, and includes a descent line and a release element to be actuated by a person. The release element is arranged in a restraint configuration to inhibit the descent line from being deployed and in a release configuration to permit the descent line to be deployed. A restraint arrangement is arranged prior to deployment of the descent line, to clamp or pinch a length of flexible line thereby to inhibit deployment of the descent line, the restraint arrangement being reconfigurable upon release of the release element to permit the descent line to be deployed.