Retractable Anchor Post for Fixed Ladder Fall Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed ladders lack support for users at the top, increasing the risk of falls, especially in inclement weather, and obstructive support structures hinder secure climbing.
Innovation Solution
A retractable anchor device with a mounting portion, sleeve, post, locking mechanism, and anchor point that can be attached to a ladder, providing additional support and stability through a sliding post that can be locked in an extended position and coupled to a safety harness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed ladder is mounted below a manhole cover or roof hatch, then sufficient space for ingress and egress is provided, but the space creates a danger of the user falling from the top of the ladder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by providing a movable post that can be positioned in different locations along the ladder. The post is not fixed but can be moved to provide support at the top of the ladder where needed, dynamically adapting to the user's position and needs while maintaining the required ingress and egress space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary element (the movable post) between the user and the potential fall hazard. The post acts as a mediator that provides support and prevents falls without obstructing the space needed for ingress and egress, effectively mediating between the conflicting requirements of space and safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If support structure is added to provide user support, then safety is improved, but the support structure may obstruct the user's ability to securely climb the ladder
Solution Approach 1:
The movable post allows support to be provided dynamically at different positions along the ladder. Users can position the post where needed for support without having permanent structures that would obstruct climbing. The post can be moved out of the way when not needed, maintaining clear climbing paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing support only where needed (at specific positions along the ladder) rather than throughout the entire structure. The movable post can be positioned locally to provide support during critical moments without creating continuous obstructions that would hinder climbing security.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a retractable anchor device with locking mechanism is used, then fall protection is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing, allowing users to easily engage and disengage the lock without requiring complex operations or additional tools. The mechanism serves itself by using the user's natural movements and forces during ladder use to activate the locking and unlocking functions, minimizing the complexity burden on the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable anchor device is provided. The retractable anchor post may include a mounting portion configured to be attached to a ladder, a sleeve coupled to the mounting portion, a post slidably mounted within the sleeve, a locking mechanism to secure the post in an extended position, and an anchor point coupled to the post. The anchor point is configured to be coupled to a safety harness.