Fall Arrest Roof Mount Anchor With Channel Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall arrest roof mount anchors are not structurally resilient, lightweight, and effective in distributing load uniformly, leading to potential roof sheet delamination and inadequate energy absorption during fall arrest situations.
Innovation Solution
A fall arrest roof mount anchor with a mounting plate having a uniform cross-section, integrally formed channel, and swivel eye anchor point, designed for enhanced shear force resilience and flexural stiffness, along with energy-absorbing features like a unique lanyard attachment point and stress relief cut-outs, to distribute load and absorb energy effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional roof mount anchors are used, then the anchor can provide fall arrest capability, but the anchor is heavy and lacks structural resilience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the mounting plate by introducing a uniform cross-section design with an integrally formed channel running along the longitudinal axis. This geometric parameter change optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio, providing enhanced shear force resilience and flexural stiffness without increasing weight, as the aluminum extrusion maintains consistent structural efficiency throughout its length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs aluminum extrusion material that combines lightweight properties with high strength characteristics. The uniform cross-section design creates a composite-like structural efficiency where the distributed geometry provides both weight reduction and enhanced mechanical properties including shear force resilience and flexural stiffness.
2Strength
If the anchor is designed for high load capacity, then fall arrest rated performance is improved, but the anchor causes roof sheet delamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load distribution by providing multiple attachment points along the longitudinal axis of the mounting plate. The channel structure creates distributed attachment locations that spread the fall arrest load across multiple roof sheets rather than concentrating it on a single sheet, preventing delamination while maintaining high load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point attachment to a distributed multi-point attachment system along the longitudinal dimension. The channel structure extends the attachment interface in the longitudinal direction, distributing loads across multiple roof sheets and eliminating the harmful concentration effect that causes delamination.
3Ease of manufacture
If the anchor uses a simple mounting plate design, then manufacturing is easier, but the anchor lacks energy absorption capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the mounting plate by introducing a uniform cross-section with an integrally formed channel. This parameter change enables energy absorption through controlled deformation of the channel structure during fall arrest events, while the extrusion manufacturing process maintains ease of production.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structure in the uniform cross-section design provides dynamic energy absorption characteristics. During fall arrest, the channel can deform in a controlled manner to absorb impact energy, transforming the static mounting plate into a dynamic energy-dissipating structure without complicating the manufacturing process.
4Device complexity
If the anchor concentrates load at a single point, then the anchor point is simpler, but the load distribution is uneven causing shock impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single anchor point into multiple attachment points distributed along the longitudinal axis within the channel structure. This segmentation distributes the fall arrest load uniformly across multiple locations, reducing shock impact and preventing concentration-related failures while maintaining relatively simple anchor point geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent distributes the attachment points along the longitudinal dimension rather than concentrating them at a single location. The channel structure provides a linear distribution of attachment points, transforming the zero-dimensional single point into a one-dimensional distributed system that achieves uniform load distribution.
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
The anchor provides structural resilience, lightweight design, and improved load distribution, reducing the risk of roof delamination and shock impact, while offering visual indicators for abnormal loading.
Implementation Method 1
The uniform cross-section and the under channel enhance shear force resilience and flexural stiffness to lateral applied strain... maximising the shear force resilience conferred by the under channel at the point of fall arrest loading
Implementation Method 2
The mounting plate may comprise a matrix of elongate stress relief cut-outs surrounding the swivel eye anchor point... This unique energy deforming matrix arrangement allows the mounting plate to flex around the swivel eye anchor point, thereby dissipating energy in a shock load situation
Data Source
AI summary
A fall arrest roof mount anchor is designed to secure construction and maintenance personnel working at heights, utilising harness and lanyard fall protection equipment. The roof mount anchor comprises a mounting plate having a uniform cross-section defining a raised central portion and side portions for roof attachment. The raised central portion has a swivel eye anchor point for attachment of conventional height safety harness hardware.