Roof Anchor Point With Progressive Fall Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor points for roofing absorb fall energy linearly, leading to uneven energy absorption and potential instability during falls, as they rely solely on piston movement within a cylinder.
Innovation Solution
An anchor point with an elongated absorbing element featuring radially extending plates that bend to absorb energy, accompanied by a casing that deforms and a safety device to prevent twisting, allowing for progressive and even energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a piston-cylinder mechanism is used for energy absorption, then the anchor point can absorb fall energy, but the energy absorption is linear and uneven, resulting in inadequate protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static piston-cylinder mechanism to a dynamic progressive absorption mechanism where the absorbing element's resistance increases with deformation. The element progressively engages with the casing through plate contact, creating a dynamic energy absorption process that adapts to the fall energy magnitude, thereby improving both protection effectiveness and absorption rate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the absorption parameter from linear (constant force) to progressive (increasing force with deformation). The absorbing element's geometric configuration causes the contact area and friction force to increase as the element deforms, transforming the energy absorption characteristic from uniform to progressive, which resolves the contradiction between reliable protection and effective energy absorption
2Productivity
If the absorbing element bends to absorb energy, then progressive energy absorption is achieved, but the deformation is not directly visible from the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the casing as an intermediary element that translates the internal deformation of the absorbing element into external visible deformation. The casing deforms in response to the absorbing element's bending, providing a visual indicator of the energy absorption process without interfering with the progressive absorption mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the absorbing element is positioned inside the casing. The absorbing element's deformation is transferred to the casing, creating a visible external manifestation of the internal energy absorption process. This nested arrangement allows the smaller absorbing element to benefit from the larger casing's visible deformation
3Ease of manufacture
If the absorbing element is made detachable from the casing, then the device can be reset and reused, but the risk of unauthorized opening or tampering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a locking mechanism that must be deliberately activated to open the casing. The lock prevents unauthorized opening while allowing authorized personnel to reset the device by activating the locking mechanism. This preliminary security measure ensures that the detachable design does not compromise the device's reliability or security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be simple and intuitive, allowing authorized personnel to easily lock and unlock the casing without requiring complex tools or procedures. The self-service nature of the locking mechanism facilitates quick resetting while maintaining security, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability
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 point achieves more even and effective energy absorption, enhancing safety by distributing the force of a fall more uniformly, with visible deformation indicating bending and a secure attachment system preventing unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
the plates of the absorbing element slide over each other... energy absorption takes place through the bending of the absorbing element and because when bending, the plates of the absorbing element slide over each other
Implementation Method 2
Energy absorption takes place here through the bending of the absorbing element
Implementation Method 3
the absorption of energy therefore also takes place through deformation of the casing when the absorbing element bends
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor point has a foot, an elongated absorbing element, and a coupling feature for attaching a coupling element to the means of absorbing energy. The elongated absorbing element is provided with plates which extend radially and are situated axially at a distance from each other, and a casing that is situated about the absorbing element and is attached to the foot at a first end and at the second end is connected to an end of the absorbing element in such a way that it can be detached. The absorbing element is attached to a safety device at the other end with which the absorbing element is secured to the casing to prevent twisting. The safety device is provided with a locking device for locking the pin in the absorbing element.