Roof-Mounted Fall-Arrest Device with Rolling Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof safety devices for workers are limited in ease of use and user safety, particularly on steeply pitched roofs, as they often require complex installation and may not provide adequate stability and versatility for different roof types and pitches.
Innovation Solution
A roof-mounted fall-arrest safety device with a frame, wheels, pivotable feet, and tether attachments that securely mounts on a roof peak, allowing for adjustable installation and compact storage, enabling workers to couple their safety tethers for arrested falls, and featuring a flip-pole attachment for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ridge-hooking safety devices are used, then basic fall protection is provided, but ease of operation and user safety are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device incorporates wheels that enable dynamic movement and positioning along the roof ridge, allowing workers to easily relocate the device without manual lifting or complex installation procedures. This dynamic capability significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining safety integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into modular components including the frame, wheels, tether attachment mechanisms, and adjustment systems. This segmentation allows for easier installation, relocation, and maintenance while providing multiple functional elements that collectively enhance both safety and operational ease.
2Stability of the object's composition
If safety devices are designed for fixed installation, then stability is improved, but adaptability to different roof types and pitches is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device features adjustable components including pivotable feet and height-adjustable tether attachment points that can be dynamically reconfigured for different roof pitches and types. This dynamic adjustability maintains stability across varying installation conditions while providing versatility for different roof configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device is designed with universal mounting capabilities that accommodate various roof types (asphalt shingle, metal, tile, flat roofs) through its adjustable feet and frame configuration. The same basic device structure can be adapted to multiple roof scenarios, providing both stability and versatility.
3Reliability
If complex installation procedures are used, then installation security is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates pre-assembled wheel mechanisms and pre-configured tether attachment systems that eliminate the need for complex on-site assembly. The wheels are pre-mounted to the frame, and tether attachments are pre-positioned, allowing workers to quickly install the device by simply placing it on the roof ridge and making minor adjustments, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-installing through its wheel-based mobility system, which allows the unit to be rolled into position and secured without requiring multiple workers or complex mounting procedures. The device essentially installs itself through simple mechanical placement and adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame, one or more wheels rotationally attached to the frame, two or more end feet attached to opposite ends of the frame, one or more end safety tether attachments, and a flip-pole attachment. The frame straddles the roof peak so the end feet are stably positioned on opposite roof surfaces. The wheels enable the device, when flipped to its inverted position, to be rolled up and down the roof for installation and removal. The flip-pole attachment enables attachment of a flip pole for use in installing and removing the device from a ladder. And the end tether attachments enable workers to couple their safety tethers to the secured device so that if they fall their fall will be arrested for safety. In typical embodiments, an outrigger assembly is included with peak-mounting side feet for nesting on the roof peak and with side tether attachments for side attachment.