Mounting Device with Rotary-Arm Connection Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of fall protection equipment on materials handling vehicles is cumbersome, leading to non-compliance and increased risk of operator injury due to the time-consuming nature of the installation process, which often results in operators foregoing the use of required safety equipment.

Innovation Solution

A mounting device with a rotary arm and sensing devices that detect the connection condition of the fall protection device, allowing for a secure and efficient attachment to the vehicle, minimizing drag forces and enabling an extended range of motion for the operator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fall protection equipment is installed using traditional methods, then safety compliance is achieved, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety complianceVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is pre-configured with a rotary arm and webbing retention feature that automatically engages with the fall protection device webbing. The sensing device is pre-positioned to detect connection conditions, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and verification during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting device performs self-verification through the sensing device that automatically detects whether the fall protection device is properly connected. The rotary arm's rotation automatically adjusts to accommodate operator movement, eliminating the need for manual intervention in both installation and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If fall protection equipment is installed quickly, then installation efficiency improves, but connection security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing device provides real-time feedback on the connection status of the fall protection device to the controller. This automatic verification ensures that rapid installation does not compromise security, as the system confirms proper connection before allowing vehicle operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical connection verification process is replaced with an automated sensing system that uses sensors to detect the connection condition. This substitution allows for rapid installation while maintaining secure connection through electronic verification rather than manual checking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the fall protection device is secured rigidly to the vehicle, then connection stability is improved, but the operator's range of motion is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidoperator range of motion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic rotary arm mechanism that can rotate about a vertical axis. This allows the fall protection device to move with the operator, maintaining connection stability while providing an extended range of motion throughout the workspace.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is enhanced by adding rotational freedom in the vertical dimension. The rotary arm allows movement in a horizontal plane while maintaining vertical stability, effectively adding a degree of freedom that resolves the contradiction between stability and range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Device complexity

If traditional mounting methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but operator safety is compromised due to non-compliance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting device simplicityVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sensing device is introduced as an intermediary between the mounting bracket and the controller to automatically detect connection conditions. This intermediary component enables automated safety verification without requiring complex manual procedures, maintaining simplicity while enhancing safety through automatic monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12415102B2Mounting device for a fall protection device and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 HONEYWELL SAFETY PRODUCTS USA INC

AI summary

Various embodiments are directed to mounting devices for fall protection devices and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, a mounting device may comprise a mounting bracket configured for attachment to a materials handling vehicle; a rotary arm rotatably attached to the mounting bracket at an arm base, wherein the rotary arm is configured to rotate relative to the mounting bracket about an axis of rotation defined at the arm base, and wherein the rotary arm defines a webbing retention feature configured for receiving a webbing of a fall protection device to define a dynamic engagement of the rotary arm with an intermediate webbing portion defined along the webbing; a sensing device configured to capture sensor data associated with the intermediate webbing portion; and a controller configured to detect a connection condition associated with the fall protection device based on the sensor data captured by the sensing device.