Rotating Anchor Device for Underground Fall Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection systems in underground and tunnel construction environments are complex and difficult to implement, particularly when working at heights greater than one meter, as they require cumbersome measures like lifting platforms and scaffolding, which are not always feasible or safe.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system featuring a freely rotatable anchorage device connected to a rock bolt with a self-locking threaded connection, a collar for a suspension element, and an indicator element to ensure secure attachment and easy deployment, allowing for effective fall protection without the risk of the anchorage turning away from the rock anchor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-rotatable eyelet is directly connected to the rock anchor by a thread, then the connection is secure, but the eyelet cannot rotate and is therefore unsuitable for fall protection devices
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional segments: a fixed threaded connection part (screw-in sleeve) that provides secure attachment to the rock anchor, and a rotating swivel body part that enables free rotation for fall protection. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and rotational freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
A bearing is introduced as an intermediary element between the screw-in sleeve and the swivel body. This bearing enables smooth rotation of the swivel body while maintaining the secure fixed connection of the screw-in sleeve to the rock anchor, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of stability and mobility.
2Reliability
If lifting platforms and scaffolding are used for fall protection, then safety is provided, but the system becomes complex and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential fall protection function from complex systems like lifting platforms and scaffolding, condensing it into a simple anchor device with a swivel body. This extracted core function provides fall protection through a minimalistic design that eliminates the need for complex supporting structures, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor device is designed to be self-sufficient for fall protection purposes. The swivel body automatically rotates to follow the movement of the secured person, and the bearing ensures smooth operation without external assistance. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex control systems or additional supporting infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If the anchor device is freely rotatable on the rock anchor, then rotational freedom is provided, but there is a risk of rotating away from the rock anchor
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the rotation function into a dedicated swivel body that is distinct from the fixed anchor connection. The screw-in sleeve remains firmly attached to the rock anchor while the swivel body rotates independently around it. This segmentation ensures that rotation occurs only where needed and cannot compromise the anchor connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing acts as an intermediary that permits rotation only between the swivel body and the screw-in sleeve, not between the screw-in sleeve and the rock anchor. This controlled intermediation ensures rotational freedom for the swivel body while maintaining secure attachment of the anchor device to the rock anchor.
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
Provides reliable and efficient fall protection by allowing individuals to rotate freely on a safety line, ensuring the anchorage device remains securely attached to the rock bolt, even during falls, and can be easily deployed and reused, enhancing occupational safety in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
A particularly advantageous feature is the arrangement of a bearing, especially an axial ball bearing, between the collar and the swivel body. This minimizes friction between the sleeve-shaped swivel body and the collar on the screw-in sleeve.
Implementation Method 2
a threaded connection is provided between the rock anchor and the anchor link, with a self-locking thread, for example, a trapezoidal thread, being used to prevent the thread from stripping
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a securing system for the roof (10) of an underground road, said securing system comprising a rock bolt (1) to which a mobile attachment device (20) can be secured, said attachment device (20) being connected to the rock bolt (1) so as to be freely rotatable relative to the rock bolt (1).