Saddle Tie-Back Fall Protection Anchor for Single Framing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection anchors for wood-framed buildings often require attachment to multiple framing members, making installation complex, costly, and time-consuming, while lacking sufficient strength to meet regulatory standards for withstanding forces during falls.
Innovation Solution
A saddle-like fall protection anchor design that attaches to a single timber framing member, distributing the load to adjacent members through a U-shaped configuration with vertical and horizontal plates, and reinforced with blocking and strapping to enhance strength and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anchors are attached to multiple framing members, then the strength and reliability of the anchor is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is divided into separate components: a saddle component that attaches to the primary framing member, and a secondary attachment component that connects to adjacent framing members. This segmentation allows the anchor to achieve the reliability of multi-member attachment while simplifying the installation process through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The saddle component acts as an intermediary element between the anchor and the framing members. It attaches to the primary framing member and distributes loads through blocking to adjacent members, eliminating the need for direct complex multi-point attachment while maintaining strength and reliability.
2Strength
If anchors are attached to multiple framing members, then the load distribution and strength are improved, but the installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Blocking is installed during the framing construction phase before the anchor is attached. This preliminary action prepares the load distribution path in advance, so that when the anchor is installed later, the strength requirements are already satisfied, reducing installation time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor system separates the load distribution function (handled by pre-installed blocking) from the anchor attachment function. This allows the anchor to be installed quickly as a single unit while the blocking, already in place, provides the necessary load distribution to multiple framing members.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single timber is used for anchor attachment, then the installation is simplified and cost is reduced, but the strength may be insufficient to meet regulatory standards
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking extends the anchor's load distribution in the horizontal dimension along the framing member, rather than requiring vertical attachment to multiple members. This dimensional change allows single-member attachment to achieve multi-member strength through lateral load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking serves as an intermediary structural element that transfers loads from the single primary framing member to adjacent framing members. This intermediary component enables the anchor to meet strength requirements while maintaining installation simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A rooftop fall protection anchor that comprises a plate, an anchor connection coupled with a first side of the plate, and at least one member on a second side of the plate, the member being substantially perpendicular and proximate to the plate's edge, configured to attach to a single framing member. The plate and/or member(s) may have holes to accommodate fasteners. The anchor connection may have at least one opening to attach a connection device of a personal fall arrest system (PFAS). The anchor connection may be coupled to the plate by a post. The fall protection anchor may be part of a system that comprises perpendicular blocking, construction strapping, and roof sheathing, either alone or in combination.