Safety Cable Support Device with Segmented Wheel for Snap Hook Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof safety cable support devices restrict the movement of a person connected to the cable, as they are not adapted to allow the passage of a snap hook without obstruction, and existing solutions for wall applications are not suitable for roofs.
Innovation Solution
A support device comprising a metal sheet with a cut-out and a wheel with interspaced spokes that allows a snap hook to pass through, enabling free movement along the cable without obstruction, while being cost-effective and easy to install.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a solid metal sheet support device is used to hold the safety cable, then the mechanical stability and cable positioning are improved, but the passage of a snap hook is obstructed and user mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The solid metal sheet is segmented by introducing a wheel with spaced spokes, creating gaps between the spokes that allow snap hooks to pass through while the overall structure remains stable and supports the cable effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The metal sheet has different properties in different regions: the wheel area with spaced spokes provides passage capability, while the solid portions provide structural stability and cable support, creating localized functional zones within a single component
2Ease of manufacture
If the safety cable is positioned close to the roof base, then the installation simplicity is improved, but the snap hook movement is restricted due to roof details obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The support device elevates the cable from the roof surface into the air using a lifting arrangement, adding a vertical dimension to the cable position. This allows the cable to clear roof details and obstacles while maintaining simple installation through the integrated bracket design
3Stability of the object's composition
If cable supports are arranged at even distances to keep the cable above the roof, then the cable positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device integrates multiple functions into a single component: the bracket attaches to the roof, the lifting arrangement elevates the cable, and the wheel with spaced spokes provides both structural support and passage capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components while achieving even cable positioning
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 solution provides a mechanically stable and cost-effective support device that allows unobstructed passage of a snap hook, ensuring safe movement along the roof without requiring the snap hook to be unlocked from the safety cable, enhancing user mobility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the wheel is arranged to extend towards the second upper end section, thereby covering the opening of the metal sheet and in operation enclosing the tense cable. Further, the spokes of the wheel are arranged with spaces between them, which spaces are dimensioned such that a snap hook or the like arranged around the cable can be placed in one of said spaces in operation and moved along the cable from one end of the metal sheet to the other end of the metal sheet by rotating the wheel
Data Source
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AI summary
A support device (1) for supporting a safety cable (20), the support device comprising a metal sheet (2) having an upper end (2a) and an opposed lower end (2b). The metal sheet (2) comprises at its lower end (2b), an attachment portion (3) arranged to be attached to a structure, at its upper end (2a), a cut out (4) between a first upper end section (5) and an opposed, second upper end section (6), the cut out (4) defining an opening (7) facing upwards with respect to the metal sheet (2), the opening (7) being arranged to receive a tense cable, and a wheel (8) comprising a plurality of spokes (9), the wheel (8) being rotatably attached to the first upper end section (5). The wheel (8) is arranged to extend towards the second upper end section (6), thereby covering the opening (7) of the metal sheet (2) and in operation enclosing the tense cable, wherein the spokes (9) of the wheel (8) are arranged with spaces (10) between them, which spaces (10) are dimensioned such that a snap hook or the like arranged around the cable can be placed in one of said spaces (10) in operation and moved along the cable from one end of the metal sheet (2) to the other end of the metal sheet (2) by rotating the wheel (8), and wherein the second upper end section (6) extends upwards towards the periphery of the wheel (8), thereby forming an outer border of the opening (7) preventing the tense cable to exit from the opening.