Safety Eyelet Load Indication via Pivotable Retaining Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety eyelet systems for removable anchor points lack a clear indication of load exceeding a limit value, leading to potential unsafe reuse after a fall, as the system cannot easily determine if it has been subjected to high loads, compromising the safety of individuals secured to them.

Innovation Solution

The safety eyelet system incorporates a pivotable retaining ring with limited pivoting angles that only release when the load exceeds a predetermined limit value, allowing for a clear indication of load exceeding safety limits, and includes design features such as breakable stops and reversible release mechanisms to prevent damage and ensure safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the safety eyelet is designed with a pivotable retaining ring to allow loading in any direction, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but it becomes impossible to determine whether the safety eyelet has been subjected to high loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading direction flexibilityVSAvoidload history indication
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs visual indicators (such as color-coded markers or visible deformation features) on the retaining ring or bolt that change state when the pivoting angle exceeds a safe threshold. This allows the load history to be visually detected without restricting the pivotable design, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of operation

If the retaining ring is made fully pivotable without angle limits, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of damage to building walls and safety compromises increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretaining ring pivotabilityVSAvoiddamage to building walls
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates pre-set mechanical stops or angular limits on the pivoting mechanism that prevent the retaining ring from rotating beyond a safe angle. This preliminary constraint counteracts the potential harmful effect of excessive pivoting that could damage building walls, while still allowing sufficient operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Productivity

If the safety eyelet allows reuse after loading, then productivity is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential unsafe reuse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereuse capabilityVSAvoidsafety after fall arrest
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism through visual indicators that clearly show when the safety eyelet has been subjected to high loads. This feedback system prevents unreliable reuse by making the load history transparent, allowing users to immediately identify and replace compromised safety eyelets while maintaining productivity through systematic replacement rather than uncertain reuse.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2565472B1Securing eye and securing system
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 SKYLOTEC GMBH
  • EP2565472B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2565472B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2565472B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Securing eyelet (1) with a bolt (3) and a retaining ring (4) connected to the bolt (3) and means for indicating a load on the securing eyelet (1) exceeding a limit value.