Self-Belay Locking Device with Retainer Element for Climbing Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard self-belay arrangements for climbing applications often result in unintended disconnection of the locking device from the connector element, leading to uncontrolled rope release, and incorrect attachment to safety harness components, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A self-belay arrangement featuring a retainer element that securely holds the locking device, requiring correct coupling with the connector element before disconnection, utilizing a key-like mechanism with rotating discs and spring-loaded locking anchors to ensure proper attachment and prevent incorrect connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking device is made easily detachable for convenient connection and disconnection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unintended disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer element serves as an intermediary component between the locking device and the connector element. It provides a secure holding position for the locking device when not in use, and requires deliberate action (inserting the connector element) to release the locking device from the retainer, thus preventing accidental disconnection while maintaining ease of operation when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the locking device allows free connection to any element, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to incorrect attachment to wrong elements
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer element and locking device feature asymmetric geometries with specific shaped engagement surfaces. The locking device has a receiving opening that only accepts the specific shape of the retainer element, preventing attachment to incorrect elements such as clothing or wrong harness components. This asymmetric design ensures that only the proper retainer element can engage with the locking device, maintaining reliability while allowing adaptability to the correct connection points.
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
Enhances user safety by preventing unintended disconnection of the rope from the safety harness and ensuring correct attachment, maintaining a secure connection between the locking device and connector element, thus preventing uncontrolled rope release and incorrect connections.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (22) which is arranged in the locking device (10) and which is performed to bias the locking anchor (20) into the locking position
Implementation Method 2
The rotating disc (23) features a notch (25) and concerns a rotational movement within the locking device (10)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a self belay arrangement (1) for fall arrest systems, in particular for climbing applications, comprising a locking device (10), to which a rope (11) is attachable, and a connector element (12), which is performed to be attached to a safety harness of a user and to which the locking device (10) is coupled when the user intends to climb up a climbing wall (13), a ladder or other extending structures. According to the invention a retainer element (14) is provided, whereas the retainer element (14) is performed to hold the locking device (10) when the connector element (12) is detached from the locking device (10), and whereas the retainer element (14) interacts with the locking device (10) in such a manner that the connector element (12) must be coupled to the locking device (10) in order to disconnect the locking device (10) from the retainer element (14), Further the invention is directed to a method for connecting and disconnecting a locking device (10) to and from a connector element (12).