Self-Locking Webbing Attachment Plate with Dual Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall-protection systems for workers and recreational users lack secure and comfortable attachment mechanisms for webbing and safety devices, leading to potential detachment and increased risk of injury during falls.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking webbing connectable Device Attachment Plate (DAP) with pivotably coupled plates and a securing pin that automatically locks when closed, providing multiple apertures for device attachment and additional security features for enhanced protection, including a secondary locking mechanism and ergonomic design for improved comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple attachment mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential accidental detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism uses dynamic elements including a spring-loaded tongue that automatically engages with the DAP, and a rotating gate that transitions between open and locked positions. The spring provides automatic resetting action while the gate rotation provides controlled locking, combining ease of operation with reliable security.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded tongue automatically engages with the DAP when the gate is closed, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional manual steps. The mechanism serves itself by using the closing motion to trigger automatic engagement and locking, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the gate serves as both the closing element and the locking element, the tongue provides both engagement and indication functions, and the spring provides both forcing and resetting functions. This consolidation achieves reliable security without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate structure performs multiple functions: it covers the aperture for security, provides the locking surface for the tongue, serves as the operating handle, and indicates the locked/unlocked state through its position. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining high reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring tongue is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to be ready for immediate engagement. When the gate is closed, the tongue automatically snaps into the locked position without requiring additional manual manipulation. This preliminary preparation of the locking element maintains ease of operation while ensuring reliable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded tongue engages with the DAP in a rapid snapping motion that occurs automatically during gate closure. This quick engagement action skips over potential hesitation or hesitation points, providing immediate secure locking while requiring minimal deliberate action from the user. The same principle applies to opening: lifting the gate quickly releases the tongue and unlocks the mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a safety interface device that securely attaches to a length of webbing, while simultaneously providing a plurality of non-intersecting apertures to couple to a corresponding plurality of safety devices. In some embodiments, the safety interface device may be retrofitted to a closed webbing on a pre-fabricated safety harness. In some exemplary embodiments, the element may be opened and closed by providing two pivotably coupled plates, permitting the webbing to be installed when the plates are opened, and secured when the plates are closed. Various embodiments, for example, provide a securing pin which automatically locks the device to the webbing when the device is closed around the webbing. In some embodiments, the device will be again locked in a secondary fashion whenever a safety device is attached to the interface plate. Thus, at least two distinct actions may be required to open the device.