Spring Loaded Spool System for Fall Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection systems are often not adjustable and lack sufficient compactness, robustness, and tensioning force, making them unsuitable for use with movable or adjustable structures.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded spool system incorporating a set of circumferentially-spaced springs and planetary gears, where each spring is rotationally coupled to a planetary gear, providing a compact and robust mechanism for applying tension to a flexible net.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single spring is used to provide tension to the extended net, then the structure is simple, but the tensioning force is insufficient and the system lacks robustness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single spring system into multiple circumferentially-spaced springs (typically 3-6 springs) distributed around the spool. Each spring is rotationally coupled to a planetary gear, and together they provide distributed tensioning force. This segmentation increases the total tensioning force and robustness while maintaining a compact structure through the symmetrical arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple springs with a planetary gear mechanism into an integrated system. The planetary gears merge the rotational motion of the spool with the tensioning action of multiple springs, allowing simultaneous engagement of all springs as the net extends. This merging creates a compact yet powerful tensioning system that overcomes the force limitation of individual springs.
2Force
If existing spring systems are designed to provide sufficient tension, then the tensioning force is adequate, but the system becomes bulky and lacks compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the planetary gears inside the spool structure, with the sun gear positioned inside and gearingly coupled to the planetary gears. The multiple circumferentially-spaced springs are arranged radially around the spool axis, utilizing the internal volume efficiently. This nested arrangement achieves high tensioning force in a compact cylindrical package suitable for integration with the spool mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear spring arrangement to a three-dimensional circumferential distribution of springs around the spool axis. By utilizing the radial and axial dimensions simultaneously, the system packs multiple springs into a compact volume, with each spring positioned at a different angular location. This spatial distribution maximizes the tensioning force within a limited volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spool system is designed for fixed structures, then the tensioning is stable, but the system lacks adjustability for movable or adjustable structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a planetary gear mechanism that naturally adapts to varying extension lengths. As the spool rotates to extend or retract the net, the planetary gears continuously engage the sun gear, maintaining positive mechanical connection throughout the range of motion. The multiple circumferentially-spaced springs provide continuous tensioning force that automatically adjusts to the extended length, ensuring stability whether the structure is movable or fixed.
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 system effectively provides a strong and predictable tension force to the net, ensuring it remains taut and functional, even when extended to varying lengths, while also allowing for easy retraction and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring loaded spool mechanism (12) used to extend and retract a first flexible net (14)
Implementation Method 2
a first spring loaded spool mechanism (12) used to extend and retract a first flexible net (14)... a first spring loaded spool mechanism (12) having a first set of a plurality of circumferentially-spaced springs (28) and a first set of a plurality of circumferentially-spaced planetary gears (50)
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a spool mechanism having a set of a plurality of circumferentially-spaced springs and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced planetary gears, wherein each planetary gear is rotationally coupled to an associated spring. The system further includes a sun gear positioned inside of and gearingly coupled the plurality of the planetary gears, and a ring gear positioned outside of and gearingly coupled the plurality of the planetary gears.