Symmetrical Fall Restriction Device with Rotating Rope Connector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall restriction devices for utility pole climbing are cumbersome and difficult to use, especially when encountering obstructions, due to asymmetrical design and the need for frequent detachment and reattachment, which can be challenging with thick gloves and may lead to uneven weight distribution and increased risk of falling.
Innovation Solution
A symmetrical fall restriction device with a connector that allows quick and easy attachment and detachment of ropes, featuring a rope grab for adjustable length and a spring latch mechanism for easy manipulation, even when wearing thick gloves, and a rope connector system that can be rotated 90 degrees for disengagement and reengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the climber uses traditional fall restriction devices with asymmetrical hardware placement, then the device can provide fall protection, but the pulling forces are not evenly distributed causing the climber to be pulled to one side and increasing the risk of falling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse - it deliberately creates a symmetrical design where hooks and connectors are positioned symmetrically on the fall restriction device. This symmetry ensures that pulling forces are evenly distributed on both sides of the climber, preventing the climber from being pulled to one side and improving climbing stability while maintaining fall protection reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the climber must frequently detach and reattach the fall restriction device to negotiate obstructions, then the climber can move around obstacles, but the process requires tremendous skill and dexterity and is difficult when wearing thick gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The fall restriction device is segmented into modular components including detachable hooks, connectors, and carabiners that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the climber to detach and reattach specific components when negotiating obstructions, providing adaptability while the design of these modular pieces incorporates easy-to-grasp features that work with thick gloves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as carabiners and quick-connect mechanisms that serve as mediators between the climber and the fall restriction device. These intermediaries facilitate quick attachment and detachment operations, reducing the skill and dexterity required while maintaining the ability to negotiate obstructions
3Reliability
If the climber uses hooks and connectors that can become caught on clothing or objects, then the device provides secure attachment, but it increases the risk of the climber falling during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional hook design by using closed-loop carabiners and connectors with gate mechanisms instead of open hooks. This inversion eliminates the risk of the device getting caught on protruding objects while maintaining secure attachment, as the closed loops cannot snag on clothing or external objects but still provide reliable 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
The device enables safe and efficient climbing by ensuring even weight distribution and easy rope management, reducing the risk of falling and improving usability in challenging conditions like icy surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a spring latch mechanism for easy manipulation, even when wearing thick gloves
Data Source
AI summary
A fall restriction device is provided that includes a rope and a connector that has a rope connector base. A latch is retained by the rope connector base. The connector has a rope connector with an aperture and the rope is disposed through the aperture. The rope connector has an engaged position in which the rope connector is retained to the rope connector base. The rope connector is moved from the engaged position by being moved along the rope connector base and by being rotated relative to the rope connector base.