Telescoping Fall Restraint Anchor for Variable Elevated Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fall restraint apparatuses are difficult to use on elevated structures with varying dimensions, leading to restricted user movement and increased risk of injury due to the inability to adapt to the structure's shape and size, resulting in users opting out of using the apparatus.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with an extension member that includes a telescoping or scissoring structure, allowing for adjustable movement and attachment to a support structure, combined with a flexible tether to maintain a safe distance from the edge, and a controller for precise extension and retraction control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional fall restraint apparatus is used on elevated structures with varying dimensions, then the user is restrained from falling, but the user movement is restricted and the apparatus cannot adapt to different structure shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefall prevention capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different elevated structure dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor point is made movable relative to the mast through a telescoping arm mechanism that can extend and retract. This dynamic adjustment allows the anchor point to reposition along the elevated structure, enabling the apparatus to adapt to different structure dimensions and shapes while maintaining fall prevention capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fall restraint apparatus is designed with an adjustable telescoping arm and movable anchor point that can be positioned at various locations along the elevated structure. This multi-position capability makes the single apparatus universally applicable to elevated structures of varying dimensions and configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the anchor point is fixed to the mast, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the user cannot move around the entirety of the elevated structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus structureVSAvoiduser movement freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The arm is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the arm to achieve a range of positions and lengths, providing user movement freedom while maintaining a relatively simple overall apparatus structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the telescoping arm extends to allow user movement, then the user can access more of the elevated structure, but the risk of the user reaching the edge increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser movement rangeVSAvoidfall risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that detect the position of the user and the extended position of the telescoping arm. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor and control the extension of the arm, ensuring that the user remains at a safe distance from the edge while still allowing sufficient movement range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The telescoping arm is designed to extend only to the extent necessary to allow user movement along the elevated structure, rather than allowing full extension to the maximum possible length. This partial action provides adequate user mobility while inherently limiting the risk of the user reaching the edge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4015049B1Fall restraint apparatus and associated systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.11.19 THE BOEING CO

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preventing a user from moving beyond a first distance from a support structure. The apparatus comprises an extension member, comprising a first end and a second end that is opposite the first end. The first end is configured to be fixed to the support structure. The second end is movable relative to the first end along a plane and the second end is configured to extend away from the first end to an extended position and retract from the extended position towards the first end to a retracted position. The apparatus also comprises a flexible tether, having a fixed length and comprising an anchor end, attached to the second end of the extension member, and a user end, configured to attach to a user. The extended position is no more than a second distance away from the first end. The sum of the fixed length and the second distance is less than the first distance.