Threaded Rod Energy Absorber for Fall Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical energy absorbers used in fall protection systems are prone to damage from environmental conditions and require frequent replacement, leading to increased maintenance costs and challenges in achieving the necessary clear fall distance due to their design.
Innovation Solution
An energy absorption fall protection device featuring a threaded rod with compressible elements that compress against a bearing to absorb energy once a force threshold is exceeded, reducing the length required for energy absorption and minimizing damage from excessive forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If typical energy absorbers use exposed metal parts and webbing to dissipate energy, then energy absorption is achieved, but the product length greatly increases requiring more clear fall distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy absorption mechanism from webbing elongation to rod compression. By using a rigid rod that compresses axially under load, the system absorbs energy without the significant length increase associated with webbing-based absorbers. The rod's compression distance is limited and contained within the device housing, maintaining a compact overall length while still providing effective energy absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional webbing-based mechanical energy dissipation system with a rod compression system. Instead of relying on fibrous material elongation and fraying, the invention uses a solid rod that compresses against a bearing surface, substituting a more compact mechanical compression mechanism for the extended webbing system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If typical energy absorbers use exposed metal parts, then energy absorption is achieved, but the parts require frequent replacement due to environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a protective coating to the rod surface before use, creating a protective barrier against environmental damage. This coating prevents corrosion, rust, and chemical degradation, cushioning the metal rod from harmful environmental factors that would otherwise require frequent replacement of exposed metal parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines metal rod material with a protective coating material to create a composite structure. The metal provides the necessary mechanical strength for energy absorption, while the coating layer provides environmental protection, creating a more durable composite component that resists corrosion and chemical damage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If typical energy absorbers use webbing or coiled steel to dissipate energy, then energy absorption occurs, but the materials are sheered apart and stretched increasing replacement costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the webbing or coiled steel energy dissipation mechanism with a rod compression system. The rod compresses against a bearing in a controlled manner, dissipating energy through metal compression rather than material failure. This substitution eliminates the need to replace sheared or stretched materials, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rod and bearing system where the bearing is designed as a sacrificial, replaceable component. Instead of replacing expensive rod assemblies or webbing systems after they are damaged, the design allows for economical bearing replacement, making the energy absorption system more cost-effective over time.
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 solution provides a more durable and efficient energy absorption mechanism, reducing the length required for absorption and minimizing damage, thus lowering maintenance costs and ensuring effective force distribution during falls.
Implementation Method 1
Compressible elements of the threaded rod compress against the bearing to absorb energy upon exceeding a force threshold
Data Source
AI summary
An energy absorber includes a housing, a bearing housing positioned within the housing, a main connection point connected to a first receiver, and a threaded rod connected through a bearing and having an end connected to the first receiver at a first end of the housing. The bearing is positioned in the bearing housing. Compressible elements of the threaded rod compress against the bearing to absorb energy upon exceeding a force threshold.