Twin-Pin Fall Arrest Connector With Internal Locking Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection systems for workers at heights lack reliable and user-friendly connectors that can securely attach multiple fall arresting devices to a safety harness, posing risks due to potential disconnection during falls and cumbersome attachment processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of a connector system with twin pin mechanisms and locking mechanisms that securely attach fall arresting devices to a safety harness, allowing for independent attachment and detachment of devices while ensuring the connector remains locked during use, featuring a dual-locking mechanism for redundancy and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single pin mechanism is used to attach fall arresting devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of attachment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional components: a base portion with multiple receiving portions, multiple independent pins (first pin and second pin), and multiple locking mechanisms. Each pin can independently secure a fall arresting device, providing segmented attachment points that enhance overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanisms are designed to automatically engage with the pins before any fall event occurs, creating a pre-secured state. This beforehand engagement ensures that the connection is established and locked in advance, providing reliability cushioning against potential disconnection during actual use or fall events.
2Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are added to prevent disconnection, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are designed to automatically engage with the pins when the fall arresting devices are inserted into the receiving portions. This self-locking feature eliminates the need for manual locking operations, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable connection security through automatic engagement.
3Ease of operation
If the locking mechanisms are positioned externally on the connector, then the ease of operation improves, but the pivot freedom of fall arresting devices is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are nested within the base portion of the connector, with each locking mechanism positioned inside or integrated with the receiving portions. This nested arrangement allows the locking mechanisms to engage pins internally without protruding externally, thereby maintaining ease of operation through internal engagement while preserving the pivot freedom of attached fall arresting devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
Connectors for coupling fall arresting devices to a safety harness. The connectors may include a first pin configured to lock into a first side of a base portion using one or more locking mechanisms. The first pin may be used to engage with one or more fall arresting devices to attach the one or more fall arresting devices to the connector. In some such examples, the locking mechanisms may be positioned within interior portions of the first side of the connector so as to allow the one or more fall arresting devices to pivot freely about the ends of the connector. In some examples, the connectors may include a second pin configured to lock into a second side of the base portion using one or more locking mechanisms. The second pin may be used to conveniently and releasably attached the connector to a safety harness of a worker.