Self-Contained Vacuum Anchor With Feedback for Fall Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum anchors for personal fall protection systems are prone to suction failure due to hose obstructions or disconnections, lack of sufficient vacuum notification, and create trip hazards, making them unreliable and time-consuming to install.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained vacuum anchor assembly with an air input connector, venturi, and seal member that uses a pressurized air source to create a vacuum for secure anchorage, incorporating a pressure regulator and alarm system to ensure reliable suction and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a remote vacuum source is used to supply vacuum to the vacuum anchor, then the vacuum anchor can be operatively connected to the anchorage structure, but the hose interconnecting the vacuum source and vacuum anchor may become obstructed or disconnected, causing suction failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vacuum generation function from the remote vacuum source and relocates it directly into the vacuum anchor assembly. The vacuum anchor now contains its own vacuum source (hand pump or battery-operated motor) and vacuum chamber, eliminating the need for external hoses and remote vacuum sources. This extraction resolves the reliability issue by removing the vulnerable hose connection while maintaining the anchoring function.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum anchor assembly becomes self-sufficient by incorporating its own vacuum generation mechanism. The operator can directly pump the vacuum anchor to create suction without requiring external equipment or hose connections. This self-service capability ensures reliable operation even in remote locations and eliminates dependency on external vacuum sources.
2Ease of operation
If a hose interconnects the vacuum source and vacuum anchor, then vacuum can be supplied, but the hose creates a trip hazard and installation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hose component entirely from the system by integrating the vacuum source directly into the anchor assembly. Without external hoses connecting remote vacuum sources, there are no tripping hazards and installation is simplified to merely positioning and pumping the self-contained unit.
3Reliability
If the vacuum anchor depends on remote vacuum supply, then suction can be achieved, but insufficient vacuum notification is not provided in time, creating fall hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a vacuum gauge or pressure sensor that provides real-time feedback on the vacuum level within the anchor chamber. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to monitor suction strength continuously and take corrective action (re-pumping) before the anchor becomes insecure, preventing fall hazards through timely detection of vacuum degradation.
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 reliable, easy-to-install anchorage point with internal vacuum creation and real-time pressure monitoring, reducing fall hazards and installation time by eliminating external hose dependencies and ensuring consistent suction.
Implementation Method 1
The venturi is in fluid communication with the air input connector and is configured and arranged to receive air and create a vacuum therefrom
Implementation Method 2
The seal member is in fluid communication with the venturi and is configured and arranged to receive the vacuum and resulting suction and create a seal between the anchor member and the surface
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the invention, a vacuum anchor assembly for anchoring a fall protection system to a surface of an anchorage structure comprises an anchor member having an air input connector, a venturi, and a seal member incorporated into the anchor member. The air input connector is configured and arranged to receive air from a pressurized air source. The venturi is in fluid communication with the air input connector and is configured and arranged to receive air and create a vacuum therefrom. The seal member is in fluid communication with the venturi and is configured and arranged to receive the vacuum and resulting suction and create a seal between the anchor member and the surface of the anchorage structure sufficient to operatively connect the anchor member to the surface of the anchorage structure with the vacuum and resulting suction created within the anchor member.