Variable-Length Lanyard Sensing for Lifting Platform Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety systems for lifting platforms fail to comprehensively detect the attachment and positioning of personal protective equipment, leading to complexity, high costs, and potential deactivation risks.
Innovation Solution
A lanyard with a variable length and integrated sensor system measures the distance between its ends, correlating with the operator's position, and a processing unit provides alerts and controls platform movements based on safety conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate sensors are used to detect carabiner detachment, shock absorber status, and external anchor attachment, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single sensor system. The sensor detects both the detachment of the carabiner from the receptacle and the attachment to external anchor points using the same sensing mechanism, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed with multi-functionality to perform various detection tasks. It can detect carabiner detachment, monitor shock absorber status, and verify external anchor attachment, making one component serve multiple safety functions that previously required separate sensors.
2Device complexity
If electrical current through lanyard is used for detection, then detection simplicity is improved, but reliability decreases due to easy deactivation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical detection system with a mechanical sensing mechanism. The sensor physically detects the presence or absence of the carabiner in the receptacle and the attachment to external anchors, eliminating the vulnerability of electrical systems that can be bypassed by substituting conductive materials.
3Loss of information
If RFID techniques are used to detect harness presence, then detection range is improved, but measurement precision of mechanical attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is integrated directly into the harness and lanyard assembly, allowing it to self-detect its own attachment status. The sensor monitors the mechanical connection between the carabiner and receptacle, as well as external anchor attachment, providing precise feedback about the actual physical state of the safety system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a safety system for at least one person (P) positioned on a platform (9) of a lifting equipment (1), comprising a lanyard (14) attaching the person (P) to the platform. According to the invention, the length of the lanyard (14) is variable, and the safety system comprises: a sensor for measuring the distance between one end of the lanyard (14) attached to the person (P) and one end of the lanyard (14) attached to the platform (9), and a unit for processing the measurement from the sensor, suitable for transmitting information and/or warning signals (15).