Wireless Fall Arrest System with Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

In industrial settings, there is a recurring issue of misuse and unauthorized use of fall protection systems, leading to situations where individuals are left unsecured at heights, risking their safety, and there is a need for continuous securing of persons from entering to leaving a facility.

Innovation Solution

A system where a fall arrest device and a connecting element communicate wirelessly, ensuring the person can only climb or descend when secured, with locking devices and position sensors preventing unintentional opening, and only allowing detachment when securely connected to another safety device, thereby maintaining continuous security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fall protection systems with manual operation are used, then the system is simple in structure, but the person can temporarily be unsecured leading to safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous securingVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electronic control system. A control device monitors the connection status between the carabiner and anchor point, and automatically controls the motor-driven winch to maintain continuous securing. This substitution of mechanical manual control with electronic automation resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliability through continuous monitoring and automatic response, while the electronic system manages the complexity rather than increasing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects whether the carabiner is connected to an anchor point, and this information is fed back to a control device. The control device continuously monitors this feedback signal and automatically activates the winch when disconnection is detected, or deactivates it when reconnection occurs. This closed-loop feedback system ensures continuous securing reliability while managing system complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If unauthorized use is allowed for ease of operation, then the system is easy to use, but misuse and unauthorized use occur leading to safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of misuseVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual operation with an automated electronic control system that monitors connection status and controls the winch automatically. This eliminates the need for manual intervention, preventing misuse and unauthorized use while maintaining ease of operation through automatic functionality. The system simply requires the user to attach the carabiner, after which the electronic system handles all safety-critical operations automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-control functions. The sensor automatically detects connection status, the control device processes this information, and the winch automatically adjusts tension without user intervention. This self-service capability prevents misuse by eliminating manual control points where errors could occur, while maintaining ease of use by requiring minimal user action beyond initial attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If continuous monitoring is implemented to prevent unsecured situations, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous monitoringVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with a simpler electronic sensor and control device combination. The electronic sensor continuously monitors carabiner connection status and communicates this to the control device, which automatically responds by controlling the winch. This electronic substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving continuous monitoring reliability through intelligent control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback loop where a sensor continuously monitors carabiner connection status and provides real-time information to a control device. When disconnection is detected, the control device automatically activates the winch; when reconnection occurs, it deactivates the winch. This feedback mechanism achieves continuous monitoring reliability while managing system complexity through automated decision-making rather than complex mechanical interlocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3116601B1Arrangement for protecting a person from falling
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 SKYLOTEC GMBH
  • EP3116601B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3116601B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement for protecting a person (1), comprising a catching device (4) which is designed to secure the person (1) from falling while climbing a climbing path and comprising a connection element (3) which is designed to be connected to the person (1) to be secured. The catching device (4) and the connection element (3) are designed to electrically communicate with each other in a wireless manner such that the person (1) can climb the climbing path only after the person (1) has been connected to the catching device (4) and/or the connection element (3), and/or the person (1) can be released from the catching device (4) only after the person (1) has been connected to the connection element (3).