U.S. patent application number 14/439611 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-24 for safety equipment.
The applicant listed for this patent is SKANSKA UK PLC. Invention is credited to Alex Hoyos, Richard Kennedy.
Application Number | 20150265860 14/439611 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47359020 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150265860 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kennedy; Richard ; et
al. |
September 24, 2015 |
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Abstract
A safety system includes a load detection sensor retrofitable on
a safety hook, a transmitter arranged to convey a load status
signal, processing means for analyzing the load status signal, a
receiver for receiving the load status signal and being operably
connected to the processing means, warning means arranged to
generate notifications, and a power source for providing energy to
the transmitter, the receiver, and the processing means. The load
detection sensor is arranged to generate a load status signal which
is sent by the transmitter to the receiver and then analyzed by the
processing means so that when the load status signal indicates that
a load is undetected or that the safety hook is connected, the
warning means are either inactive or generate a first notification
but when the pressure status signal indicates that a load is
detected or that the safety hook is disconnected, the warning means
generate a second notification.
Inventors: |
Kennedy; Richard;
(Hertfordshire, GB) ; Hoyos; Alex; (Hertfordshire,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SKANSKA UK PLC |
Hertfordshire |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
47359020 |
Appl. No.: |
14/439611 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
October 30, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2013/000462 |
371 Date: |
April 29, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
182/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62B 35/0075 20130101;
F16B 45/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A62B 35/00 20060101
A62B035/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 1, 2012 |
GB |
1219688.7 |
Claims
1. A safety system, comprising: a load detection sensor
retrofitable on a safety hook; a transmitter arranged to convey a
load status signal; processing means for analysing the load status
signal; a receiver for receiving the load status signal and being
operably connected to the processing means; warning means arranged
to generate notifications; and a power source for providing energy
to the transmitter, the receiver, and the processing means; wherein
the load detection sensor is arranged to generate a load status
signal which is sent by the transmitter to the receiver and then
analyzed by the processing means so that when the load status
signal indicates that a load is undetected or that the safety hook
is connected, the warning means are either inactive or generate a
first notification but when the pressure status signal indicates
that a load is detected or that the safety hook is disconnected,
the warning means generate a second notification.
2. A safety system according to claim 1, wherein the load detection
sensor is a pressure sensor.
3. A safety system according to claim 2, wherein the pressure
sensor is a piezoelectric sensor.
4. A safety system according to claim 2, wherein the pressure
sensor comprises quantum tunnelling composites.
5. A safety system according to claim 1, wherein the load detection
sensor comprises a cable operably connected to a first
self-energizing switch arranged to be activated when the cable is
in a pulled condition and second self-energizing switch arranged to
be activated when the cable is in a relaxed condition.
6. A safety system according to claim 1, further comprising a
second load detection sensor retrofitable on a second safety
hook.
7. A safety system according to claim 1, wherein the warning means
are adapted to generate a visual notification, an audible
notification or a visual and an audible notification.
8. A safety system according to claim 1, further comprising a timer
arranged to generate an alarm after a predetermined time threshold
has been exceeded.
9. A safety system according to claim 1, further comprising a
counter arranged to generate an alarm after a predetermined time
threshold has been exceeded.
10. A safety system according to claim 1, wherein the warning means
is at least one LED light.
11. A safety system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter
includes at least one self-energizing switch.
12. A safety system according to claim 1, wherein the processing
means, the receiver and the warning means are included in a
beacon.
13. A safety system according to claim 11, further comprising
activation means.
14. A safety hook comprising a load detection sensor and a plastics
layer wherein the load detection sensor is retrofitted on the
safety hook by shrink-wrapping the plastics layer with heat so as
to secure the load detection sensor on the safety hook.
15. A safety system according to claim 2, wherein the load
detection sensor comprises a cable operably connected to a first
self-energizing switch arranged to be activated when the cable is
in a pulled condition and second self-energizing switch arranged to
be activated when the cable is in a relaxed condition.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to retrofitable safety
equipment for use with safety systems. In particular, but not
exclusively, the present invention relates to safety equipment for
use with construction safety systems.
[0002] According to the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
construction falls from height are the biggest cause of fatal
injury in the nation's workplaces; further, they represent roughly
50% of work-related deaths in the construction sector. In addition,
over 4,000 major injuries, such as broken bones or fractured
skulls, are reported to HSE each year by the construction industry
and around 50% of these serious injuries relate are caused by falls
from height. Although safety equipment such as safety belts, hooks
and security lines have been in use in the industry for years, in
practice, a high proportion of workers carry out their work while
the safety equipment is disconnected. Both HSE and employers in the
industry have taken steps to improve observance of safety
regulations and to prevent deaths and injuries from falls; for
example HSE has implemented heavy fines which are levied on
contractors if personnel are found to be using safety equipment
incorrectly on a site. However, on large building projects it is
very difficult to monitor workers continuously to ensure that they
always adhere to safety rules and practice.
[0003] However, the construction industry continues to cause more
deaths than any other industrial sector. Consequently, safety
systems which allow usage of safety equipment to be monitored have
been proposed. For example, EP2314354 describes a safety system and
a safety belt comprising a connecting member, a rope, an attaching
portion, a hook, and a load detection portion arranged to detect
whether or not a load is applied to the connecting member and to
generate a load detection signal which is sent to a control device
including a receiver unit arranged to receive the load detection
signal and a notification unit arranged to provide a warning or
alarm. In this system, the control unit determines the status of a
user or the status of the safety belt based on the load detection
signal and the notification unit provides a visible or audible
alarm if a load is detected or if the safety belt is
disconnected.
[0004] The disadvantage of the system proposed by EP2314354 and
other known systems is that the components described therein are
not standard and are therefore very expensive to manufacture.
Moreover, the components have not been subject to the rigorous
functional and structural testing necessary for approval in
jurisdictions such as the European Union and the US; as a result,
it is unknown whether the hooks and lines described in EP2314354
are able to withstand the stresses borne by standard hooks or
karabiners and standard lines. Further, safety equipment for use in
the European construction industry must comply with IP65, that is,
equipment must be totally protected against dust ingress and must
also be protected against high pressure water jets from any
direction.
[0005] The present invention therefore aims to provide a safety
system which complies with security and ingress protection
standards, composition and structural standards and which is
cheaper to manufacture than prior art systems.
[0006] According to the present invention there is provided a
safety system comprising: a load detection sensor retrofitable on a
safety hook; a transmitter arranged to convey a load status signal;
processing means for analysing the load status signal; a receiver
for receiving the load status signal and being operably connected
to the processing means; warning means arranged to generate
notifications; and a power source for providing energy to the
transmitter, the receiver, and the processing means; wherein the
load detection sensor is arranged to generate a load status signal
which is sent by the transmitter to the receiver and then analysed
by the processing means so that when the load status signal
indicates that a load is undetected or that the safety hook is
connected, the warning means are either inactive or generate a
first notification but when the pressure status signal indicates
that a load is detected or that the safety hook is disconnected,
the warning means generate a second notification.
[0007] Advantageously, the load detection sensor is a pressure
sensor. Preferably, the pressure sensor is a piezoelectric sensor
or comprises quantum tunnelling composites or comprises a cable
operably connected to a first self-energising switch arranged to be
activated when the cable is in a pulled condition and second
self-energising switch arranged to be activated when the cable is
in a relaxed condition.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, a second load detection sensor is
retrofitable on a second safety hook.
[0009] In another preferred embodiment, the warning means are
adapted to generate a visual notification, an audible notification
or a visual and an audible notification. Preferably, the warning
means is at least one LED light.
[0010] Advantageously, the safety system comprises a timer arranged
to generate an alarm after a predetermined time threshold has been
exceeded or a counter arranged to generate an alarm after a
predetermined time threshold has been exceeded.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter includes at lest
one self energising switch.
[0012] Preferably, the processing means, the receiver and the
warning means are included in a beacon. More preferably, the safety
system further comprises activation means.
[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided, a safety hook comprising a load detection sensor and a
plastics layer wherein the load detection sensor is retrofitted on
the safety hook by shrink-wrapping the plastics layer with
heat.
[0014] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a safety hook having a load detection sensor in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a safety hook having a load detection sensor in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3a shows a safety hook having a load detection sensor
in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3b shows the safety hook of FIG. 3a in use;
[0019] FIG. 4 shows processing means in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 shows processing means in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a computerised
security system for displaying at a monitoring station the status
of four workers each having a safety hook having a load detection
sensor and processing means in accordance with the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustration of example logic
steps followed by processing means according to the present
invention, and
[0023] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustration of example logic
steps followed by a pair of load detection sensor connected to the
processing means of FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 above, and
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown a safety hook 1
according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The
safety hook 1 has an upper section which has been retrofitted with
a load detection sensor 5 formed by a layer of shrinkable polymer
plastics material (such as polyolefin) incorporating, coated or
impregnated with quantum tunnelling composite materials, such as
QTC.RTM.. This type of composite material is a mixture of
conductive filler particles (such as highly-conductive metals) and
elastomeric binders (for example silicone rubber) which use quantum
tunnelling for pressure switching and sensing. Quantum tunnelling
composite materials have the ability to change from an electrical
insulator to a conductor when placed under pressure so that when
pressure is absent the atoms of the conductive metals are too
distant to conduct electricity but when pressure is applied, the
conductive atoms congregate and electrons conduct electricity
through the composite. Accordingly, these materials can be used to
detect even very small changes due to compression, tension or other
stresses. In the present invention, the load detection sensor 5 is
able to detect a pressure change caused by a load being applied on
the hook.
[0025] The load detection sensor 5 described above can be shrunk
onto a standard hook 1 such as a karabiner, ascender, descender,
fall arrester, crane hook and scaffold hook by simply applying heat
with a heat gun, or any method suitable to shrink-wrap the upper
section of the hook. A transmitter 3 is connected to or included in
the load detection sensor. In use, the load detection sensor 5
perceives the pressure change generated by attaching the hook 1 to
a rope or a lanyard and generates a first load status signal which
is sent by the transmitter 3 to a receiver operably connected to
processing means. The processing means analyses the load status
signal and allows warning means to generate a notification or
signal, for example a visible green light, to indicate that the
hook is fastened. In the event the pressure changes again because a
heavier load, such as one produced by a fall from a scaffold, is
applied, the load detection sensor 5 generates a second load status
signal. When the second load status signal is analysed by the
processing means, a second notification, for example an audible
alarm is generated by the warning means to enable the user and
those around him to identify that a heavy load is being applied on
the hook.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 2 there is shown a safety hook 1
comprising a load detection sensor 7 according to a second
embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the load
detection sensor is a piezoelectric sensor arranged to generate an
electrical signal or electrical charge in response to pressure
change. The load detection sensor 7 is mounted on a rigid plate
which has been adhered to a standard safety hook 1. A transmitter 3
is also mounted on the plate. In use, the safety system of this
embodiment works in the same way as that described in relation to
the safety system of the first embodiment.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 3a and 3b, there is shown a load
detection sensor 9 according to a third embodiment of the present
invention. In this particular embodiment, the load detection sensor
9 comprises a first and second self-energising switches mounted on
a rigid plate which rigid plate is adhered to a standard safety
hook 1, each self-energising switch being operably connected to a
steel cable 9a. A transmitter 3 arranged to relay a load status
signal is also mounted on the rigid plate. In use, the first
self-energising switch is arranged to be activated when the steel
cable 9a is pulled so that when the safety hook 1 is connected to a
line 10, the first switch is activated and generates a load
detection signal which is relayed by the transmitter 3 to
processing means. Whereas, the second self-energising switch is
arranged to be activated when the steel cable 9a is in a relaxed
condition so that when the steel cable 9a is relaxed, the second
self-energising switch is activated and a second load detection
signal is relayed by the transmitter to the processing means.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows a processing unit or beacon 4 including
processing means 2, the beacon 4 having an activation switch or
other activation means 14, and an opening 13 for receiving a
metallic ring 17 which allows the beacon to be secured to a
standard harness. Warning means 12, in this instance a super bright
LED, is secured to an end of the beacon 4. In addition zip ties 16
are provided for securing the beacon 4 to items, such as clothing,
which do not have a suitable opening 13. As described above in
relation to FIG. 1, processing means 2 is operably connected to a
receiver which receives a load status signal from a transmitter 3.
Processing means are arranged to analyse the load detection signal
from a load detection sensor 5, 7, 9 and to produce an output
signal and to control the warning means so that a range of
notifications or signals are generated to indicate whether the
safety hook 1 is connected to a safety line and/or whether a load
greater than a predetermined threshold is applied to the load
detection sensor 5, 7, 9. A beacon 4 according to this embodiment
of the present invention can be used with any of the load detection
sensors 5, 7, 9 described in relation to FIGS. 1, 2, 3a and 3b. The
beacon 4 is powered with standard batteries, such as AA batteries.
In this particular embodiment, the beacon 4 comprises an activation
switch 14 and a counter arranged to allow a user to activate the
beacon 4 from a non-operational state to an operational state by
pressing the activation switch 14. Once the beacon 4 has become
operational, the counter measures a predetermined time interval,
for example 3 months, and sends a time lapse signal to the
processing means 2 once the predetermined time interval has
elapsed. In this embodiment, the processing means 2 are further
arranged to analyse the time lapse signal and to produce a time
output signal which time output signal causes the warning means to
generate a time elapsed alarm, either visible, audible or both, to
notify a user that the life-span of batteries has elapsed. The
processing means monitors the batteries and also produces a time
output signal if it detects that there is insufficient power left,
i.e. that the batteries are running low so that the warning means
generates a time elapsed alarm, either visible, audible or both, to
alert the user that the batteries must be replaced. A three month
time interval is particularly useful because safety equipment is
generally inspected every three months and, in general, batteries
would be expected to have a useful life of around 3 months. The
counter can be adapted to reset once the batteries have been
replaced and the activation switch 14 has been pressed.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a second type of
processing unit. In this embodiment, the processing means 2 are
housed in a processing unit comprising a super bright LED 12 and a
metallic back plate 20 for securing the processing unit to a
standard harness 6. As above, the processing unit is powered by
batteries and may include a counter. Display means 18 are secured
to the processing unit to enable an equipment inspector to mark the
processing unit with an inspection message including for example,
date, time, and initials or name of the last check.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 6 there is shown a scheme of a further
embodiment of the present invention in which the processing means 2
are arranged to communicate wirelessly with a monitoring device 30,
such as an on-site computer, to allow a supervisor 31, for example
a site manager, to remotely monitor use of the safety equipment. As
illustrated, four site workers P1 to P4 are shown, each wearing two
safety hooks 1 and/or processing means 2 each tagged with an ID so
that the supervisor 31 remotely monitoring use of the safety
equipment can determine whether any specific users on the site are
appropriately secured to a safety line. As shown, workers P1 and P3
are correctly hooked up with their second hook secured to their
harness and the appropriate signal is sent remotely to the
monitoring device 30 where the status of these two workers is
indicated as "Safe". Worker P2 is not hooked up and a warning
signal is sent remotely to the monitoring device 30.The processing
means 2 preferably includes a radio link to enable the supervisor
to speak directly to the worker to check where the worker is and
whether he/she should be hooked up or not, even though the employee
may not be visible to the supervisor. Worker P4 is illustrated as
having fallen which generates an emergency signal which is sent
directly to the supervisor who can immediately identify the worker
and implement SOS procedures. Thus, if there is an accident
on-site, the supervisor is immediately and remotely alerted to
facilitate a prompt and appropriate response. In this embodiment,
the processing means need not be housed in a processing unit and
could be housed in the safety hook 1, for example. Further, in this
embodiment, the warning means may be remotely connected to the
processing means. The main purpose of the second hook is to enable
workers to move position and to clip on the second hook in a new
position, before removing the first hook. In this way the worker is
always clipped in position.
[0031] FIG. 7 shows block diagram illustration the logic steps
followed by processing means 2 according to the present invention.
As seen in FIG. 7, the system is provided with a day counter. In a
first step, the system establishes whether the counter has measured
over 90 day (i.e. 3 months) of service. If the answer is yes, the
processing unit causes the system to generate, for example, a
flashing light and a sound to enable a user to remove the batteries
from the processing unit to reset the system and, as a result, the
counter is reset to zero. If the answer to the first step is no,
the processing unit determines whether the battery level is under
5%. If the battery level is below 5%, the processing means cause
the system to generate a constant light and a sound to alert a user
that the battery is low. If the battery level is above 5%, the
processing means proceeds to the next step in which the processing
means determines if the system is being used. If the system in in
sleep mode, the processing unit follows repeats the step in a loop
until it detects motion. On the other hand, if motion is detected,
the processing means proceeds to the following step in which it
checks whether a signal from the hook or hooks has been received.
If no signals are detected, the processing means loops back to the
first step in a loop and follows each subsequent step. If a
positive signal from the hook or hooks is detected, the processing
unit proceeds to determine whether the signal relates to a fall
status. In the event the signal is related to a fall, the
processing means causes the system to generate flashing lights and
a loud audible alarm to alert on-site personnel that a user is in
danger. To ensure safety of the users, the system could be set up
to prevent a reset when a fall signal has been detected. mode. If
the signal does not relate to a fall, the processing unit proceeds
to determine whether the signal is constant or intermittent. If the
signal has an interval of over 5 seconds, the processing means
assumes that the hook or hooks are faulty or that the battery level
is under 5% and causes the system to generate a constant light and
a sound. If the interval between two instances of detection of a
signal is below 5 seconds, the processing means causes the system
to produce a flashing light and a sound to alert on-site personnel
that the user might be in danger.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown block diagram
illustration the logic steps followed by a pair of load detection
sensors 5, 7, 9 connected to the processing means described in
relation to FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 above. Each sensor follows the same
logic steps simultaneously. In a first step, the processing unit
determines whether the battery level is over 5%. If the battery
level is under 5%, the processing unit does not receive a signal
from the hook. If the battery level is over 5%, the processing
means proceeds to determine whether the hook sensor detects a load
over 0 N. If no load is detected, the processing means causes the
system to generate a signal to alert the system that the user is
not hooked. If a load is detected, the processing means determine
whether the load is under 5 N. If the load detected by the hook
sensor is below 5 N, the processing means causes the system to
generate a signal to indicate that the user is hooked. If the load
detected is not under 5 N, the processing means determines whether
the load exceeds 5 N. If the load detected does not exceed 5 N, the
logic loops back to the first step. However, if the load detected
by the hook sensor exceeds 5 N, the processing means causes the
system to generate a FALL signal to alert on-site personnel that
the user has suffered a fall. As the system shown in this figure
comprises a pair of hooks, the processing means may be set up to
generate an visual or audible alarm when either hook sensor detects
a fall (i.e. a load which exceeds 5 N). In addition, the processing
means may be programmed to generate an alarm when it detects that
neither hook is connected to a line.
[0033] A transmitter 3 suitable for use with any of the embodiments
of the present invention comprises a 433 MHz PCB antenna.
[0034] One of the main advantages of the present system, and in
particular of the embodiment described in relation to FIG. 6, is
that a supervisor can monitor whether any given user is employing
safety equipment appropriately at any given time so that on-site
personnel are encouraged to adhere to safety regulations and to use
safety equipment. Moreover, it would allow evaluating personnel
safety equipment history so that individual users found to
systematically disregard safety regulations can be disciplined.
Further, it would also allow a supervisor to monitor safety
equipment use remotely so that regardless of the size of the site
or project, a supervisor would always know if personnel are
connected to a line and if an accident has occurred.
[0035] As mentioned one of the greatest advantages of the present
invention is that it can be used with standard equipment such as
harnesses, lanyards, hooks, ties and rope without altering the
structural integrity of the standard equipment. Further,
retrofitting the existing standard equipment is straightforward; as
a result, there is not need to invest heavily in new equipment, so
implementation costs are nominal. Although the embodiments above
have been described in relation to a single safety hook, it should
be clear to the skilled person that the safety system of the
present invention could also be used with a two or more hooks so
that the warning means generate a signal to indicate that all the
two or more hooks are disconnected, connected or that a load
greater than a predetermined value is being applied to one of the
two or more hooks.
[0036] Moreover, it should also be apparent that the invention can
be used with different types of hooks such as karabiners,
ascenders, descenders, fall arresters, crane hooks and scaffold
hooks.
[0037] In addition, it should be clear that the notifications
generated by the warning means may be lights of different colours,
lights flashing in different patterns, audible alarms, a
combination of coloured/flashing lights and an audible alarm or any
other suitable means to attract attention.
[0038] Further, it should also be apparent that although processing
and warning means according to the invention have been described as
being separate from the load detection sensor, it would possible to
integrate both of these into a safety hook comprising a load
detection sensor according to the present invention, for example by
mounting them in the rigid plate described in relation to the
second and third embodiments or by adhering them to the layer of
shrinkable polymer plastics material described in relation to the
first embodiment once heat has been applied to it.
[0039] Moreover, it should be clear that the beacon and control
unit could be powered with any suitable power source other than
batteries, such as: a kinetic power generator/microgenerator or a
solar power cell.
[0040] Although the safety system of the present invention has been
described in relation to its use in the construction industry, it
should be clear to the skilled person that the safety system could
also be used for scaffolding, climbing, abseiling, sailing, rope
rescue, industrial rope work, window cleaning and any other
activity in which safety belts and or harnesses are necessary.
* * * * *