HK1217118B - Safety equipment - Google Patents

Description

safety equipment

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a retrofit safety device for a security system. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a safety device for a building security system.

Background Art

According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from heights in buildings are the leading cause of fatal injuries in the country's workplaces. Furthermore, they state that approximately 50% of work-related deaths occur in the construction industry. Furthermore, the HSE reports that over 4,000 serious injuries, such as broken bones or skull fractures, occur in the construction industry each year, with approximately 50% of these injuries related to falls. While safety equipment such as harnesses, hooks, and lanyards have been used in the industry for many years, a high percentage of workers perform their work with their equipment disconnected. The HSE and industry employers have implemented measures to improve compliance with safety regulations to prevent deaths and injuries from falls; for example, the HSE imposes heavy penalties on contractors if employees are found not using safety equipment correctly on-site. However, on most construction projects, it is difficult to constantly monitor workers to ensure they are following safety rules and practices.

Regardless, the construction industry continues to produce more deaths than any other industrial sector. Consequently, safety systems using safety devices that can be monitored have been proposed. For example, EP2314354 describes a safety system and a safety belt comprising a connecting member, a rope, a connecting portion, a hook, and a load detection portion, wherein the load detection portion is configured to detect whether a load is applied to the connecting member and to generate a load detection signal that is transmitted to a control element, wherein the control element comprises a receiving unit for receiving the load signal and a notification unit for providing warnings and alarms. In this system, the control unit determines the status of the user or the status of the safety belt based on the load detection signal, and the notification unit provides a visual or audible warning when a load is detected or the safety belt is disconnected.

A disadvantage of the system described in EP2314354, as well as other known systems, is that the components described therein are not standardized and therefore very expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, these components have not undergone the rigorous functional and structural testing necessary to obtain approval in jurisdictions such as the EU or the US. Therefore, it is unknown whether the hook and rope described in EP2314354 will withstand the pressure loads of standard hooks or piton rings and standard ropes. Furthermore, safety equipment used in the European construction industry must comply with IP65, meaning that the equipment must be completely protected against dust ingress and fully protected against high-pressure water jets from any direction.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a security system which complies with security and access protection standards, construction and structural standards and which is cheaper to manufacture than prior art systems.

According to the present invention, it provides a safety system, comprising: a load detection sensor modified on a safety hook; a transmitter, which transmits a load status signal; a processing device, which is used to analyze the load status signal; a receiver, which receives the load status signal and is operably connected to the processing device; a warning device, which issues a notification; and a power supply, which provides energy to the transmitter, the receiver and the processing device; wherein the load detection sensor generates a load signal, which is sent by the transmitter to the receiver and analyzed by the processing device, so that when the load signal shows that the load is not detected or the safety hook is connected, the warning device is idle or issues a first notification, and when the pressure status signal shows that the load is detected or the safety hook is disconnected, the warning device issues a second notification.

Advantageously, the load detection sensor is a pressure sensor. Preferably, the pressure sensor is a piezoelectric sensor, or comprises a quantum tunneling composite material, or comprises a cable operatively connecting a first self-actuating switch and a second self-actuating switch, wherein the first self-actuating switch is activated when the cable is in a stretched state, and the second self-actuating switch is activated when the cable is in a relaxed state.

In a preferred embodiment, the second load detection sensor is retrofitted onto the second safety hook.

In another preferred embodiment, the warning device is adapted to issue a visible notification, an audible notification, or both a visible and an audible notification.Preferably, the warning device is at least one LED light.

Advantageously, the safety system comprises a timer, which issues an alarm after a predetermined time threshold has been exceeded, or a counter, which issues an alarm after a predetermined time threshold has been exceeded.

In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter comprises at least one self-energizing switch.

Preferably, the processing means, the receiver and the warning means are all contained in a beacon. Even more preferably, the security system further comprises an activation means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a safety hook comprising a load detection sensor and a plastic layer, wherein the load detection sensor is retrofitted onto the safety hook and wrapped around the plastic layer by heating to shrink the plastic layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG1 shows a safety hook with a load detection sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG2 shows a safety hook with a load detection sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG3 a shows a safety hook with a load detection sensor according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3b shows the safety hook of Figure 3a in use;

FIG4 shows a processing device in one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG5 shows a processing device in another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a computer safety system for displaying the status of four workers at a monitoring station, each of the four workers using a safety hook and a handling device with a load detection sensor according to the present invention;

FIG7 is a block diagram of example logical steps performed by a processing device according to the present invention; and

FIG8 is a block diagram of example logical steps performed by a pair of load detection sensors connected to the processing device of FIG4, 5, 6 and 7 above; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG1 illustrates a safety hook 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The safety hook 1 has an upper portion that is retrofitted with a load sensor 5. The load sensor 5 is formed from a layer of a shrinkable polymer plastic material (e.g., polyolefin) that contains, is coated with, or is impregnated with a quantum tunneling composite material, such as QTC (RTM). This type of composite material is a mixture of conductive filler particles (e.g., highly conductive metals) and an elastomeric binder (e.g., silicone rubber) and utilizes the quantum tunneling effect for pressure switching and detection. Quantum tunneling composite materials have the ability to transform from an electrical insulator into a conductor when pressure is applied. In the absence of pressure, the electrons in the conductive metal are too dispersed to conduct current. However, when pressure is applied, the conductive atoms aggregate, and the electrons conduct current through the composite material. Therefore, this material can be used to detect extremely subtle changes caused by compression, tension, or other pressures. In the present invention, the pressure load sensor 5 is capable of detecting changes in pressure caused by a load applied to the hook.

The load detection sensor 5 described above can be retracted onto a standard hook 1, such as a piton ring, ascender, descender, descent brake, crane hook, and scaffolding hook, by simply applying heat with a heat gun, or any other suitable shrink-wrapped method. A transmitter 3 is connected to or incorporated into the load detection sensor. During use, the load detection sensor 5 senses the pressure changes caused by connecting the hook 1 to a rope or lanyard and generates a first load status signal, which is transmitted via the transmitter 3 to a receiver operably connected to a processing device. The processing device analyzes the load status signal, allowing the warning device to generate a notification or signal, such as a visible green light, indicating that the hook is secure. If the pressure changes again due to the application of a heavier load, such as a load from a fall from a scaffold, the load detection sensor 5 generates a second load status signal. When the second load status signal is analyzed by the processing device, the warning device generates a second notification, such as an audible alarm, to notify the user and those around them that a heavy load is applied to the hook.

Figure 2 shows a safety hook 1 including 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 configured to generate an electrical signal or charge in response to changes in pressure. The load detection sensor 7 is mounted on a rigid plate adhered to the standard safety hook 1. The transmitter 3 is also mounted on this plate. In use, the safety system of this embodiment operates in the same manner as the safety system of the first embodiment.

3a and 3b , a load detection sensor 9 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the load detection sensor 9 includes first and second self-actuating switches mounted on a rigid plate that is adhered to a standard safety hook 1, each self-actuating switch being operably connected to a steel cable 9a. A transmitter 3 is configured to relay a load status signal and is also mounted on the rigid plate. In use, when the steel cable 9a is stretched, the first self-actuating switch is activated, such that when the safety hook 1 is connected to the rope 10, the first self-actuating switch is activated and generates a load status signal, which is relayed by the transmitter 3 to the processing device. Conversely, when the steel cable 9a is in a slack state, the second self-actuating switch is activated, such that when the steel cable 9a is slack, the second self-actuating switch is activated, and a second load detection signal is relayed by the transmitter to the processing device.

FIG4 shows a processing unit or beacon 4 including a processing device 2. The beacon 4 has an activation switch or other activation device 14 and an opening 13 for receiving a metal ring 17, which allows the beacon to be attached to a standard safety belt. A warning device 12 (here, an extremely bright LED) is attached to one end of the beacon 4. In addition, a cable tie 16 is provided for attaching the beacon 4 to an object that does not have a suitable opening 13, such as clothing. As described above with respect to FIG1 , the processing device 2 is operably connected to a receiver that receives the load status signal from the transmitter 3. The processing device is configured to analyze the load detection signals from the load detectors 5, 7, and 9 and generate an output signal to control the warning device, thereby generating a series of notifications or signals indicating whether the safety hook 1 is connected to the safety belt and/or whether a large load exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied to the load detection sensors 5, 7, and 9. The beacon 4 according to this embodiment of the present invention can be used with any of the load detection sensors 5, 7, and 9 mentioned in FIG1 , 2 , 3 a, and 3 b. The beacon 4 is powered by standard batteries, such as AA batteries. In this embodiment, beacon 4 includes an activation switch 14 and a counter configured to allow a user to activate beacon 4 from an inoperative state to an operative state by pressing activation switch 14. Once beacon 4 becomes operational, the counter measures a predetermined time interval, such as three months, and transmits a time elapsed signal to processing device 2 upon the elapse of the predetermined time interval. In this embodiment, processing device 2 is further configured to analyze the time elapsed signal and generate a time output signal that causes a warning device to generate a visual, audible, or both time elapsed alarm to notify the user that the battery life cycle has expired. The processing device monitors the battery and, if it detects that the remaining battery charge is low (i.e., the battery is nearing depletion), generates a time output signal that causes the warning device to generate a visual, audible, or both time elapsed alarm to alert the user that the battery should be replaced. The three-month interval is particularly useful because security devices are typically inspected every three months, and batteries are generally expected to have a lifespan of approximately three months. Once the battery is replaced and activation switch 14 is pressed, the counter is reset.

FIG5 illustrates a second type of processing unit. In this embodiment, processing device 2 is housed within the processing unit, which includes an ultra-bright LED light 12 and a metal backing plate 20 for securing the processing unit to a standard safety harness 6. As previously mentioned, the processing unit is battery-powered and may include a counter. A display device 18 is attached to the processing unit to allow the equipment inspector to label the processing unit with inspection information, such as the date, time, initials, or name of the last inspection.

FIG6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, in which the processing device 2 is configured to wirelessly communicate with a monitoring device 30 (e.g., an on-site computer) to allow a supervisor 31, such as a site manager, to remotely monitor the use of the safety device. As shown, four on-site workers P1-P4 are depicted, each wearing two safety hooks 1 and/or processing devices 2, each tagged with an ID. This allows supervisor 31, who is remotely monitoring the use of the safety device, to verify that any specific user on-site is properly secured to the safety harness. As shown, workers P1 and P3 correctly secure their second hooks to their harnesses, and a corresponding signal is remotely transmitted to monitoring device 30, where the status of both workers is displayed as "safe." Worker P2 fails to secure the hook, and a warning signal is remotely transmitted to monitoring device 30. Processing device 2 preferably includes a wireless radio, enabling supervisors to speak directly to the workers to verify their location and whether they should secure the hooks, even though the supervisor may not be able to see the employees. Worker P4 is depicted as having fallen, generating an emergency signal that is transmitted directly to the supervisor, who can immediately identify the worker and initiate an SOS procedure. Therefore, if an incident occurs on-site, the monitor can be immediately alerted remotely, facilitating a swift and appropriate response. In this embodiment, the processing equipment does not need to be placed in the processing unit; it can, for example, be placed in the safety hook 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the warning device is remotely connected to the processing equipment. The primary purpose of the second hook is to allow the worker to move around, attaching the second hook at the new location before removing the first hook. This allows the worker to be securely clamped in any position.

Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating the logical steps performed by the processing device 2 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 7 , the system includes a date counter. In the first step, the system determines whether the counter has measured more than 90 days (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, prompting the user to remove the battery from the processing unit to reset the system, thereby resetting the counter to 0. If the answer to the first step is no, the processing unit determines whether the battery charge is less than 5%. If the battery charge is below 5%, the processing unit causes the system to emit a continuous light and sound to warn the user of the low battery. If the battery charge is above 5%, the processing unit proceeds to the next step, determining whether the system is in use. If the system is in sleep mode, the processing unit repeats this step until it detects motion. If motion is detected, the processing unit proceeds to the next step, checking whether a hook signal has been received. If no signal is detected, the processing unit loops back to the first step of the loop and executes the subsequent steps. If a signal confirming a hook is detected, the processing unit proceeds to determine whether the signal is associated with a fall. When the signal is associated with a fall, the processing unit causes the system to generate a flashing light and an audible alarm, alerting personnel on site that the user is in danger. To ensure user safety, the system can be configured to prevent a reset when a fall is detected. If the signal is not associated with a fall, the processing unit continues to determine whether the signal is continuous or intermittent. If there are gaps in the signal exceeding five seconds, the processing unit assumes the hook is malfunctioning or the battery charge is below 5%, causing the system to emit a continuous light and sound. If the interval between two detections of the signal is less than five seconds, the processing unit causes the system to emit a flashing light and sound, alerting personnel on site that the user may be in danger.

FIG8 shows a block diagram of the logic steps for a pair of load detection sensors 5, 7, and 9 connected to the processing unit of FIG4, 5, 6, and 7. Each sensor follows the same logic steps simultaneously. In the first step, it determines whether the processing unit battery charge exceeds 5%. If the battery charge is below 5%, the processing unit will not receive signals from the hook. If the battery charge is above 5%, the processing unit proceeds to determine whether the load detected by the hook sensor exceeds 0N. If no load is detected, the processing unit causes the system to issue a signal alerting the user that the hook is not hooked. If a load is detected, the processing unit determines whether the load exceeds 5N. If the load detected by the hook sensor is below 5N, the processing unit causes the system to issue a signal indicating that a user is hooked. If the detected load is not below 5N, the processing unit determines whether the load exceeds 5N. If the detected load does not exceed 5N, the logic loops back to the first step. However, if the load detected by the hook sensor exceeds 5N, the processing unit causes the system to issue a fall signal to alert on-site personnel that a user has fallen. As shown in the figure, the system includes a pair of hooks. When any of the hook sensors detects a fall (i.e., a load exceeding 5N), the processing unit can be configured to issue a visual or audible alarm. Alternatively, the processing device may be programmed to sound an alarm if it detects that no hook is attached to the rope.

The transmitter 3 is applicable to any embodiment of the present invention and includes a 433 MHz PCB antenna.

A major advantage of the present invention, and in particular the embodiment shown in FIG6 , is that a supervisor can monitor whether any given user is using the safety equipment appropriately at any given time, thereby encouraging on-site personnel to adhere to safety rules and use safety equipment. In addition, it can evaluate personnel's safety equipment history so that individual users who are found to be frequently ignoring safety rules can be penalized. Furthermore, it can also allow supervisors to monitor the use of safety equipment remotely, so that regardless of the size of the site or project, the supervisor knows whether all personnel are connected to the ropes and whether any accidents have occurred.

As one of the many advantages of the present invention, it can be used with standard equipment such as safety belts, lanyards, hooks, straps, and ropes without changing the structural integrity of such standard equipment. Furthermore, retrofitting existing standard equipment is simple; therefore, no significant expenditure is required on new equipment, and thus the implementation cost is negligible. While the above embodiments have been described with respect to a single safety hook, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the safety system of the present invention can also be used with two or more hooks, causing the warning device to generate a signal indicating that all of the two or more hooks are disconnected, connected, or that a load exceeding a predetermined value is applied to one of the two or more hooks.

Furthermore, it will also be apparent that the present invention can be used with different types of hooks such as piton rings, ascenders, descenders, descent brakes, crane hooks and scaffolding hooks.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that the notification generated by the warning device may be lights of different colors, lights flashing in different patterns, an audible alarm, a combination of colored/flashing lights and an audible alarm, or any other suitable manner of attracting attention.

Furthermore, it should be apparent that although the processing and warning devices according to the present invention are described as being separate from the load detection sensor, both may be integrated into a safety hook comprising the load detection sensor according to the present invention, for example by mounting them on the rigid plate as described in the second and third embodiments, or by attaching them to a layer of polymer plastic material that shrinks after heating as described in the first embodiment.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the beacon and control unit may be powered by other suitable power sources besides batteries, such as a power generator/micro-generator or solar cells.

Although the safety system described herein is applied to the construction industry, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the safety system may also be applied to scaffolding, mountaineering, abseiling, sailing, rope rescue, industrial rope access, window washing, and any other activity requiring the use of a safety belt or safety harness.

Claims (16)

1. A security system, comprising: Load detection sensors that can be retrofitted onto safety hooks. The transmitter is configured to transmit load status signals. A processing device used to analyze the load status signal; A receiver, which is used to receive the load status signal and is operatively connected to the processing device; Warning device, configured to issue a notification; and A power supply device for providing energy to the transmitter, the receiver, and the processing device; The load detection sensor can be modified to be mounted on the safety hook without altering its structural integrity. In use, the load detection sensor generates a load status signal, which is transmitted by the transmitter to the receiver and analyzed by the processing device to allow the warning device to generate a notification. The warning device issues a first notification signal when no load is detected or when the safety hook is connected to the safety rope, and issues a second notification signal when a load greater than a predetermined threshold is detected or when the safety hook is disconnected. 2. The safety system of claim 1, wherein the load detection sensor can be mounted on the safety hook by retracting and wrapping it around the safety hook without altering the structural integrity of the safety hook. 3. The safety system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the load detection sensor is a pressure sensor. 4. The safety system as described in claim 3, wherein the pressure sensor is a piezoelectric sensor. 5. The safety system of claim 3, wherein the pressure sensor comprises a quantum tunneling composite material. 6. The safety system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the load detection sensor includes a cable operably connected to a first self-excited switch and a second self-excited switch, the first self-excited switch being activated when the cable is in a stretched state and the second self-excited switch being activated when the cable is in a slack state. 7. The safety system of claim 1 or 2 further includes a second load detection sensor that can be modified on the second safety hook by being mounted on the second safety hook without altering the structural integrity of the second safety hook. 8. The safety system of claim 1 or 2 further includes a second load detection sensor that can be modified on the second safety hook by being retracted and wrapped on the second safety hook without altering the structural integrity of the second safety hook. 9. The security system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the warning device is adapted to generate a visible notification, an audible notification, or a notification that is both visible and audible. 10. The security system of claim 1 or 2 further includes a timer that generates an alarm after a predetermined time threshold has been exceeded. 11. The security system of claim 1 or 2 further includes a counter that generates an alarm after a predetermined time threshold has been exceeded. 12. The safety system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the warning device is at least one LED light. 13. The security system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmitter includes at least one self-excited switch. 14. The security system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing device, the receiver, and the warning device are all included in the beacon. 15. The security system of claim 13, further comprising an activation device. 16. The safety system of claim 1, wherein the load detection sensor is secured to the safety hook by a shrink-wrapped plastic layer.