Latch activation between members
AssigneeEddy Current Limited Partnership
InventorsChristopher James Allington, Andrew Karl Diehl, Kevin A. Wright, Weston Hill, Dave Walters
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Abstract
Described herein is a system, method of use and Self Retracting Lifeline (SRL) apparatus using a system that governs a dynamic response between members causing a halt in relative motion between the members. Magnetic interactions, eddy current drag forces and centrifugal and/or inertial forces may provide various mechanisms of governing movement.
Claims20
A method of controlling a self-retracting lifeline including a coupler configured to selectively couple a spool having a line thereon to a latch on an external member, and in doing so slow or halt relative motion between the spool and the external member, wherein the coupler includes a pawl linked to and rotating with the spool when the line is withdrawn from the spool, the method comprising:
- applying a force to the line causing withdrawal of the line from the spool;
- wherein when the spool rotates, due to line withdrawal from the spool, below a velocity and acceleration threshold, the pawl oscillates radially outward and inward relative to an axis of rotation of the spool and the coupler does not couple the spool to the external member;
- and
- wherein when the spool rotates, due to line withdrawal from the spool, above the velocity and acceleration threshold, the pawl moves radially outward to a deployed position such that the pawl or a part thereof engages the latch, thereby coupling the external member to the spool and in doing so halting relative motion between the external member and the spool.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.