Safety snap-hooks are a critical component of a fall-arrest system worn by individuals working at elevated
heights. Current snap-hook technology has not evolved in many years, and as a result, the hooks are both
heavy and conduct electricity.
This project investigated the design and manufacture of a polymer-composite safety-snap-hook. The
objective was to determine whether a light-weight, dielectric, composite hook can meet the safety
requirements, while being manufactured at a competitive price.
Several fibre arrangements were tested using current aluminium hook geometry. A research plan was
designed and completed to maximize the hook strength by optimizing fibre architecture. These results were
then used to design a composite hook that meets all the current CSA standards (static load, dynamic load,
side and front load gate test). The design enables the hook to be completely non-conductive and lighter than
the current pincer hook. Different manufacturing techniques were also considered and it was determined
that both the net-shaped moulding and vacuum bag panel method were suitable techniques.
It is recommended that further research be carried out to decrease the cost of the composite hook. Less
expensive resin materials should be tested to determine how much strength is lost with lower grade resins.
A standard test should also be developed so that hooks can be characterized for their electrical conductivity.
In addition, research is required to find a process to cut the mats so that the cut-outs can be handled without
falling apart, making the net-shape moulding process more suitable. Further design modifications are also
needed to meet newly proposed gate regulatory standards. Research is required to determine whether
increasing the thickness of the gate or embedding a metal reinforcement would provide the required gate
strengths. / Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-25 13:25:27.368
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OKQ.1974/708 |
| Date | 26 September 2007 |
| Creators | Graham, Keith Andrew |
| Contributors | Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.). Theses (Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.)) |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 4470662 bytes, application/pdf |
| Rights | This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner. |
| Relation | Canadian theses |
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