Fall safety equipment for professionals.
Here is a collection of objects I’ve designed and manufactured during my time at Bailout Systems. These innovative rappelling devices utilize our hands-free descent technology, allowing for the safe lowering of humans and payloads without manual intervention.
The accident that started it all.
This is Michael Ragsdale, founder and CEO of Bailout Systems, after he fell off a 100ft off a cliff in the Red River Gorge KY Rock Climbing.
He was in a comma for months, had to learn how to walk again. Because of this event, he set out to improve fall safety gear by taking human error out of the equation.
The Fall Safety Industry
These are examples of fall safety professionals and enthusiasts, all of which work at dangerous heights. Equipment are these men and women’s lifeline, enabling them to do what they do and stay safe.
What if all of lowering of cargo and personnel could be done hands-free?
Bailout technology in action.
Bailout Systems has a patented hands-free descent technology that allows professionals and novices alike to focus on the task at hand, not the rappel.
How it works.
This patented platform technology works with only three main components, making it simple and scalable. This is significant because I can put this technology into a human descent device or create solutions for other applications such heavy cargo drops.
Form and Function
When starting the concept phase with an engineering-focused product, it can initially feel restrictive. However, my experience at Bailout has shown me that these limitations actually drive innovation.
Designed with physics.
This collection of projects is a glimpse in working for a company where form truly follows function. Here I am having too much fun testing our hands-free personal descent system.
Where design and engineering meet.
At Bailout, I had the invaluable opportunity to collaborate daily with both product development and engineering teams. This integrated approach ensured that all aspects of the development process were seamlessly connected.
Tested by users.
User-centered design is crucial in every aspect of development. For products like these, design and engineering must work harmoniously; if they don't, the product simply won't be effective.
Raven: Arbor Block
This concept is an arbor block (pulley) that has been tested with arborists for dropping tree limbs hands-free. It loads around a capstan creating friction.
Wedge: Arbor Pulley
This concept is a large pulley that has been tested with arborists for dropping tree limbs hands-free. It uses a v-groove to pinch the rope to create friction.
The Clock: Arbor Block
This concept is a large arbor block for massive trunks being dropped from above. It must deal with intense shock loads.
Prototypes in the Field
Bailout Systems is still in active development, so these prototypes are just that, prototypes. One day these will be saving the lives of industry professionals.
