Backplate Connector Element for Wearable Safety Harness PPE
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable safety harnesses face challenges with difficult installation, limited mobility, user discomfort, and compatibility issues due to the configuration of straps and personal protective equipment (PPE), leading to tangling and hindrance of movement.
Innovation Solution
The development of a backplate with a connector element that includes a first safety device interface for coupling safety devices like fall protection lanyards and carabiners, and a second safety device interface for D-rings, allowing for secure attachment and detachment without requiring users to remove the harness, with features like hollow channels and retention mechanisms to maintain devices in an upright position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple PPE components are secured relative to the harness using traditional attachment methods, then the PPE can be operatively coupled to the harness, but the installation becomes difficult and time-consuming, often requiring the user to take off the harness
Solution Approach 1:
The connector element is divided into multiple independent attachment interfaces (first attachment interface and second attachment interface) that can securely hold different PPE components. This segmentation allows the connector to accommodate various PPE types simultaneously without requiring harness removal, as each interface can independently attach and detach components while the connector remains integrated with the harness.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector element is pre-integrated with the harness during manufacturing, with attachment interfaces already positioned and configured. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for users to perform complex assembly operations during installation, as the connector and harness are already prepared to receive PPE components without requiring harness removal.
2Ease of operation
If the harness straps are configured to accommodate PPE, then the PPE can be secured to the harness, but the straps may intersect, tangle, or rub against each other, hindering user movement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector element is extracted as a separate, integrated component from the harness straps, providing a dedicated attachment point for PPE. By taking out the attachment function from the strap system and consolidating it into the connector, the design eliminates strap intersections and tangling issues, as the connector handles all PPE attachments independently without requiring strap crossings.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector element serves as an intermediary component between the harness and PPE. Instead of directly attaching PPE to harness straps (which causes tangling), the connector mediates the connection by providing a stable, dedicated interface that receives PPE components while remaining integrated with the harness, thus preventing strap interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the harness is configured for a single PPE size and type, then the attachment structure can be simplified, but the harness becomes inoperable with different PPE configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector element is designed with multiple attachment interfaces that can accommodate different PPE types and sizes through a universal design. The first attachment interface can receive various PPE components, and the second attachment interface provides additional capacity, allowing the same connector to work with multiple PPE configurations without requiring harness reconfiguration or multiple specialized connectors.
4Reliability
If traditional connector designs are used, then the structure can be simpler, but wear and damage occur more readily at the connector element, leading to product failure
Solution Approach 1:
The connector element incorporates reinforced materials and multi-layer construction to enhance durability and resistance to wear. By using composite or reinforced structural elements in the connector, the design improves reliability under repeated use and stress, preventing premature failure while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to backplates comprising a base portion attached to a strap of the wearable safety harness; and a connector element secured relative to the base portion and comprising a first safety device interface configured to engage a first safety device so as to couple the first safety device to the backplate. In various embodiments, the connector element is selectably detachable from the base portion. In various embodiments, the connector element comprises a second safety device interface configured to engage a second safety device so as to couple the second safety device to the backplate. In various embodiments, the connector element operably secures both the first safety device and the second safety device relative to the base portion. In various embodiments, the connector element operably secures a first safety device comprising a personal fall limitor and a second safety device comprising a D-ring relative to the base portion.