Convertible Belt Harness with Backup Waistband Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible utility belt and harness systems face challenges in maintaining a secure waistband closure during harness use while allowing quick release functionality in utility belt mode, often compromising safety with accidental releases.
Innovation Solution
A belt system with a single quick release waistband and interconnecting leg loop support straps that provide a backup closure, using a carabiner or rope to secure the waistband if the quick release buckle opens inadvertently, ensuring continuous safety and functionality in both harness and utility belt configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick release buckle is used on the waistband for utility belt configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential accidental release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a backup closure system using leg loop support straps that automatically engage to secure the waistband if the quick release buckle accidentally opens. This pre-established safety mechanism cushions against the harmful effect of accidental release, allowing the quick release buckle to maintain its ease of operation while reliability is preserved through the redundant closure system.
2Device complexity
If a single waistband is used in both harness and utility belt configurations, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to conflicting closure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the leg loop support straps multi-functional by designing them to serve dual purposes: as structural components for leg loop attachment in harness configuration, and as backup closure mechanisms for the waistband in utility belt configuration. This universal design allows a single waistband to adapt to both configurations with different closure requirements, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the leg loop support straps to transition between different functional states. In harness configuration, they primarily support leg loops; in utility belt configuration, they dynamically engage to provide backup waistband closure. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the single waistband system to adapt to varying operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If leg loop support straps are used for harness function, then harness functionality is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential waistband opening in utility belt mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the closure function into two independent systems: the primary quick release buckle for normal operation and the leg loop support straps as a secondary backup system. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its specific function while working together to provide overall reliability. The leg loop support straps are specifically designed to engage and secure the waistband independently of the quick release buckle, ensuring waistband closure integrity even if the primary buckle fails.
Data Source
AI summary
A belt system convertible into and out of a sit harness configuration for selective use as a harness or a utility belt features a pair of leg loops and a waistband equipped with a quick release buckle. Support straps projecting from the leg loops are arranged for releasable engagement to the waistband and releasable engagement to one another so that the releasable engagement to one another when also engaged to the waistband provides a second closure thereof so that the waistband remains closed by the connection between the support straps even if the quick release buckle on the waistband is inadvertently disengaged. Using only a single waistband, the belt system provides a quick release function when used only as a utility belt, yet avoids the hazard of having the waistband open by inadvertent release of the quick release waistband buckle during use as a harness.