Reusable Breakaway Harness Keeper for Snag Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harnesses in fall protection systems face issues with accessory keepers that either become snagged or break irreparably, hindering worker mobility and requiring replacement.
Innovation Solution
A reusable breakaway accessory keeper with a base, loop, and attachment mechanism that forms a closed loop for securing items like lanyards, which opens under sufficient force to release the item and can be reformed for repeated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional breakaway attachment point is used to release snagged accessories, then the worker's mobility is restored, but the attachment point becomes unusable and requires replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by designing a breakaway mechanism where only the small sacrificial element (element 50 or element 60) is discarded after breaking, while the main attachment point components (base 10, loop 20) remain intact and reusable. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the worker to restore mobility through the breakaway function while preserving the majority of the attachment point for future use, eliminating the need for complete replacement.
2Strength
If accessories are securely attached to the harness, then the accessories are safely secured, but the accessories may become snagged on objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the attachment system into distinct functional elements: a secure base attachment to the harness, a loop for accessory attachment, and a sacrificial breakaway element. This segmentation allows the system to provide strong secure attachment through the base and loop while introducing a deliberate weak point (the sacrificial element) that prevents snagging by breaking away under excessive force, thus resolving the contradiction between security and snagging risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the sacrificial element (element 50 or 60) as an intermediary component between the secure attachment point and the accessory. This intermediary element provides the beneficial function of secure attachment while introducing a controlled failure mode that prevents harmful snagging, allowing the system to achieve both strong attachment and protection against snagging hazards.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed attachment point is used for accessories, then the accessories are conveniently accessible, but the attachment point cannot be easily replaced or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by creating an attachment point with variable states: a stable secured state during normal use, and a transition state during breakaway. The loop 20 can be detached from the base 10 when needed, allowing for easy replacement or adjustment of the attachment point components without requiring complex tools or procedures, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed stability and ease of replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable breakaway accessory keeper includes a base structured to attach to webbing, a loop having a first end extending from the base, and an attachment mechanism structured to releasably attach a second end of the loop to the base, wherein the loop is structured to form a closed loop when the second end of the loop is attached to the base and to open the closed loop when the second end of the loop is released from the base.