Breathable Waist Padding Assembly for Harness Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional waist padding assemblies in harnesses lack effective force distribution, breathability, and ergonomic support, leading to discomfort during extended use due to uneven force distribution and poor ventilation.

Innovation Solution

A waist padding assembly comprising a center portion made of porous ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) material with ventilation holes, combined with polyurethane foam side portions and optional 3D spacer fabric and warp mesh materials for improved breathability and support, along with a backplate and edge covers for enhanced ergonomics and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional single-material waist padding is used, then manufacturing is simple, but force distribution is ineffective and comfort is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidforce distribution effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The waist padding is divided into multiple functional zones: a central cushioning portion made of soft foam material for force distribution, and side portions made of different material for structural support. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the waist padding are made from different materials with different properties. The central portion uses soft, compressible foam for comfort and force distribution, while the side portions use more rigid material for structural integrity. This local differentiation of material properties optimizes both comfort and manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If traditional waist padding without ventilation is used, then structure is simple, but breathability is poor causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidbreathability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The waist padding incorporates porous foam material that provides inherent breathability through its cellular structure. Additionally, ventilation channels or holes are integrated into the padding design, allowing air circulation while maintaining the overall simplicity of the waist harness structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

3Duration of action of moving object

If extended wear is required, then operational duration increases, but discomfort and pressure points increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear durationVSAvoidcomfort level
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The waist padding is designed with pre-positioned cushioning zones in areas prone to pressure points, such as the central portion that distributes weight away from the spine. The ergonomic shaping anticipates pressure distribution needs before wear begins, allowing for extended comfortable wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The padding materials are selected with specific density, firmness, and elasticity parameters optimized for long-term wear comfort. The foam density and thickness are engineered to maintain comfort properties over extended periods, and ventilation features are designed to regulate temperature during prolonged use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides improved force distribution, increased breathability, and ergonomic support, reducing discomfort and pressure points, allowing for longer-term wearability and comfort during operations.

Implementation Method 1

The center portion may comprise a porous ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) material... the plurality of holes may be configured to assist in the breathability of the center portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Implementation Method 2

The waist padding assembly may further include a warp mesh material... The waist padding assembly may further include a 3D spacer fabric

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMesh structure:

Implementation Method 3

The two side portions may respectively connect to opposite sides of the center portion. The two side portions may be configured to contact respective flanks of the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce distribution:

Data Source

PatentUS20240216722A1Waist padding assembly
Publication Date: 2024.07.04 HONEYWELL SAFETY PRODUCTS USA INC
  • US20240216722A1 patent drawing
  • US20240216722A1 patent drawing
  • US20240216722A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Various devices, assemblies, components, systems, and methods are provided relating to a waist padding assembly. An example assembly may include a center portion and two side portions. The center portion may comprise a porous ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) material and configured to contact a back of a user. The center portion may further comprise a warp mesh material and a 3D spacer fabric. The EVA material may comprise a plurality of holes to assist with the breathability of a waist padding assembly. The two side portions may be configured to secure to respective opposite sides of the center portion. The two side portions may comprise a polyurethane foam material configured to contact the flanks of the user.