Breathing Apparatus Harness Strap Attachment via Slot and Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harnesses for breathing apparatus have drawbacks such as stitching compromising strap strength and the use of expensive spring-loaded detents, making them unsuitable for low-cost production.
Innovation Solution
A harness design featuring a structural support member with a fixing portion that includes slots and anchor members to securely attach straps, utilizing folded strap loops and barbed portions to prevent slippage, eliminating the need for stitching and moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stitching is used to attach the fixing part to the shoulder strap, then the attachment can be made, but the strength of the strap is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the attachment function from the strap material itself and relocates it to a separate fixing part that interfaces with the back plate. The fixing part with its groove and opening allows the strap to be attached without stitching, thereby preserving strap strength while achieving the attachment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing part acts as an intermediary component between the strap and the back plate. Instead of directly attaching to the strap (which would require stitching), the fixing part provides a mechanical interface through its groove and opening that engages with the strap's loop, eliminating the need for stitching while maintaining attachment security.
2Reliability
If spring-loaded detents are used in the fixing arrangement, then the shoulder strap can be locked to the back plate, but the assembly becomes expensive with multiple moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the spring-loaded detent mechanism entirely from the design. Instead of using a complex locking mechanism with moving parts, the fixing part uses a simple geometric interface where the groove and opening provide inherent retention through their shape, eliminating the need for springs, detents, and other moving components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing part is designed as a simple, inexpensive component with no moving parts that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The design prioritizes simplicity and low cost over complex, durable mechanisms, using basic geometric features rather than engineered moving components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed attachment system is used, then the harness can be carried on the back, but the user may be stressed by the waist belt or harness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces rotational movement to the harness system through the rotary unit that allows the harness support and waist protector to rotate relative to the backboard. This dynamic capability enables the harness to adapt to user movement and posture changes, reducing stress and improving comfort while maintaining structural integrity through the fixed attachment points.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a harness 100 for breathing apparatus, comprising: a structural support member 102 having a fixing portion 10, and at least one strap 40 having a loop 42. The strap is arranged to be releasably attached to the structural support member. The fixing portion comprises a first slot 12 through which a portion of the strap is arranged to pass in use; and a first anchor member 16, 18 laterally spaced from the first slot extending in a direction substantially parallel to the first slot and arranged in use to releasably locate at least partly within the loop of the strap through a first side of the loop.