Breathing Harness Support Member with Spinal Void
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional structural support members for breathing apparatus harnesses are rigid, causing discomfort by pressing the user's spine against a flat back plate when bending, leading to an uncomfortable and restricted movement.
Innovation Solution
A structural support member with a frame design featuring a void in the central region, defined by side limbs and upper/lower portions, accommodating the user's spine and allowing flexibility, along with guide channels for hoses and a detachable yoke for improved comfort and reduced profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid back plate is used as the structural support member, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the comfort and ease of movement deteriorate when the user bends over
Solution Approach 1:
The back plate is segmented into multiple limbs (upper limbs, lower limbs, side limbs) connected by joints, allowing each segment to move independently while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the frame to adapt to spinal curvature during bending while preserving strength through the distributed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The back plate transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated frame with joints that allow movement. The joints enable the frame to dynamically adjust its configuration in response to user movement, particularly spinal bending, maintaining comfort while preserving structural support capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid back plate is used, then the support stability is improved, but the adaptability to user movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates joints that allow dynamic adjustment of limb positions, enabling the structure to adapt to various spinal curvatures and user movements while maintaining stable support through the interconnected rigid members.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame allows changes in geometric parameters (joint angles, limb positions) in response to user movement, enabling adaptation to different spinal configurations while maintaining structural stability through the rigid member connections.
3Strength
If a solid back plate structure is used, then the structural integrity is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid back plate is divided into multiple separate limbs connected by joints, creating a lattice-like structure that reduces material usage and weight while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed framework of connected members.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame utilizes thin-walled tubular members instead of solid plate material, achieving comparable structural integrity with significantly reduced weight through the hollow cross-section geometry that provides high strength-to-weight ratio.
4Strength
If a rigid back plate is used, then the structural support capability is improved, but the profile size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The back plate structure is segmented into collapsible limbs that can be positioned closer together, reducing the overall profile volume while maintaining structural support capability through the articulated configuration of the rigid members.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a structural support member 10 for a harness 100 for breathing apparatus, the structural support member being generally elongate and arranged in use to support a cylinder of breathable gas, the structural support member comprising: a frame having; a lower portion 11 arranged in use to support a first end of a cylinder; an upper portion arranged in use to support a second opposed end of the cylinder; and first and second side limbs 26, 36 coupling the upper and lower portions and defining a void 14 therebetween, in a substantially central region of the frame.