D-ring keeper assembly with pivoting locking tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety harness systems face challenges in positioning a D-ring that is accessible for rescue operations without hindering normal user activities, particularly in occupations involving precarious heights.
Innovation Solution
A D-ring keeper assembly that can be selectively positioned along the chest webbing of a safety harness, allowing the D-ring to be centered and self-centered during a fall event, with a mechanism to pivot between a stored and activated position using locking tabs and a semi-pliable base member, ensuring non-interference during normal operations and easy access during rescue scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the D-ring is positioned on the safety harness, then it is accessible for rescue operations, but it hinders normal user activities
Solution Approach 1:
The D-ring is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between a stowed position (parallel to chest webbing) and an activated position (perpendicular to chest webbing). This dynamic positioning enables the D-ring to be accessible when needed while minimizing interference during normal activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The D-ring assembly is separated into distinct functional components: the D-ring itself, the base member, and locking tabs. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function while reducing overall interference with user activities.
2Ease of operation
If the D-ring is made movable to improve accessibility, then rescue operations become easier, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The D-ring assembly is designed to be substantially self-centering during fall events without requiring additional active control mechanisms. The geometry of the base member and locking tabs automatically guides the D-ring to the correct position, reducing complexity while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Locking tabs serve as intermediary elements that simplify the interaction between the D-ring and base member. These tabs provide intuitive visual and tactile feedback for users to understand the D-ring's position state without complex indicators or controls.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the D-ring is positioned centrally on the chest webbing, then it provides balanced support, but it may interfere with normal movements
Solution Approach 1:
The D-ring's ability to pivot and change orientation allows it to maintain centered positioning for stability while adapting its orientation to minimize interference with various user movements and activities.
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
Enables convenient and secure positioning of the D-ring along the chest webbing, allowing for easy rescue attachment without interfering with daily operations, and ensuring the D-ring is accessible in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
a semi-pliable base member
Implementation Method 2
locking tabs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A D-ring keeper assembly is provided. The D-ring keeper assembly includes a D-ring and a base member. The D-ring has a mid-portion, a first end portion and a second end portion. The mid-portion is curved in generally a C-shape. The D-ring further has at least one post that extends between the first and second end portions. The base member is configured and arranged to be coupled to a webbing. The at least one post of the D-ring is pivotally in communication with the base member. The base member further includes at least one locking tab that is configured and arranged to lock the position of the D-ring in relation to the base member.