Adjustable Firefighter Rescue Harness for Rapid SCBA Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firefighter rescue systems are complex, potentially injurious, and difficult to apply under adverse conditions, requiring extensive training and restricting motion due to bulky gear, making them inefficient for rapid extraction of downed firefighters in high-temperature, low-visibility environments.
Innovation Solution
A firefighter rescue system featuring a pair of clasps and a longitudinally extended, flexible harness with adjustable strap members and handles, designed for quick deployment and secure attachment to a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) backplate, allowing for safe and efficient extraction using gloved hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional drag harnesses and drag straps are used, then firefighters can extract downed firefighters, but the systems become complicated and potentially injurious requiring extensive training
Solution Approach 1:
The rescue system is divided into distinct functional segments: a harness portion with shoulder straps that attaches to the downed firefighter, a drag portion with handles for rescuer control, and connection elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall application process compared to monolithic traditional harnesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate connection elements such as carabiners, quick-connect mechanisms, and modular attachment points that serve as mediators between the harness and drag portions. These intermediaries enable rapid connection and disconnection without complex tying or knotting procedures, reducing training requirements while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If traditional drag harnesses are applied by rescuers wearing bulky gear, then extraction can be performed, but the rescuer's range of motion is restricted and application becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The harness is designed to be self-adjusting and self-securing through features like automatic locking carabiners, quick-release mechanisms, and elastic components that automatically tension the harness. This reduces the dexterity and range of motion required from rescuers wearing bulky protective gear while ensuring reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable strap lengths, flexible webbing materials, and movable connection points that allow the harness to adapt to different body sizes and positions. These parameter changes enable rescuers to quickly configure the harness without precise manual adjustments, facilitating easy application even when wearing thick gloves and protective clothing.
3Reliability
If traditional harnesses are used in high temperature and low visibility environments, then firefighters can perform rescue, but the application process takes too much time
Solution Approach 1:
The harness and drag portions are pre-configured with attachment points, connection mechanisms, and routing instructions built into the design. Quick-connect carabiners are pre-positioned, and webbing is pre-routed to eliminate the need for complex knotting or tying during the rescue. This preliminary preparation allows rescuers to rapidly deploy the system even in high-temperature, low-visibility conditions where time is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical knot-tying systems with modern quick-connect mechanisms such as carabiners, snap hooks, and magnetic attachments. These mechanisms substitute complex manual knotting operations with simple clipping or snapping actions that can be performed rapidly with gloved hands, dramatically increasing extraction speed while maintaining security.
4Strength
If traditional drag straps are designed for secure attachment, then they can hold the firefighter, but they require precise engagement that is difficult under adverse conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs disposable or single-use quick-connect carabiners and attachment mechanisms that prioritize ease of engagement over reusability. These components are designed for rapid one-time attachment and detachment operations, with features like wide gates, finger-operated locking mechanisms, and visual indicators that allow rescuers to securely engage attachments even when wearing thick gloves and operating in adverse conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A firefighter rescue system includes a pair of clasp members connected to opposing ends of a longitudinally extended and flexible harness. The system further includes a pair of handles respectively secured to the harness in longitudinally spaced relationship. The flexible harness includes first and second strap members. The first strap member is coupled to one of the pair of clasp members on one end thereof, and affixed on an opposing end to a length adjusting mechanism. The second strap member has a first end thereof coupled to the other of the pair of clasp members and an opposing second end threaded through length adjusting mechanism. By that arrangement, a distance between the first end of the second strap member and the length adjusting mechanism is adjustably settable.