Flotation Harness With Kinetic Cord for Rough-Sea Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat safety measures, such as USCG-approved life vests, fail to prevent passengers from falling and do not alleviate discomfort during rough seas, leading to potential injuries from rapid boat movements.
Innovation Solution
A wearable flotation harness with a kinetic safety strap system, featuring a vest-style design, internal buoyancy, and an adjustable kinetic recovery cord connected to the boat, which supports the user's weight and reduces impact from boat movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passengers remain seated during rough seas, then they avoid falling overboard, but they experience neck and back injuries from rapid boat movements
Solution Approach 1:
The kinetic recovery cord acts as a counterweight system that supports a portion of the user's body weight (torso and/or legs) through buoyant forces and elastic tension, reducing the impact forces transmitted to the user's neck and back during rapid boat movements
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric kinetic recovery cord provides pre-positioned cushioning that absorbs shock forces before they reach the user's body during rough seas, preventing injuries before they occur
2Ease of operation
If passengers remain standing during rough seas, then they can move freely, but they risk falling which causes additional injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The kinetic recovery cord system provides continuous weight support that stabilizes the user whether seated or standing, preventing falls while maintaining freedom of movement through the elastic cord's ability to accommodate position changes
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric kinetic recovery cord is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, allowing the user to move freely while the cord continuously adjusts to provide stabilization and prevent falls during rough seas
3Reliability
If traditional life vests are used, then passengers are kept afloat if they fall overboard, but they do not prevent falling or ease discomfort during rough rides
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges traditional flotation device functionality with kinetic recovery cord technology, combining the life-saving floatation capability with injury prevention and comfort enhancement features in a single integrated harness system
Solution Approach 2:
The kinetic recovery harness serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides floatation support, prevents falls, reduces impact forces during rough seas, and eases user discomfort, making it a universal safety solution that addresses multiple problems at once
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 system effectively reduces injuries by stabilizing passengers during rough seas, providing comfort and ensuring they remain secured to the boat, acting as a shock-absorbing seat or swing.
Implementation Method 1
The harness can include an internal buoyant material for functioning as a personal flotation device when a user wearing the harness is suspended in water
Implementation Method 2
The cord can include an elastomeric construction
Implementation Method 3
acting as a shock-absorbing seat or swing
Data Source
AI summary
A flotation harness and kinetic safety system includes a vest-style harness having an internal buoyant material for functioning as a personal flotation device. An elongated kinetic recovery cord is connected to the back panel. A length adjustment mechanism is positioned along the cord and a clip is positioned along the distal end of the cord for engaging an overhead portion of a boat. At least one adjustment belt is positioned along the harness body. A pelvic support panel extends down from the back panel of the harness body and connect to the front panels. The pelvic support panel works in conjunction with the kinetic recovery cord to selectively support the weight of a user as the boat encounters waves.