Climbing Harness Attachment Ring Vertical Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tie-in harnesses for climbing and mountaineering have an uncomfortable belaying experience due to the strap forming the attachment bridge bending into a horizontal plane, causing equipment to be poorly positioned, leading to fatigue and discomfort during use.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a fastening ring attached directly to the belt that surrounds the strap and first belly band, positioning the attachment bridge in a vertical plane for improved equipment placement and comfort, with the ring being securely sewn to the waistband and strategically positioned between the first and second belly bands for enhanced load transfer and robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the attachment loop is made from the webbing connecting the leg loops, then the harness design remains simple, but the equipment positioning becomes incorrect and uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharness design simplicityVSAvoidequipment positioning comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment ring is separated from the continuous strap and made as a distinct component fixed to the belt. This segmentation allows the attachment ring to be positioned independently in a vertical plane, ensuring correct equipment positioning while maintaining overall harness simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment ring acts as an intermediary element between the belt and the equipment. It is fixed to the belt and surrounds the strap, providing a dedicated attachment point that ensures proper equipment positioning without complicating the overall harness design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the belay loop bends into a horizontal plane, then the attachment loop remains flexible, but the belay device positioning becomes offset and uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment loop flexibilityVSAvoidbelay device positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment ring is configured to extend in a substantially vertical plane rather than bending horizontally. This dimensional change ensures that equipment attached to the ring maintains correct positioning relative to the climber's arms, improving comfort during belaying operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the attachment ring is fixed permanently to the belt, then the attachment ring becomes integral with the belt, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment ring fixationVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment ring is fixed to the belt in advance during manufacturing, creating an integral structure. This preliminary action ensures reliable attachment while allowing for efficient production through pre-assembly techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Force

If the strap encircles the first abdominal band, then the load transfer from thighs to waist belt is improved, but the strap configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload transfer efficiencyVSAvoidstrap configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous strap serves multiple functions: it connects the leg loops and simultaneously encircles the first abdominal band to transfer load. This multi-functionality improves load transfer efficiency without requiring additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2572758B1Harness comprising a fastening ring attached to the belt
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 DECATHLON SA
  • EP2572758B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2572758B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a rope harness (10), particularly for climbing, comprising: • a waist belt (12) having a first ventral band (20); • first and second leg loops (24, 26) connected by a continuous strap (28) attached to the waist belt. The invention is characterized in that the harness (10) further comprises an attachment ring (40), separate from the strap, which is attached to the waist belt and which encircles at least the strap (28) and the first ventral band (20).