Wearable Harness Connector With Load-Release Hinged Notch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety harnesses and personal protective equipment (PPE) are difficult to install, can cause physical trauma during falls, hinder mobility, and may fail due to wear and damage, leading to potential severe injuries or death.
Innovation Solution
A safety device connector apparatus with a detachable connector element that disengages under load force, featuring a 'V'-shaped notch configuration and hinged connection to reduce operational resistance and prevent harness tightening during falls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid fastening means are used to secure PPE to the harness, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates over time and in undesirable working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector element is designed to be dynamically detachable from the base portion under load forces, transitioning from a static rigid connection to a dynamic responsive connection. This allows the connector to remain securely attached during normal use but automatically detach when subjected to excessive forces, resolving the contradiction between maintaining strong connections and enabling easy operation/removal.
2Reliability
If the harness straps and PPE are securely fastened, then the fall protection effectiveness is improved, but the mobility and user accessibility deteriorate due to intersection and tangling
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged connection allows the connector element to rotate and adapt to user movement, preventing strap intersection and tangling while maintaining secure attachment. The dynamic hinged joint accommodates changes in position and orientation during user mobility, resolving the contradiction between secure fastening and freedom of movement.
3Reliability
If the harness and PPE are tightly secured to prevent fall injury, then the fall protection capability is improved, but the physical trauma risk increases due to constriction and violent force transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The connector element is designed with a predetermined detachment mechanism that activates under load forces, creating a preliminary safety release before excessive forces can cause physical trauma. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effects of violent force transmission and strap constriction by automatically disconnecting when threshold forces are reached.
4Reliability
If single-use coupling components are used to secure PPE, then the connection reliability is improved, but the product cost and difficulty of replacement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector element is designed to be recoverable and replaceable rather than single-use. The detachable design allows the connector to be removed and replaced without replacing the entire harness or PPE system, reducing costs and simplifying maintenance while maintaining connection reliability through the robust detachable interface.
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
Enhances ease of use, minimizes physical trauma, and maintains mobility by allowing the connector to detach under load, reducing the risk of severe injuries and improving product operability over time.
Implementation Method 1
the connector element defines a hinged connection relative to the base portion wherein the second arm end is configured to rotate about the at least partially linear axis relative to the base portion
Implementation Method 2
the connector element is configured to fully detach from the base portion based at least in part on the load force acting on the at least a portion of the connector element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to safety device connector apparatuses for use with a wearable safety harness. A safety device connector apparatus may comprise a base portion operable to attach to a strap of the wearable safety harness, the base portion comprising a base attachment pin fixedly secured thereto; a connector element configured to be detachably coupled to the base portion via a connector element detachable base interface comprising a connector interface opening and configured to engage the base attachment pin, wherein engaging the base attachment pin comprises receiving the base attachment pin within the connector interface opening; wherein the connector interface opening comprises an angled notch configuration configured to facilitate a movement of the base attachment pin relative to the connector interface opening; and wherein the connector element is configured to detach from the base portion based at least in part on a load force acting on the connector element.