Harness Connector With Rotating C-Shape For Rope Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harness connectors for rope progression and safety accessories are inconvenient, as they can hinder the operation of other devices and impede rope movements due to the multiplication of devices mounted on the connector, leading to discomfort and inefficiency during climbing or rope access activities.
Innovation Solution
A connector system comprising a rod with a longitudinal axis connecting the belt, a rotating connection ring, and a C-shaped part that can move in rotation around a parallel axis, allowing external elements to be introduced and separated to accommodate rope progression accessories without the need for carabiners or quick links, with specific attachment means and recesses to prevent translational movements and ensure comfortable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rope progression accessories are mounted on the connector, then the climber can quickly switch between devices, but the rope movement is restricted and devices interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple independent attachment points (first attachment means, second attachment means, third attachment means, fourth attachment means) distributed at different positions and orientations. This segmentation allows each accessory to be mounted independently without interfering with others, enabling simultaneous use of multiple progression devices while maintaining free rope movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are mounted on the connector, then switching between progression accessories is enabled, but the connector structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs multiple universal attachment means (rings, loops, or other attachment structures) that can accommodate various types of rope progression accessories (descenders, ascenders, rope grabs). Each attachment point has the same functional capability to hold different devices, simplifying the overall structure while enabling versatile device switching without requiring complex specialized mounting mechanisms.
3Reliability
If carabiners or quick links are used to attach accessories, then secure connection is achieved, but rope movement is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for intermediate carabiners or quick links by providing direct attachment means integrated into the connector structure. The attachment means (rings, loops) are permanently fixed to the connector at optimized positions, allowing rope progression accessories to be attached directly without additional linking hardware that would restrict rope movement or impede smooth progression.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a harness comprising a waist belt and a pair of leg loops connected by a strap, as well as a connector positioned on the ventral part of the waist belt. The connector comprises: • a rod with longitudinal axis AA mechanically connecting the connector to the waist belt, • a first part comprising a connecting ring, mounted to rotate relative to the waist belt around the rod, • a second C-shaped part mounted to rotate about a second axis BB parallel to axis AA and defining a closed contour with axis BB, • the first and second parts being able to be separated to allow the insertion of at least one rope progression accessory into the second C-shaped part. The invention also relates to a method of mounting a connector on such a harness, as well as a method of using a connector on such a harness.