Harness Extension Plate for Operator Size Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional outdoor power tool equipment harnesses often fail to fit operators who are larger than the standard size range, leading to inadequate support and increased fatigue during extended use.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an extension plate for the harness, which can be removably coupled to the back plate, allows for additional adjustment and expansion of the harness size, enabling a wider range of users to comfortably wear the harness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed-size harness is used, then the harness structure remains simple, but it cannot accommodate larger operators leading to inadequate support and increased fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The harness back plate is divided into a standard back plate and a removable extension plate. The extension plate can be attached or detached based on the operator's size requirements, allowing the harness to accommodate both standard and larger operators without requiring completely different harness designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension plate is designed to be dynamically adjustable - it can be removed from the standard back plate and repositioned to create an extended configuration. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same harness components to adapt to different operator sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the harness is designed for standard operators, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but larger operators experience inadequate support and increased fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The extension plate serves multiple functions: it can be attached to the standard back plate to create an extended harness for larger operators, or removed entirely for standard operators. This single component enables the harness to serve multiple operator size categories, reducing the need for multiple specialized harness designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension plate is designed to nest with the standard back plate through complementary retention features. The extension plate contains retention clips that engage with retention orifices on the back plate, creating a nested assembly that functions as a unified structure when attached.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a removable extension plate is added to accommodate larger operators, then harness adaptability improves, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Retention clips and retention orifices serve as intermediary coupling mechanisms between the extension plate and the back plate. These intermediaries provide simple mechanical engagement features that facilitate easy attachment and detachment without requiring complex fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clips are designed as simple, inexpensive mechanical features that can be easily manufactured into the extension plate and back plate. Their simplicity allows for rapid assembly and disassembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A harness (200) for carrying outdoor power equipment may include aback plate (210), an extension plate (270) removably operably coupled to the back plate (210), a joint plate (220) configured to pivotably operably couple to the extension plate (270) or the back plate (210), a shoulder strap assembly (230) operably coupled to the joint plate (220) and a belt (240) operably coupled to the back plate (210) and configured to rest proximate to a waist of an operator. The extension plate (270) may be disposable between the back plate (210) and the joint plate (220) and may be fixed relative to the back plate (210). The joint plate (220) may be configured to pivot relative to the extension plate (270) responsive to movement of the operator wearing the harness (200).