Fall Arrest Harness with Integrated Storage Bag

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fall arrest harnesses require multiple accessories, are not protected from dirt when not in use, and tend to get tangled, making them cumbersome and difficult to deploy for subsequent use.

Innovation Solution

A fall arrest harness design incorporating a semi-rigid plate that forms part of a storage bag, integrating all components such as chest and thigh straps, connecting members, and the lanyard, eliminating the need for separate accessories and providing a self-contained, easy-to-deploy system with a non-removable attachment lanyard and energy absorber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate accessories are used to constitute the harness, then the harness can be assembled with standard components, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility of standard componentsVSAvoidmultiplicity of spare parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate harness components (straps, connecting members, attachment lanyard, storage bag) into a single integrated dorsal connection zone structure. The semi-rigid plate serves as a common mounting surface for all components, eliminating the need for multiple separate accessories and simplifying the overall device while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the harness is stored without protection, then it is easily accessible, but it gets dirty and the straps become tangled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of harnessVSAvoiddirt contamination and tangling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The storage bag is integrated into the dorsal connection zone structure itself, forming a self-contained unit. When the harness is not in use, all straps and components are stored within this integrated bag, protecting them from dirt and preventing tangling, while the entire unit remains easily transportable and accessible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The straps and connecting members are nested within the storage bag when not in use. The semi-rigid plate forms the bottom of the bag, creating a nested configuration where flexible components are contained within a protective outer structure, preventing contamination and tangling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the attachment lanyard is removable, then it can be adjusted or removed when not needed, but it increases the number of parts and assembly complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of lanyardVSAvoidnumber of detachable components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment lanyard is permanently integrated into the dorsal connection zone structure, eliminating the need for separate carabiners or detachable connectors. The lanyard is sewn directly to the semi-rigid plate, reducing the number of parts while maintaining the ability to attach and detach the lanyard as needed through its fixed attachment point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2119478B1Anti-fall harness and associated storage bag
Publication Date: 2010.09.01 PMS INT
  • EP2119478B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2119478B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2119478B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The harness (1) has an upper part formed of front and rear thoracic straps (2, 3), extending towards a lower part for forming thigh boot straps (4, 5). The straps (2-5) are connected with each other in a dorsal connection zone formed of semi-rigid connection plate (6) and at their free ends to the straps (4, 5) by connection members (8-11). The plate forms a bottom of a storage bag (12) incorporating components e.g. straps, members, of the harness in a permanent operational manner, where the bag is made of synthetic fluorescent material. An attachment loin (7) and the bag integrate the plate.