Breathing Apparatus Harness Pivot Joint Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) release mechanisms are not sufficiently fast, reliable, or simple to actuate, posing a risk in emergency situations where quick removal of the bulky support member is necessary, especially when navigating narrow escape routes.
Innovation Solution
A harness with a pivot joint mechanism that allows decoupling of the structural support member from the waist belt using a slidable pivot pin, which can be easily removed laterally by applying a sideways force, and a release strap mechanism that includes a detent and gaiter for secure retention and easy identification in low-visibility situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a separate release mechanism is provided to rapidly disconnect the support member from the waist belt, then the speed of decoupling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is merged with the pivot joint mechanism itself. The pivot pin incorporates a release tab that can be pulled to automatically disengage the detent and remove the pin, combining the articulation function and release function into a single integrated mechanism rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot joint mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides articulation between the support member and waist belt during normal use, and simultaneously serves as the release mechanism when the pivot pin is pulled. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate dedicated release mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the pivot pin is easily removable laterally by applying a sideways force, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of secure retention during normal use may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The detent is pre-positioned to engage with the pivot pin and prevent lateral movement during normal use. The gaiter is pre-configured to cover and protect the detent mechanism. When the release tab is pulled, these preliminary constraints are automatically disengaged, allowing easy removal without requiring the user to know the specific removal technique in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the secure retention requirement and the easy removal requirement. During normal use, the detent locks the pivot pin in place providing secure retention. When the release tab is pulled, the detent is displaced from its locking position, allowing the pivot pin to be easily removed laterally.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the gaiter covers the detent and pivot pin to protect against ingress of substances, then the protection is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the release mechanism worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The release tab is provided in a color that contrasts with the surrounding components, making it easily visible and identifiable despite being partially covered by the gaiter. This color differentiation allows users to quickly locate and identify the release mechanism without removing protective coverings.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaiter is designed with an opening or cutout that exposes the release tab, separating the protective covering function from the visibility function. This segmentation allows the gaiter to protect the detent and pivot pin while simultaneously allowing the release tab to remain visible and accessible for operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
There is disclosed a harness for breathing apparatus comprising a structural support member for supporting a vessel of breathable gas, a waist belt, and a pivot joint mechanism coupling the structural support member to the waist belt. The pivot joint mechanism comprises a release part which is movable to decouple the structural support member from the waist belt.