Harness Saddle Shock Reduction via Breakaway Strap Folds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harnesses used for supporting individuals on tree stands do not effectively reduce shock loads when the user falls, as shock reduction features are not integrated into the saddle of the harness, thereby increasing the risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
A felt shock load reducing harness device with break-away strap sections integrated into the saddle, which engage a bridge rope to slow the user's acceleration upon falling, utilizing a plurality of folds and break-away fasteners that release when a predetermined force is applied, reducing the felt shock and potential for injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shock reduction features are not integrated into the saddle of the harness, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of shock load reduction is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the shock reduction feature directly into the saddle of the harness by combining the break-away strap sections with the saddle structure. The first and second strap sections are positioned adjacent to the upper and lower edges of the saddle, respectively, merging the shock reduction function with the existing saddle structure rather than adding separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge connector is divided into multiple strap sections (first strap section, second strap section, and central strap section) with break-away fasteners between them. This segmentation allows the structure to progressively fail in controlled stages during a fall, reducing shock load while maintaining structural integrity during normal use.
2Reliability
If break-away fasteners are integrated into the strap sections, then the shock load reduction capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The break-away fasteners are pre-integrated into the strap sections during manufacturing, positioned at specific locations where they will break under predetermined force conditions. This preliminary integration ensures that the shock reduction mechanism is already prepared and positioned correctly before the harness is put into service, eliminating the need for field assembly or adjustment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bridge connectors form closed loops with the saddle, then the harness stability is improved, but the shock reduction effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge connector is designed with dynamic characteristics through the inclusion of break-away fasteners that allow the structure to transition from a stable closed-loop configuration to an extended configuration during a fall. The strap sections can unfold and extend when force is applied, transforming the rigid closed loop into a dynamic shock-absorbing mechanism that maintains stability during normal use but activates during impact events.
Data Source
AI summary
A support harness with shock reducing elements includes a saddle with a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A pair of bridge connectors is attached to and extends outwardly from the saddle. The first and second lateral edges each has one of the bridge connectors positioned adjacent thereto. The bridge connectors each include a first strap section secured to the saddle adjacent to an upper edge thereof, a second strap section secured to the saddle adjacent to a lower edge thereof, and a central strap section extending between the first and second strap sections. The first strap section includes a plurality folds therein. A break-away fastener extends through the folds and breaks to release the plurality of folds when a predetermined amount of force is placed on the first strap.